Towbar Flange Mod

Danceswithvolvos · Mar 10th, 2007, 21:02

I have a 960 estate with an original volvo towbar fitted, which is of the swan neck type. To me this is next to useless as I really could do with a flange fitment (usually tow using a pin hitch).

Looking under the back the swan neck is attached to the chassis frame by two horizontal bolts, has anyone tried swapping the swan neck for some kind of flange assembly/adaptor? Or is this a part that can be purchased (perhaps it was an option?).

It wouldnt be difficult to make one up, and i'm sure its an easy fabrication for a custom towbar manufacturer. It would seem a shame to junk a whole setup just to get two bolt holes!

Can anyone offer any advice or tell me if this sort of adaptor is available anywhere?

Cheers, Tony.

CTCNetwork · Mar 11th, 2007, 02:38

Hi,

It may be that you have something like a Bosal towbar fitted. Check the type approval plate fitted to the toebar - it should have one.
If it is a Bosal (or similar) the likelyhood is you could buy the different connection/hook AND two new bolts to connect it to the existing towbar fitment..

Or you may find one in a breakers... Would recommend new bolts though..

Des. . .

Danceswithvolvos · Mar 11th, 2007, 12:57

Hi Des, thanks for pondering this one!

Nope its not a aftermarket, its a genuine volvo towbar, the swan neck still has the sticker/approval plate on it.

If bosal do sell bit like this though, it may be a possible source of bits... will have to do some digging. Towbars can only have so many cominations of dimensions, perhaps some are interchangable.

I'd definately use new bolts, I think i'd have to grind the originals off anyway

I'm just amazed that this can be bought off the shelf, as it would literally be a straight bar with a flange on the end. Will have to take it off and probuce a drawing.

Cheers!

CTCNetwork · Mar 11th, 2007, 13:04

Hi,

I think you will find that Volvo used people like Bosal or Brink to make their "Volvo" towbars.
Given that, you should find a spare from Bosal or Brink to fit and do the job..

Luck in the search..

Des. . .

JIM C · Mar 11th, 2007, 21:20

All the dealer towbars I have had on my volvo`s over the years were made by Brink.

Apr 18th, 2007, 21:39

As your towbar does not need to be type approved you could try getting your local blacksmith/engineering works to fabricate the required modification for you. Good luck

Mar 10th, 2007, 21:02	#1
Danceswithvolvos New Member Last Online: Mar 30th, 2008 08:34 Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Somerset	Towbar Flange Mod I have a 960 estate with an original volvo towbar fitted, which is of the swan neck type. To me this is next to useless as I really could do with a flange fitment (usually tow using a pin hitch). Looking under the back the swan neck is attached to the chassis frame by two horizontal bolts, has anyone tried swapping the swan neck for some kind of flange assembly/adaptor? Or is this a part that can be purchased (perhaps it was an option?). It wouldnt be difficult to make one up, and i'm sure its an easy fabrication for a custom towbar manufacturer. It would seem a shame to junk a whole setup just to get two bolt holes! Can anyone offer any advice or tell me if this sort of adaptor is available anywhere? Cheers, Tony.

Mar 11th, 2007, 02:38	#2
CTCNetwork Forum Support Team Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Liège, Belgium View Photos By: CTCNetwork	Hi, It may be that you have something like a Bosal towbar fitted. Check the type approval plate fitted to the toebar - it should have one. If it is a Bosal (or similar) the likelyhood is you could buy the different connection/hook AND two new bolts to connect it to the existing towbar fitment.. Or you may find one in a breakers... Would recommend new bolts though.. Des. . . __________________ Density:- Not just a measurement ~ It's a whole way of Life.! ! ! I drive a Volvo, Please Don't Get In My Way! OldVolvos4Ever He shows up. People die. He vanishes. People should not be afraid of their governments. "He'll deliver more justice in a weekend than 10 years of your Governments should be afraid of their people... "V" courts & tribunals. Just stay out of his way." "I plan to."

Mar 11th, 2007, 13:04	#4
CTCNetwork Forum Support Team Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Liège, Belgium View Photos By: CTCNetwork	Hi, I think you will find that Volvo used people like Bosal or Brink to make their "Volvo" towbars. Given that, you should find a spare from Bosal or Brink to fit and do the job.. Luck in the search.. Des. . . __________________ Density:- Not just a measurement ~ It's a whole way of Life.! ! ! I drive a Volvo, Please Don't Get In My Way! OldVolvos4Ever He shows up. People die. He vanishes. People should not be afraid of their governments. "He'll deliver more justice in a weekend than 10 years of your Governments should be afraid of their people... "V" courts & tribunals. Just stay out of his way." "I plan to."

Mar 11th, 2007, 21:20	#5
JIM C Forum Support Team Last Online: Jul 4th, 2021 16:28 Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Scotland View Photos By: JIM C	All the dealer towbars I have had on my volvo`s over the years were made by Brink. __________________

Mar 11th, 2007, 12:57	#3
Danceswithvolvos New Member Last Online: Mar 30th, 2008 08:34 Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Somerset	Hi Des, thanks for pondering this one! Nope its not a aftermarket, its a genuine volvo towbar, the swan neck still has the sticker/approval plate on it. If bosal do sell bit like this though, it may be a possible source of bits... will have to do some digging. Towbars can only have so many cominations of dimensions, perhaps some are interchangable. I'd definately use new bolts, I think i'd have to grind the originals off anyway I'm just amazed that this can be bought off the shelf, as it would literally be a straight bar with a flange on the end. Will have to take it off and probuce a drawing. Cheers!

Apr 18th, 2007, 21:39	#6
Gerryinaberdeen Guest Location:	As your towbar does not need to be type approved you could try getting your local blacksmith/engineering works to fabricate the required modification for you. Good luck

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