2012 XC70 towbar options / opinions. - Page 4

apersson850 · Aug 15th, 2018, 22:30

Yes, I've understood that the Westfalia version has a U-shaped hook. Which means it's inserted upwards. My hook is inserted in the forward direction.

Baggiebird8 · Aug 19th, 2018, 17:51

Been thinking about my previous post on this subject. Reading the instructions carefully, both the Brink detachable bar and the Volvo OE detachable bar (and looking at the illustrations they are slightly different) enable the buffer beam behind the bumper to be refitted, so apologies if my previous post was misleading. Excellent Volvo design I think

Baggiebird8 · Aug 29th, 2018, 16:19

Thought I would add that the towbar is now fully fitted, along with the OE Volvo wiring harness and control unit. Thoughts

1. Brink detachable swan neck towbar fits well, the bumper cut out dimensions work well also. The Brink bar does not enable the fitting of the relatively large black Volvo OE cover, but comes with its own smaller cover.

2. The electrical harness fits well too, the instructions are good and well detailed (and on the Volvo accessories web pages. There are 2 plugs ready in the under boot area, which plug into the new control unit along with the new loom from the towbar. An orange wire then has to be fitted into the n/s/r fuse box, a bit fiddly but works, along with 2 new fuses 15A and 40A. The 13 pin socket is nice and robust and folds down on a hinged attachment plate fitted to the towbar. I had the software updated at FRF Volvo in Swansea to enable the functions of the towing electronic control unit, which seems to have been successful.

3. To use the swan neck attachment, when 'plugged in' to the bracket according to the instructions, it clunks home quite satisfyingly and can then be locked.

4. I have only towed a 750 kg trailer (unbraked) so far by the D4 8 speed auto handled it easily as you would expect, not much impact on the fuel economy either.

So far pretty happy with Brink and Volvo. The cost of everything was approximately £350 (towbar, wiring harness and software upgrade), plus about 8 hours of my own time. This is possibly longer than some people might take (or say that they took anyway!!) but includes careful fitting and also dinitrol wax on the bar and fittings afterwards.

Scalix · Aug 30th, 2018, 07:20

Good morning all,

It is an insteresting thread.

I am looking to put a towbar on my s80 mk2 principaly to tow an horsebox and bike rack. I am looking at option at the moment and will do it during the winter.

I am wondering if you by a second hand tcm module. Do you need the software to be updated by volvo ? Because a software is already in. Maybe it can just be a plug and play ?

green van man · Aug 31st, 2018, 07:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scalix

Good morning all,

It is an insteresting thread.

I am looking to put a towbar on my s80 mk2 principaly to tow an horsebox and bike rack. I am looking at option at the moment and will do it during the winter.

I am wondering if you by a second hand tcm module. Do you need the software to be updated by volvo ? Because a software is already in. Maybe it can just be a plug and play ?

I belive the software update is to the car not the tcm so yes I think it would still need the update.

I had mine fitted by volvo as part of the purchase deal so cannot be 100% sure, I know that 4 years after it was fitterd first towed a caravan with atc and it kicked in as soon as it was connected to car with engine running.

Paul.

SwissXC90 · Aug 31st, 2018, 08:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scalix

I am wondering if you by a second hand tcm module. Do you need the software to be updated by volvo ? Because a software is already in. Maybe it can just be a plug and play ?

Make sure the 2nd hand module is exactly the right part number for your car.

Use VIDA to confirm the correct part number ...

apersson850 · Sep 3rd, 2018, 12:56

I don't know exactly what the software install does when Volvo does it in conjunction with installing a TCM.
Either it's just in that module, or they also update the CEM, so it's familiar with the changed car configuration.

rogers827 · Apr 4th, 2023, 23:33

Hi Baggiebird8, I also have a D4 from 2015 and wondered if you still have the Volvo part numbers for all of the electrical parts needed? If you do, can you please list them for me? Thanks

yostumpy · Apr 5th, 2023, 08:18

Anyone here got a ‘utilities’ tow bar fitted, ie ex police car? They seem to have a 2 bolt tow ball fitting? Are they a stronger unit,? and are they made by Volvo?

apersson850 · Apr 5th, 2023, 10:39

Volvo don't make tow bars themselves in any case, but buy from various suppliers of such things. Like VBG or Brink. Mine is made by Brink.

Aug 19th, 2018, 17:51	#32
Baggiebird8 New Member Last Online: Mar 4th, 2024 21:57 Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: West Herefordshire	Further thoughts Brink Towbars Been thinking about my previous post on this subject. Reading the instructions carefully, both the Brink detachable bar and the Volvo OE detachable bar (and looking at the illustrations they are slightly different) enable the buffer beam behind the bumper to be refitted, so apologies if my previous post was misleading. Excellent Volvo design I think __________________ 2015 XC70 D4 SE NAV 181

Aug 29th, 2018, 16:19	#33
Baggiebird8 New Member Last Online: Mar 4th, 2024 21:57 Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: West Herefordshire	Thought I would add that the towbar is now fully fitted, along with the OE Volvo wiring harness and control unit. Thoughts 1. Brink detachable swan neck towbar fits well, the bumper cut out dimensions work well also. The Brink bar does not enable the fitting of the relatively large black Volvo OE cover, but comes with its own smaller cover. 2. The electrical harness fits well too, the instructions are good and well detailed (and on the Volvo accessories web pages. There are 2 plugs ready in the under boot area, which plug into the new control unit along with the new loom from the towbar. An orange wire then has to be fitted into the n/s/r fuse box, a bit fiddly but works, along with 2 new fuses 15A and 40A. The 13 pin socket is nice and robust and folds down on a hinged attachment plate fitted to the towbar. I had the software updated at FRF Volvo in Swansea to enable the functions of the towing electronic control unit, which seems to have been successful. 3. To use the swan neck attachment, when 'plugged in' to the bracket according to the instructions, it clunks home quite satisfyingly and can then be locked. 4. I have only towed a 750 kg trailer (unbraked) so far by the D4 8 speed auto handled it easily as you would expect, not much impact on the fuel economy either. So far pretty happy with Brink and Volvo. The cost of everything was approximately £350 (towbar, wiring harness and software upgrade), plus about 8 hours of my own time. This is possibly longer than some people might take (or say that they took anyway!!) but includes careful fitting and also dinitrol wax on the bar and fittings afterwards. __________________ 2015 XC70 D4 SE NAV 181

Apr 4th, 2023, 23:33	#38
rogers827 New Member Last Online: Jan 24th, 2024 18:31 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Stamford	Request for E;ectrical items part numbers Hi Baggiebird8, I also have a D4 from 2015 and wondered if you still have the Volvo part numbers for all of the electrical parts needed? If you do, can you please list them for me? Thanks Last edited by rogers827; Apr 4th, 2023 at 23:36. Reason: Did not specify message recipient

Apr 5th, 2023, 08:18	#39
yostumpy Senior Member Last Online: Yesterday 20:03 Join Date: Mar 2021 Location: Gravesend	Anyone here got a ‘utilities’ tow bar fitted, ie ex police car? They seem to have a 2 bolt tow ball fitting? Are they a stronger unit,? and are they made by Volvo? __________________

Aug 15th, 2018, 22:30	#31
apersson850 Premier Member Last Online: Apr 17th, 2024 21:40 Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Traryd View Photos By: apersson850	Yes, I've understood that the Westfalia version has a U-shaped hook. Which means it's inserted upwards. My hook is inserted in the forward direction.

Aug 30th, 2018, 07:20	#34
Scalix Junior Member Last Online: Mar 29th, 2020 11:24 Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: Shrophire	Good morning all, It is an insteresting thread. I am looking to put a towbar on my s80 mk2 principaly to tow an horsebox and bike rack. I am looking at option at the moment and will do it during the winter. I am wondering if you by a second hand tcm module. Do you need the software to be updated by volvo ? Because a software is already in. Maybe it can just be a plug and play ?

Sep 3rd, 2018, 12:56	#37
apersson850 Premier Member Last Online: Apr 17th, 2024 21:40 Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Traryd View Photos By: apersson850	I don't know exactly what the software install does when Volvo does it in conjunction with installing a TCM. Either it's just in that module, or they also update the CEM, so it's familiar with the changed car configuration.

Apr 5th, 2023, 10:39	#40
apersson850 Premier Member Last Online: Apr 17th, 2024 21:40 Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Traryd View Photos By: apersson850	Volvo don't make tow bars themselves in any case, but buy from various suppliers of such things. Like VBG or Brink. Mine is made by Brink.

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