Westfalia Towbar on XC60 R-Design

[XCmacca]

Originally Posted by hancym

Can anyone who's fitted a tow bar please tell me if the car then needs a software download.
I've just noticed the comment at the bottom of the description in the link below
https://www.volvopartshop.com/13-pin...17-16510-p.asp

YES software download required, having mine done Thursday, £55

[hancym]

XCmacca...
Is the tow bar fundamentally a Witter re-badgered? Is it the same as this one... http://www.just-tow.co.uk/towbars/vo...#product-tabs1

How much of a pain in the backside is it plugging in on the underside like that?

I'm trying to decide whether to go 13 pin or 7 pin. I don't actually need 13 as I only have a trailer but was wondered the possible logic of fitting in anyhow to get the functionality just in case (just in case of what, I don't know) and then putting an adaptor on it.

Any thoughts from people please?

[XCmacca]

Originally Posted by hancym

XCmacca...
Is the tow bar fundamentally a Witter re-badgered? Is it the same as this one... http://www.just-tow.co.uk/towbars/vo...#product-tabs1

How much of a pain in the backside is it plugging in on the underside like that?

I'm trying to decide whether to go 13 pin or 7 pin. I don't actually need 13 as I only have a trailer but was wondered the possible logic of fitting in anyhow to get the functionality just in case (just in case of what, I don't know) and then putting an adaptor on it.

Any thoughts from people please?

Looks very much the same tow bar, same part number but my link was cheaper!
I have the 13 pin socket so that it swings down into place to allow easy connection of the plug, not too much of a pain, tow hitch just self clips into place, hardest bit is getting the weather plug back on after removal
I would opt for the 13 pin as they are great tow cars so better for the next user if you do not utilize it, just get an adapter for your trailer

[hancym]

You're right yours was cheaper! I had so many tabs open I got confused and thought you was costing over £200 (another one I was looking at). Thanks for you help so far!

What do you mean when you say, "... so that it swings down into place to allow easy connection of the plug" Is it not fixed and is on a pivot and sort of clips back up. Could you please elaborate?

Also, obviously the OEM trailer unit has full integration with the vehicle but has anyone got and answer as to exactly what you get that you don't get with for example the ECS one that every one sells? I know the latter is a read only unit with "open loop" communication because of the Volvo software it doesn't integrate. Can anyone tell me exactly what functions do the OEM trailer wiring unit give?

[XCmacca]

Originally Posted by hancym

You're right yours was cheaper! I had so many tabs open I got confused and thought you was costing over £200 (another one I was looking at). Thanks for you help so far!

What do you mean when you say, "... so that it swings down into place to allow easy connection of the plug" Is it not fixed and is on a pivot and sort of clips back up. Could you please elaborate?

Also, obviously the OEM trailer unit has full integration with the vehicle but has anyone got and answer as to exactly what you get that you don't get with for example the ECS one that every one sells? I know the latter is a read only unit with "open loop" communication because of the Volvo software it doesn't integrate. Can anyone tell me exactly what functions do the OEM trailer wiring unit give?

Ok... To make up my mind I asked my local caravan/tow bar specialist what make they would fit to my XC60 R-Design and they said, Tow Trust so I researched it then found the cheapest price I could £178.71 delivered. tow bar specialist quoted £480 fitted with 13 pin non OEM electrics or car stability program
So I opted for Genuine Volvo 13 pin electrics as easy to fit, no cutting into wires, cancel fog lights, cancel parking sensors, car knows it's attached and checks bulbs/lights via canbus system, Trailer stability assist (TSA) software down loaded to the car... Yes it costs to have it programmed/activated (£55) but it's extra safety and peace of mind.
I have left the bolt holding the 13 pin socket not fully tight so I can swing the bracket down from hidden to easy access for when I connect my caravan. see pictures
Have to say I am very happy with the overall quality and look, was easy to fit

[Mullybhoy]

I have a teardrop caravan,it has a 7 pin attachment, could anyone point me in the right direction of which towbar and wiring kit I would need, don't want to ring the towbar company just yet as I'm sure they'll try and sell me more than I actually need, it has an integrated fridge on board which I want to have operational, while travelling to site 😉

[HDAV]

Originally Posted by Mullybhoy

I have a teardrop caravan,it has a 7 pin attachment, could anyone point me in the right direction of which towbar and wiring kit I would need, don't want to ring the towbar company just yet as I'm sure they'll try and sell me more than I actually need, it has an integrated fridge on board which I want to have operational, while travelling to site 😉

Get 13pin wiring fitted that the new standard you can get an adapter to 7pin I have one but 7 pin doesn’t have the circuits for the fridge....so if you only have 7 pin on van the wiring is bridged or fridge won’t work. Most caravans have dual plug electrics or new 13 pin trailers boat, plant, general, box etc tend to be 7pin.

Get any physical bar you fancy fixed (shin trap) or detachable, but get genuine wiring kit and possibly needs a towing module update from dealer (so management supystem knows your towing and doesn’t throw a load of errors.....)

[Blasphemous]

Originally Posted by XCmacca

Ok... To make up my mind I asked my local caravan/tow bar specialist what make they would fit to my XC60 R-Design and they said, Tow Trust so I researched it then found the cheapest price I could £178.71 delivered. tow bar specialist quoted £480 fitted with 13 pin non OEM electrics or car stability program
So I opted for Genuine Volvo 13 pin electrics as easy to fit, no cutting into wires, cancel fog lights, cancel parking sensors, car knows it's attached and checks bulbs/lights via canbus system, Trailer stability assist (TSA) software down loaded to the car... Yes it costs to have it programmed/activated (£55) but it's extra safety and peace of mind.
I have left the bolt holding the 13 pin socket not fully tight so I can swing the bracket down from hidden to easy access for when I connect my caravan. see pictures
Have to say I am very happy with the overall quality and look, was easy to fit

Hi,

I've just joined the forum as I'm looking to purchase a caravan and have a XC60 (15 plate). I noted from a previous post you said you fitted the towbar yourself and also installed the Volvo dedicated trailer wiring. But I think you mentioned that you found the wiring wasn't working properly and so you booked the car in to have the software upgraded and that solved the issue. Is that correct?

Can I further ask how difficult a task the fitting was? The mechanical side of things doesn't worry me (taking a plastic bumper off and cutting into it WILL worry me though!). I have no idea however in relation to electrics. Is there any guidance anywhere how that is carried out?

Thank you in advance.

Oh and the photos look really good by the way, very smart and neat job.