tow bar options pls

[Andyj007]

hi guys, v90 cc 2018.
what are my tow bar options..

diy
https://www.ebay.co.uk/i/202700689700

https://www.ebay.co.uk/i/26411748759...iABEgLjTvD_BwE

specialist tow bar fitter , fitting the above

or dealership..

anyone retro fitted teh tow by a dealership that can advise on what this costs please..

thanks

Aj

[Wizzpop]

The Volvo electically deployed towbar is very smart, and cannot be seen at all unless deployed. It is so convenient to just press a button, the hook drops down and just needs a simple lift and click into place.
This one https://www.ebay.co.uk/i/202700689700 looks to be the genuine Volvo one, but note the price doesn't include electrics or fitting, and you would need get your dealer to load the associated software.
If you only use a towbar infrequently the Westfalia one may suffice. Does it need cut outs in the bumper panel? The Volvo one doesn't.
Although expensive I do like the electric one

[James77]

I could be wrong but I am sceptical of aftermarket tow bars, I may or may not keep car and I'm unsure how the dealership will react to an aftermarket jobby bolted on rather than the Volvo part (supplied and fitted). I've seen awful bars with pieces of plastic from the rear valance chopped out to accommodate on previous gen XC60s.

The best price I could get for the correct part fitted at my local dealership, Squire Furneaux Guildford, is £1000 supplied and fitted. That is £98 less than a well-respected local Volvo independent.

I'm sure the Volvo retractable tow bar is an excellent unit and includes the clever tow software but £1000 feel like a total prostate check.

I'd be interested to hear others experiences but from what I can tell on the forum those that have the tow bar bought it as an option at time of purchase so may have even got a discount. To be honest I'd probably go down the Volvo supplied part too even with the generous level of bunce they have added in for themselves!

[nu11eaf]

I have the Volvo electric deployable towbar and although expensive, as I tow a large caravan often I think it was a good choice, and would recommend it if you use it regularly to tow, especially with a large trailer or caravan.

Which ever towbar you decide on I strongly recommend you have the Volvo electric tow module and 13 pin socket fitted by Volvo as they will install the integrated software.

When you connect up a trailer with the Volvo software installed the car is adapted for towing.
Reverse beepers are disabled along with Bliss, as well as "coasting" in eco mode, stop start, and pilot assist are disabled, (adaptive or standard cruise control still work) cars fog lights are turned off, the cars trailer stability system is turned on, they may be other adaptions I cant think of at the moment but it is a really good system. 360 or Rear view camera has a trailer line to make hooking up a doddle.

[MHarvey82]

I nearly got one as would rather be all volvo parts but soon realised there wasn’t enough clearance for a Alko hitch. They do a swan neck type but this isn’t avalaible for my car

[wheelnut]

I have the Volvo electrically deployed one and agree with the other comments. It is expensive but a brilliant solution.
The position of the electrical socket on the side of the hitch is ideal.
As well as the other benefits mentioned here, the Volvo software also does a lighting check when it detects a trailer is connected, where it lights each of the trailer lights in turn and all together.
You can stand and watch it, but it alerts on the dash if there is a problem.

[nu11eaf]

Originally Posted by MHarvey82

I nearly got one as would rather be all volvo parts but soon realised there wasn’t enough clearance for a Alko hitch. They do a swan neck type but this isn’t avalaible for my car

My caravan has an Alko hitch as most if not all do these days, and it has enough clearance, no problem at all.

[James77]

On the Swedish car accessories website, which I believe is a website run by a dealer (don't know which one) there are two tow bar options available. Firstly the neatest solution the foldable which I'm sure is a superb unit. Although I've seen it deployed on YouTube and it's not as impressive as I thought it sort of drops down then man handled into position. I'd assumed it did the lot itself for the price.

Secondly there is a fixed tow bar for £650 fitted not as neat of course (if you care about that). Presume it's tested to work with rear sensors too.

https://www.swedishcaraccessories.co...bar-3667-p.asp

[Wizzpop]

Originally Posted by James77

On the Swedish car accessories website, which I believe is a website run by a dealer (don't know which one) there are two tow bar options available. Firstly the neatest solution the foldable which I'm sure is a superb unit. Although I've seen it deployed on YouTube and it's not as impressive as I thought it sort of drops down then man handled into position. I'd assumed it did the lot itself for the price.
https://www.swedishcaraccessories.co...bar-3667-p.asp

The electric towbar is great. Push a button, the towhook drops down, one sharp lift into place and its locked. To put away, push the button, towhook drops, push up into place. So easy, and there is nothing to show it is fitted unless it has been deployed.

[James77]

Originally Posted by Wizzpop

The electric towbar is great. Push a button, the towhook drops down, one sharp lift into place and its locked. To put away, push the button, towhook drops, push up into place. So easy, and there is nothing to show it is fitted unless it has been deployed.

I'm sure it it great. I had just assumed for the price all you'd need to to deploy/retract is press the button and watch it do it's thing.

Just saw the fixed bar so putting it out there as a cheaper option.