newbie question

[AlexanderM]

all, in need of a bit of advice, got a V50 R-design and out of necessity due to an up coming holiday, need to fit a tow bar. been reading a lot of stuff on the web about having one fitted but bit concerned as people are suggesting it might be necessary to "adjust" i.e. cut into the rear bumper to accommodate it. any thoughts/comments or experiences appreicated. as the title suggests, newbie to the forum so pls be nice!

[pdrvolvo]

hi,
shop around there may be a bar on the market that fits without any cutting
of the bumper.any bumper cutting is a last resort.check out towsure there list will usually say if any cutting is needed.if you can get it fitted by a good indy
bar fitter as volvo will charge a fortune and they usually get someone in to do the job anyway.witter,westfalia and bosal are all good makes.

peter.

[Oilydad]

Good advice there. I've never yet had to cut a bumper to fit a towbar, but like pdr's said it depends on the make.

You just might pick up a second hand one on Ebay or from a breakers if they have an accident damaged vehicle.

[AlexanderM]

thanks for the advice guy's, i'll have a further look about & see what i can find.

[RegG]

Originally Posted by Oilydad

You just might pick up a second hand one on Ebay or from a breakers if they have an accident damaged vehicle.

I would be very wary of fitting a secondhand towbar especially if it has been removed from an accident damaged vehicle.

I also have a V50 R Design with a Volvo detachable towbar. The rear bumper has been cutaway but the Volvo item provides a very neat cover that hides the electrics and towbar itself when the ball is removed. I am attaching a photo of the rear of the car with the cover fitted.

[AlexanderM]

thanks for the picture RegG, very useful.

[Oilydad]

I would be very wary of fitting a secondhand towbar especially if it has been removed from an accident damaged vehicle.

I take your point, but I disagree. If a car has been taken to a breakers and the rear of the vehicle is entirely intact and undamaged, then there's not likely to be much wrong with the towbar. Obviously, a complete total write off is a different story.

There's many cars in breakers that are there because of corrosion, failed MOT, and plain simple age. Doesn't make them bad to get bits off.

Towbars are expensive, and many people can't afford to have new ones. The one on MY car is second hand from a breakers near here. £40.00, complete with all fittings, fitted myself, and never had a minutes trouble with it. Must have towed many many miles now.

[lyron]

im with oily dad on that one .provided you can verify that bar has come of front end damage only, and also was it towing any thing at the time.because the stresses.on a tow bar towing,caravans,horse boxes,etc at point of impact is quite severe.personaly i would be careful,do a bit of research .and you should be fine.