Use of a standard relay for towing electrics

[rikernumber1]

Hi All,

This is related to another thread I have just posted:

https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=306199

This thread is to ask a very simple question:

Is anyone successfully using a standard/generic relay to run their towing electrics - like this one from Towsure?

If you are successfully using something like this and not the Volvo TRM then please reply.

TIA

Phillip

[JamesAtthews]

Hi Phillip

I'm using a generic towbar relay designed to be canbus friendly in my 2015 v60.

I'm sure I'll get shot down for saying this, but I cant see what difference it makes to the genuine stuff. Possibly for ABS sensitive with a caravan or large trailer, but for me I've got a small erde trailer and plan on keeping the car for at least another 5 years, so residual value etc isn't of real concern to me.

It all works fine by the way, only issue is I cant hear the beep when the indicators are on, but that can also be a blessing on long trips! It works, but the beep isn't loud enough to be heard from under the boot floor and wheel tray.
Cheers

James

[Wagon Sailor]

Originally Posted by JamesAtthews

It all works fine by the way, only issue is I cant hear the beep when the indicators are on, but that can also be a blessing on long trips! It works, but the beep isn't loud enough to be heard from under the boot floor and wheel tray.
Cheers

James

I'm trying to visualise someone under the boot floor listening for a beep ...

[Bungle1976]

The only issue you will have is that the car will not know it has a trailer attached, so things like the reversing sensors will still be enabled, the rear fog light will still come on (more on an issue if you are towing a caravan with a slab white front) and the traction control won't kick in the trailer stability programme (I presume the Volvo has this, pretty much anything built in the last 10 years has) if it starts to go pear shaped.

If you are just towing a small Halfords type trailer now and again then none of this is going to be much of an issue, but if you are going to tow something larger, especially for long journeys, then I would fit the proper kit.

[rikernumber1]

Originally Posted by Bungle1976

The only issue you will have is that the car will not know it has a trailer attached, so things like the reversing sensors will still be enabled, the rear fog light will still come on (more on an issue if you are towing a caravan with a slab white front) and the traction control won't kick in the trailer stability programme (I presume the Volvo has this, pretty much anything built in the last 10 years has) if it starts to go pear shaped.

If you are just towing a small Halfords type trailer now and again then none of this is going to be much of an issue, but if you are going to tow something larger, especially for long journeys, then I would fit the proper kit.

Thanks for the advice; caravan has its own stability control, so I am good there. The parking sensors are on a button, and the fog light is low on the bumper so also less of an issue. I have seen a relay that claims to turn off the fog light.

Thanks again - just wanted to know others had deviated from the path of the true Volvo without adverse effects!

[JamesAtthews]

Hi

With my relay, if you turn the fog lights on, then off and back on and then off again, then it keeps the fog light on the trailer on, without the car fog light being on.