Need advice on towbars/electrics V70

[Zedster]

Looking to fit a towbar to my 2011 V70. Don't think I need detachable head so considering either a Brink fixed https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/273459789...kAAOSwDOlbmnlL or Towtrust fixed https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/334355640...wAAOSwanViJkdB Does anyone have any experience of these? are they any good?

For the electrics I was considering a ECS dedicated wiring https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/334349467...53.m1438.l2649 it claims not to need coding. But others here seam to suggest coding is required.

If coding is required how easy is it to DIY? I have DICE/Vida which I bought when I purchased the car. But I haven't really used it since. So not proficient.

[tonys1966]

i originally didnt think the tow module needed coded in but Clan said it does-and he knows his stuff with these-what i will say is if you unplug it -the car knows its missing so i was wrong
I believe a genuine vida workshop edition or similar will let you buy the software but our clones will not do it

[Clan]

Originally Posted by Zedster

Looking to fit a towbar to my 2011 V70. Don't think I need detachable head so considering either a Brink fixed https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/273459789...kAAOSwDOlbmnlL or Towtrust fixed https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/334355640...wAAOSwanViJkdB Does anyone have any experience of these? are they any good?

For the electrics I was considering a ECS dedicated wiring https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/334349467...53.m1438.l2649 it claims not to need coding. But others here seam to suggest coding is required.

If coding is required how easy is it to DIY? I have DICE/Vida which I bought when I purchased the car. But I haven't really used it since. So not proficient.

The volvo wiring kit is quite reasonably priced and needs software to code it to the car's specifications . This can only be done by a volvo authorised workshop . The 13 pin is the preferred and you can get a 7 Pin adapter from them if you need one .

Full details including fitting instructions here:

https://accessories.volvocars.com/en...CC-480821/2011

[Tony Rama]

I bought a second hand Westfalia detachable bar. It came with a PF Jones 7 pin wiring kit. (they also do a 13 pin kit). It has a plug and play box which does the basic functions. Marker lights, brake lights, indicators, fog lamp and reversing light. The reversing sensors on the car have to be manually cancelled via the dashboard switch every time the ignition is switched on.

I found it to be a acceptable basic alternative to the full Volvo version.

[yostumpy]

Originally Posted by Tony Rama

The reversing sensors on the car have to be manually cancelled via the dashboard switch every time the ignition is switched on. .

with or without a trailer attached?

[Tony Rama]

Originally Posted by yostumpy

with or without a trailer attached?

Only with the trailer, and only in reverse gear. The tow hook doesn't trigger them.

[apersson850]

For me, who specified my XC70 to be as good a towing car as possible, there was no alternative to Volvo's own TRailer Module.

• Full support for 13-pin connector, including +12V constant and switched power.
• Sensing of malfunction for turn indicator and brake light on trailer.
• Automatic interface to park assist sensors.
• Automatic interface to rear parking camera.
• Automatically turns off rear fog light on car when the trailer is attached.
• Tells the car's anti-sway system the trailer is attached, if the car is equipped with that system.

[Tatsfield]

How much do you actually save by fitting a non Volvo towing module? The previous owners of my XC70 did that and it caused all manner of problems because it was bodged into the electrical system. The Volvo dealership fixed it because they sold me the car in that condition and their pre-sale check did not identify the problem. The joke is that I never tow anything! But having the faults that fitting the cheapo modules eliminated was all I needed.

[Tony Rama]

Originally Posted by Tatsfield

How much do you actually save by fitting a non Volvo towing module?

A lot, since it came with a second hand towbar. This particular module just plugs into the Volvo socket and that's it. Basic functions. These PF Jones modules are about £120, but it was thrown in with the towbar.

[apersson850]

I typically have something on the hitch once a week, on average. So I didn't mess with anything substandard when I bought the car. I bought it new, and aimed for a good car for towing, so in my case it was no discussion.