Hitch on Volvo XC90

we hadn't put very many miles on lately.

we just did a 300 mile junket in what is hilly terrain for us.

pulled easier with the Volvo than with the truck and got 17mph at a 60+ mph average.

thought you might be interested.

it is a dealer installed hitch package for north america, part #s are 31346065 and 313407107.
those include hitch, towbar and control module. the control module changes the shift points and traction dynamics under load per the service techs.

the dealer and my previous hitch vendor had no idea as to how the brakes could be wired using volvo's wiring and software.

a guy towing with a cayenne suggested the prodigy rf controller...it works.

we had to pull some of the extra stuff we carried, but after that it (171) tows and stops just fine.

I am joining this discussion a bit late, so I apologize...

I tow my 172 with a 2013 Volvo XC90 3.2 6 cyl with the original Volvo hitch. I am very pleased how the vehicle handles. No sway bar or weight distribution installed. My guess is that my total towing weight is around 3000-3200 pounds with it loaded with water and gear, but not entirely sure. At least I know I am well below 5000 pound limit.

I always shift gears manually and never really engage the sixth gear. I also anticipate hilly terrain by gaining momentum if possible and I rather keep rpms up than too low. I don't experience soft rear springs, but that might change with age/usage. I use a wireless brake controller which is great because should something happen to my car I can always just hook up another vehicle and still have brakes....

Regarding the XC70....do you actually tow an rPod with that one? If so, what hitch did you install to get the seven pin hitch? I have an XC70 as well original Volvo factory hitch with only the four pin. Tounge weight rating is too low for the rPod, and total towing weight is only rated at 3500 pounds....plus the four pin does not accommodate the trailer brake, etc. Can you tell me more please? Could an XC70 actually pull an rPod with different hitch?

freezingalaskan

The company confirmed to me years ago that you can use one that is rated heavier than you need, so I purchased the 600/6000 model in case I moved to a heavier camper in the future.  Others have since done the same.

Originally posted by CharlieM The trunnion version is slightly more capable, especially in sway control, and does provide more ground clearance under the bars. That said, the round bars are totally adequate for the RPODs, are cheaper, and are used by most podders.  The trunnion models were the first version made by Equal-i-zer; the E2 is a lower cost version distributed by FastWay. I'd recommend the round bar E2 600/6000 for you. Amazon, Etrailer, and others carry them.