Steve Minshall 02/06/2017
Fitting a Hayman Reese #3170RW towbar to a Volvo XC90
Fits models: Volvo XC90 02/2015 onwards
Time for experienced fitter: Approx. 3 hours
Fitting difficulty: 5/10
Today we fitted a Hayman Reese towbar to a Volvo XC90. This bar fits generation 2 models built from 02/2015 onwards. We have done a few of these now and like the tow bar for the generation 1 XC90s I am expecting it to become a regular job for us.
The Bar:
For current specs and fitted price please see our Volvo XC90 tow bar page.
Rating 2250kg max trailer, 225kg max ball weight.
The Hayman Reese tow bar for this fitting is a Class 4 hitch making it a heavy duty unit with a 50mm square receiver socket for the tow ball mount. The bar replaces the vehicle impact beam and is mostly hidden behind the bumper. This bar is a neat fit with a discreet bumper cut.
The Kit:
Towbar #3170RW, ECU #4826, trailer socket #4817.
The Hayman Reese kit comes with a vehicle specific wiring loom, tow ball mount and ball. Additional parts required are an electronic control module (HR #4826) and a tail piece to complete the electrics with the desired socket style. We would typically install a Hayman Reese #4817 which is a 7-pin flat socket with an appropriate length of cable to complete the hook up.
Fitting:
Physically bolting the bar to the car is straight forward as the tow bar replaces the vehicle's impact beam bolting to the end of each chassis rail. The bumper needs to be removed but this is relatively straight forward on the XC90 compared to some other vehicles.
Electrics:
Although the Volvo XC90 has modern complex electronics the trailer lighting wiring that comes with the Hayman Reese tow kit is straight forward to install. The signal wires plug in behind each tail light which can be accessed by pulling back the trim. The power source for the lights is taken, via an in-line fuse from the battery which is conveniently located in near side, rear wing cavity.
Bumper cut:
A bumper cut is required for this vehicle. Details are given in the instructions but care does need to be taken because bumper designs can be modified over time and change across the vehicles range.
Additional:
This job could be done by the DIY mechanic who takes appropriate caution when removing/refitting the bumper and connecting the electrics. Issues to watch for are carefully marking and checking for the bumper cut before actually cutting. Treat the instruction measurements as a guide only and offer the bumper to the vehicle to confirm before cutting.
Our current fitted price for this bar is available here or we can supply the bar to customers in Australia for you to install yourself:
Current supply only price for kit including: #3170RW towbar, #4826ECU, #4816 tail is $1240 including freight. The kit is usually available for dispatch within 1 to 5 days.