Towbar for XC90 and Alko Caravan

tr0users · Sep 17th, 2009, 20:01

Hi

I recently bought a new Coachman Amara caravan with an Al-ko chasis. I've ordered a new XC90 which should arrive in a couple of weeks. I'm new to caravaning and have never towed anything before. Could anyone recommend a good towbar please? I'd like a removable one if possible because I won't be towing very often. Also, do I need to buy a tow ball separately?

Thanks for your help,

Rob.

cumbrianmale · Sep 17th, 2009, 22:17

Here you go.

pdrvolvo · Sep 18th, 2009, 09:54

the witter detachable is a very good bar and looks ok.no cutting required.get one of these mobile bar fitters to come to your house and do the job all in.volvo will charge an arm and a leg.

peter.

JimXC60 · Oct 2nd, 2009, 00:25

I used to fit my own tow bars, but since the wiring systems have become more complicated I have just left it to the professionals, £400 - £500 well spent with all the come back on the towbar fitter. Detachable is always better for cosmetic reasons and for the reversing sensors, as some tow bars (fixed) can cause havoc with setting them off. Go for any of the good makes such as Witter, Bosal etc.

I have towed for many years, your ALKO chassis is fitted to most modern caravans these days, and depending on age of caravan will come already fitted with and ALKO hitch stabiliser, If you are using a standard 50mm ball with an ALKO stabiliser you can sometimes not get an ideal fit due to the length of the neck on the ball, if you go for a detachable or swan neck tow ball they are more or less have the right length of neck so no need to worry.

Your electrics for the caravan will either have two plugs, the black one for your lights etc and the grey for your accessories in the caravan, such as fridge and charging systems. Many modern caravans have the 13 pin European plug; this is also becoming the standard for most modern cars having factory fitted tow bars. You should check your caravan for the electric type and (if you’re keeping the car for a while) get the corresponding sockets fitted to your car or you may have to use an adapter which will leave with quite long cables between your towing vehicle and caravan.

Good luck with the new car and touring.

Sep 17th, 2009, 20:01	#1
tr0users New Member Last Online: Jul 20th, 2020 13:14 Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Rotherham	Towbar for XC90 and Alko Caravan Hi I recently bought a new Coachman Amara caravan with an Al-ko chasis. I've ordered a new XC90 which should arrive in a couple of weeks. I'm new to caravaning and have never towed anything before. Could anyone recommend a good towbar please? I'd like a removable one if possible because I won't be towing very often. Also, do I need to buy a tow ball separately? Thanks for your help, Rob.

Sep 17th, 2009, 22:17	#2
cumbrianmale Forum Support Team Last Online: Yesterday 17:28 Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Deep in Makem territory	Here you go. __________________ Current 04 S80 D5 SE Auto 03 S80 D5 SE Man Previous Volvos 90 240 GL B230FB Auto 96 940 CD 13 V40 D2 R-design 89 745 GLE 98 V90 3.0 24v 98 945 Celebration Auto 96 965 SE Auto 86 744 GL 81 244 DL

Sep 18th, 2009, 09:54	#3
pdrvolvo Master Member Last Online: Oct 4th, 2012 19:08 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: middlewich	the witter detachable is a very good bar and looks ok.no cutting required.get one of these mobile bar fitters to come to your house and do the job all in.volvo will charge an arm and a leg. peter. __________________ 244DL-1976/244DL-1983/740GL-1986/940GL-1992/850GLT-1995/V70-1998/S8O-2000/V70-2005/XC90T6 Exec.-2004.

Oct 2nd, 2009, 00:25	#4
JimXC60 New Member Last Online: Nov 12th, 2016 09:12 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Inverbervie	I used to fit my own tow bars, but since the wiring systems have become more complicated I have just left it to the professionals, £400 - £500 well spent with all the come back on the towbar fitter. Detachable is always better for cosmetic reasons and for the reversing sensors, as some tow bars (fixed) can cause havoc with setting them off. Go for any of the good makes such as Witter, Bosal etc. I have towed for many years, your ALKO chassis is fitted to most modern caravans these days, and depending on age of caravan will come already fitted with and ALKO hitch stabiliser, If you are using a standard 50mm ball with an ALKO stabiliser you can sometimes not get an ideal fit due to the length of the neck on the ball, if you go for a detachable or swan neck tow ball they are more or less have the right length of neck so no need to worry. Your electrics for the caravan will either have two plugs, the black one for your lights etc and the grey for your accessories in the caravan, such as fridge and charging systems. Many modern caravans have the 13 pin European plug; this is also becoming the standard for most modern cars having factory fitted tow bars. You should check your caravan for the electric type and (if you’re keeping the car for a while) get the corresponding sockets fitted to your car or you may have to use an adapter which will leave with quite long cables between your towing vehicle and caravan. Good luck with the new car and touring. Last edited by JimXC60; Oct 2nd, 2009 at 00:58.

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