Volvo towbar.

[RonD]

My neighbour has just bought a Volvo V70 XC estate and it's fitted with a Brink, Volvo approved bolt on towbar. For some reason the bar is about 10 inches (25cms)long and effectively "sticks out" a lot at the rear of the car. Is there a shorter version that will fit the 2 existing bolt holes?

Ron

 

[Guest]

Your post is a bit curious. If the towbar is an approved Volvo part then it should fit perfectly,. and if not then I suggest taking the car to a Volvo dealer for a check. I am also curious as to your comment regarding the 2 bolt holes. Do you mean the holes that can attach the tow hitch to the tow bar, or are you referring to the actual fixing bolts for the towbar. If the former, then a non standard hitch may have been fitted, if the latter then very strange as usually the towbar has at least 4 or even 6 bolts for attachment.

If in any doubt get an approved towbar dealer, or as mentioned firstly, Volvo to check it out. Also do note the XC70 has a higher ground clearance and has a different towbar to that fitted to the normal V70.

 

[RonD]

Hello Scotch Lad,

The towball is on a tubular swan neck device which has flats where the two bolt holes are. This fits into a channel where 2 large bolts secure it. he's wondering whether he can remove the bolts and refit them to a shorter unit. He's worried about damaging something whilst reversing!

Thanks for your help,

Ron

 

[RonD]

Hello Scotch Lad,

The towball is on a tubular swan neck device which has flats where the two bolt holes are. This fits into a channel where 2 large bolts secure it. he's wondering whether he can remove the bolts and refit them to a shorter unit. He's worried about damaging something whilst reversing!

Thanks for your help,

Ron

I mean the 2 bolts that fasten the tow-hitch to the towbar. Can the existing hitch be removed and a more 'normal length' hitch be fitted? I have never seen a towhitch extend so far behind a car!

Ron

 

[Guest]

My only comments are that usually, and I may be wrong, is that Volvo supplied towbars normally have either a fixed swan neck, or are the detacheable variety. They don't have a bolt on version to my knowledge. However, a Volvo 'type' approved towbar may have such a fitting. This merely means that fitting it will not invaldate any insurance or warranty, not that Volvo actually supplied it. Companies such as Brink, Witter etc do supply extremely good towbars under this sort of decalaration.

I still suggest getting an expert opinion, before using anything that looks suspicious. One thought crossed my mind and that is the previous owner may have used the vehicle for towing something particular, an agricultural trailer for example and necessitated such a towhitch. This may not be suitable for the weight of a caravan.

 

[farmerdave21]

Hi Scotch lad.

I have a 2004 V70 D5 AWD which is the same as the XC70 apart form not being so high.

Volvo do make a towbar with the bolt on tow ball as i had mine fitted to my V70 by my local volvo dealer.

I prefered this to the swan kneck as i wanted a bumper guard fitted to protect the bumper etc.

 

[RonD]

My only comments are that usually, and I may be wrong, is that Volvo supplied towbars normally have either a fixed swan neck, or are the detacheable variety. They don't have a bolt on version to my knowledge. However, a Volvo 'type' approved towbar may have such a fitting. This merely means that fitting it will not invaldate any insurance or warranty, not that Volvo actually supplied it. Companies such as Brink, Witter etc do supply extremely good towbars under this sort of decalaration.

I still suggest getting an expert opinion, before using anything that looks suspicious. One thought crossed my mind and that is the previous owner may have used the vehicle for towing something particular, an agricultural trailer for example and necessitated such a towhitch. This may not be suitable for the weight of a caravan.

My thoughts as well...particularly as it's an estate car. I wonder if it's been fitted so as to be able to open the tailgate on the estate whilst hitched. As you say he's better to take it to a Volvo dealer, thanks for your time. Ron

 

[RonD]

Hi Scotch lad.

I have a 2004 V70 D5 AWD which is the same as the XC70 apart form not being so high.

Volvo do make a towbar with the bolt on tow ball as i had mine fitted to my V70 by my local volvo dealer.

I prefered this to the swan kneck as i wanted a bumper guard fitted to protect the bumper etc.

Thanks for your help gentlemen,

Kind regards,

Ron