Volvo Towbar
 

The retractable towbar on my new XC40 has small protrusions below the ball presumably to accept a cycle carrier.

Does anyone know if this type of towbar is Alko compatible?

Thanks

John

This should explain it all

https://accessories.volvocars.com/en...CC-515896/2021

Many thanks Clan.

There is a lot of info in here but not sure it says it is Alko compatible?
Also still a little unsure regrading the plating on the ball and again compatibility with the Alko friction pads if not removed.

Cheers

John

My understanding of Alko tow balls and hitches was just that the tow ball sits a little further from the tow bar/bumper because the Alko hitch is wider and would catch the bumper when turning. The tow ball itself is identical.

I’d imagine with the XC40 being very modern and Alko hitches being around for a while I’d be 99% sure you’d be ok.
Cheers, Luke.

I have a retractable tow bar (on XC60) and I tow a caravan with an Alko hitch. I don’t believe the xc40’s tow bar is different.

As long as it has a 50mm towball it will be fine.

I have the Volvo tow bar on my V90 and it is fine with the AlKo hitch, as Discombobulated says, the the only difference with the AlKo ball is that it has a longer neck, which guarantees clearance for the stabiliser hitch.
With regard to the plating on the ball; this wears off very quickly when used with a stabiliser hitch, and does not adversely affect the friction pads at all: it does mean that the ball will rust when not in use, so I give the ball a smear of grease in the winter when I am not using the caravan, and clean it off with a bit of petrol before use. Over the summer, a quick wipe with steel wool is enough to take off the surface rust.

No issues using an Alko stabiliser on the same style towbar on an XC60

Did you have any issues with with towbar operating ATC on your Alko hitch? My nee towbar is putting reverse lights in my caravan and won’t charge Leisure battery or work ATC!!

You need to check the wiring as it would appear that either the car socket or the caravan has been wired up incorrectly.