XC70: General Towbar issues.

[V70Driver76]

I'm interested but the forum won't let me message you.

How much and does it include genuine Volvo electrics?

[Simon Jones]

I'll try to get some photos uploaded tomorrow. It's complete with 13 pin electrics with the TRM that just plugs straight into the connectors under the boot floor, and you add two fuses (included). Also to be included is a printed copy of the Volvo installation instructions.

[V70Driver76]

Thanks - I assume it would still need coding in.

If you could message me with details (price etc), I am on the lookout for a tow bar.

[cheffy]

Originally Posted by apersson850

Do you mean that the towbar bracket was on the car when you bought it, or also the part you show on the pictures? The removable part, that is?

I'm asking because the first thing one has to learn when you have a car with a detachable towing hitch is to detach. They do not survive if they sit on the car all the time. The mechanism deteriorates and stops working. The detachable part should rid in the luggage compartment at all times when it's not used. If you maintain them like that, then you don't get problems.

The car was sold to me by the main dealer with everything already installed. All the electrics, the bracket, the part in the picture, the lot.

Thanks for the hint about not riding around with it on the whole time. I had no idea and the salesperson never mentioned anything about it. I took the car back to the dealer this morning as it would appear that the mechanism has seized and I can't get it back on. The part in the picture is still at the dealer as I type this and they're trying to unseize it it for me. Once I get it back and take the tree chippings to the tip (whenever that'll be) I'll make sure to take it off and store it in the boot. Is it a good idea to keep them well lubed up so the mechanism doesn't seize again?

[cheffy]

Originally Posted by Simon Jones

If you need a genuine Volvo removable towbar, I've got one for sale

You've tweaked my curiosity. What's the difference between a genuine Volvo towbar and the one I've got? Also, how much work would there be involved in swapping the one I have for a genuine one?

[Simon Jones]

I'm not familiar with the tow bar you have, but this is what the one I have looks like. It was purchased by a gentleman who had it fitted with a view to towing a caravan but due to ill health he never used it. Subsequently, it was removed before he traded the car in so it's pretty much good as new. In terms of fitting, it should just be a case of removing one & refitting it in the same way. If yours is faulty (as opposed to not being fully locked in place), then the problem could lay with either the hitch or the bar to which it locates so it would wise to replace both parts rather than mix & match two different sets.

If this is of any use to you, or anyone else on the forum, let me know & I'll work out a price.

[apersson850]

Volvo has over the years used different subcontractors for the towbars, like Thule, Brink and VBG.
Note when fitting an already installed towbar once again, you may need new bolts, to be able to tighten them correctly.

Some such manufacturers make towbars that fits Volvo cars, without actually being labeled "Volvo". Just make sure the towbar is rated at least the same as the car is, so you don't compromise the towing capacity for such a stupid reason.

[Simon Jones]

Sometimes, one tow bar has multiple brand names

[kenny]

Originally Posted by Simon Jones

Sometimes, one tow bar has multiple brand names

Yeah I have had the same thing. Thule sold out their towing section to Brink and brink still use the Thule name on some products. Volvo simply want their name on their genuine parts.