Detachable towbar problem

[Tarmod]

A few years ago I got a detachable towbar installed on my XC60 by a Volvo dealership. It’s used only a couple of times a year but every time it’s a real struggle to securely lock in place the towball correctly. When it does happen I can’t figure out what was different from the previous failed attempts. The instructional video makes it look so easy https://youtu.be/or-0M_X5wEs
I’m twice the size of her so what’s the secret technique that I’m not getting? Hopefully I’m not the only one facing this problem.

[Clan]

Originally Posted by Tarmod

A few years ago I got a detachable towbar installed on my XC60 by a Volvo dealership. It’s used only a couple of times a year but every time it’s a real struggle to securely lock in place the towball correctly. When it does happen I can’t figure out what was different from the previous failed attempts. The instructional video makes it look so easy https://youtu.be/or-0M_X5wEs
I’m twice the size of her so what’s the secret technique that I’m not getting? Hopefully I’m not the only one facing this problem.

It is part of the service to check and lubricate the mechanism , so when you take it in , leave the tow part in the car in the blue bag and remind them ...

In the mean time spray the moving parts with WD 40 including inside the key lock and get the parts moving , clean the cups either side and the pins which fit in them , remove and refit several times until it gets easy then leave it a couple of days for the WD40 to disperse , then smear all the mating surfaces lightly with some grease ... again remove and refit a few times to distribute the grease ...

[HDAV]

Regular use and lubrication worst thing you can do is leave it installed......mine is 2 years old has regular use and clips in and out with ease......

[Dash300]

Originally Posted by Clan

It is part of the service to check and lubricate the mechanism , so when you take it in , leave the tow part in the car in the blue bag and remind them ...

In the mean time spray the moving parts with WD 40 including inside the key lock and get the parts moving , clean the cups either side and the pins which fit in them , remove and refit several times until it gets easy then leave it a couple of days for the WD40 to disperse , then smear all the mating surfaces lightly with some grease ... again remove and refit a few times to distribute the grease ...

I reckon tow bar checking as part of the Volvo Main Dealer Service is another one of those rules observed in the breach rather than actuality. To be honest I have never supplied them with the tow bar key and it has never been requested so has not been checked.
I will supply it next time and see what they say! To be honest although I have a Volvo fitted removable tow hitch I have never removed it; its a faff and I use it so frequently that in retrospect I might have saved money by having a fixed one. I do however believe that it has proved a useful solid point to fend off fellow parkers!!

[mgwright]

Mine is quite stiff to install, requiring a good hefty shove downwards to lock it in place.

I have never checked to see if it has been serviced when the car has been in for its service. I shall definitely mention it next time around.

[SwissXC90]

Originally Posted by HDAV

Regular use and lubrication worst thing you can do is leave it installed......mine is 2 years old has regular use and clips in and out with ease......

And mine is 10 years old in my older XC90, and clips in and out with ease

I also keep in in it's blue baggier, clean and dry inside the car when not in use.

I also lubricate the mechanism once a year and test it works well.