|
Towing and Caravan Topics A forum for all towing/caravanning related topics |
Information |
|
Aftermarket towbarViews : 1413 Replies : 9Users Viewing This Thread : |
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
Dec 13th, 2018, 12:21 | #1 |
Senior Member
Last Online: Dec 19th, 2021 21:35
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: Inverness
|
Aftermarket towbar
Recommended or not?
All being well I collect a 3 month old XC60 next week. Ideally I'd like a towbar fitted, however I am a little wary of aftermarket fits. Is it an easy fit to a prepared chassis and electrics, or is there much drilling and wire cutting required? TIA |
Dec 15th, 2018, 12:25 | #2 |
Premier Member
Last Online: Mar 28th, 2024 10:19
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: North Northumberland
|
Proprietary towbars bought from a reputable manufacturer will be designed to fit the built in mounting points, and should not require any drilling or cutting of the car body; you will, however, most likely need to cut the bumper cover.
As for wiring, I would strongly recommend using a Volvo wiring kit, which simply plugs into the existing wiring harness and do not require any joining or splicing of wires. Modern wiring is so complex that modifying the harness in any way is not advisable. You may also need to visit your dealer to have a software update.
__________________
2018 V90CC D4, 2022 XC40 1940 Matchless G3, 1980 Moto Guzzi T3 Coming soon:- 1947Rover 14 P2 |
Dec 15th, 2018, 12:58 | #3 |
Senior Member
Last Online: Dec 19th, 2021 21:35
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: Inverness
|
Thanks, so all things being equal, probably better off to grin and suffer the cost of a dealership fitting it? The additional cost providing some comfort.
|
Jan 4th, 2019, 12:57 | #4 | |
Junior Member
Last Online: Sep 23rd, 2019 12:58
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: Cheshire
|
Quote:
I should say that I probably am going to get Volvo to fit it as I quite like the ease of deployment retraction of the OEM setup. |
|
Jan 4th, 2019, 19:03 | #5 |
VOC Member
Last Online: Mar 24th, 2024 19:52
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Trowbridge
|
Unlike VAG cars, for the Volvo software to be updated the car has to be connected to the Volvo servers in Gothenburg; whilst you don't have to get this done at a main dealer, there are very few places outside of the dealer network that have the live Vida access required to make this happen. The licensing cost is not inconsiderable, so I doubt that it would be cost-effective for anyone other than main dealers and Volvo specialist independents to pay the costs involved. As a result, I suspect that the only options are as mentioned above - I can't see any towbar fitters having the access sadly.
|
Jan 4th, 2019, 19:42 | #6 |
XC70 Owner/VOC Member
Last Online: Apr 8th, 2024 15:07
Join Date: May 2016
Location: Montreal, QC
|
I am thinking of a tow bar too. The volvo dealer where I am is family run and workmanship has been spot on for previous tasks, so I am inclined to go with the dealer. Appreciate it may be a little more, but if anything is not right, I know they'll do all they can to help.
|
Jan 4th, 2019, 19:58 | #7 | |
Master Member
Last Online: Dec 16th, 2020 20:33
Join Date: May 2009
Location: kirknewton
|
Quote:
|
|
Jan 6th, 2019, 19:59 | #8 | |
V70 R Design D4 MY2013
Last Online: Dec 22nd, 2022 12:52
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Polmont, Central Scotland.
|
Quote:
I have dealt with Cleland Volvo in Galashiels, for a Volvo select purchase and servicing and I can’t recommend them enough. Very helpful, competent and efficient. Not exactly on your doorstep but worth considering. Terry. |
|
The Following User Says Thank You to Teilo1979 For This Useful Post: |
Jan 6th, 2019, 21:00 | #9 | |
Premier Member
Last Online: Mar 28th, 2024 10:19
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: North Northumberland
|
Quote:
At almost 60 miles away, they are twice as far as our nearest main dealer, but the service they offer is worth the extra distance.
__________________
2018 V90CC D4, 2022 XC40 1940 Matchless G3, 1980 Moto Guzzi T3 Coming soon:- 1947Rover 14 P2 |
|
The Following User Says Thank You to 60041 For This Useful Post: |
Jan 6th, 2019, 22:54 | #10 |
Master Member
Last Online: Jan 21st, 2024 14:21
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: End of the valley
|
Most. Olvo tow bars (for the previous shape xc’s at least) are made by brink, buying a bring towbar is buying a Volvo one (well buying a Volvo one is buying a brink) but genuine electrics dealer fitted every time other wise warranty could be out the window and assuming an auto box there is a towing mode iirc enabled when load detected.
|
The Following User Says Thank You to HDAV For This Useful Post: |
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests) | |
|
|