Hitch on Volvo XC90
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URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4414
Printed Date: 09 Jun 2025 at 3:22am
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Topic: Hitch on Volvo XC90
Posted By: cody91
Subject: Hitch on Volvo XC90
Date Posted: 20 Feb 2014 at 12:04am
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I'm in the process of getting my TV ready for an Rpod that I am planning to purchase. I currently have a Volvo XC90 and the top of the hitch receiver is about 14 inches above the ground. Is there anything else I will need to configure/add to the hitch in order to tow an Rpod?
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Replies:
Posted By: Boomertype
Date Posted: 20 Feb 2014 at 12:24am
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Does it have a tow package? |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 20 Feb 2014 at 9:27am
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Are you going to use a weight distributing hitch? sway control? What model are you going to get? Does the pod have risers? All of those effect the answer. I see the XC appears to have a 5000lb tow rating. So that should not be a problem, but it also has a fairly short wheelbase.. that can be. Do you already have a brake controller and 7 pin plug installed? ------------- |
Posted By: cody91
Date Posted: 20 Feb 2014 at 10:35am
No tow package. Just a straight up Hidden Hitch. |
Posted By: cody91
Date Posted: 20 Feb 2014 at 10:36am
Not planning to use a WDH or sway/friction unless needed. Getting the 178 with risers. I'm having a BC installed this weekend. Thanks.
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Posted By: Sleepless
Date Posted: 20 Feb 2014 at 11:33am
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The 14 inches to the top of the receiver seems low, especially if your pod is coming with risers. My receiver was higher, and even then I ended up purchasing a WDH which I adjusted upward to match the level height of the pod's coupler. With risers, my WDH hitch had to be adjusted several inches higher than 14. Once you receive your pod, it will be obvious if you need to increase the height. Bob ------------- 2014 R-Pod 178 (OUR POD) 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 20 Feb 2014 at 11:58am
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Ok.. what year volvo, and what engine? I note for 2014, they only have a 3970lb tow rating max, less if you have an "R" model.. and the 5000lb tow rating was on an earlier model WITH tow package... ------------- |
Posted By: cody91
Date Posted: 20 Feb 2014 at 12:17pm
It's an 07 with a 6 cylinder. From what I understand, it has a 5000lb tow rating. It's same if it was a 8 cylinder. No tow package. Just a hitch.
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Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 20 Feb 2014 at 3:12pm
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According to the Edmunds.com specs the 2007 XC90 with 3.2L 4cy engine had a tow rating of 3970 "when adequately equipped". This usually implied a towing package including a transmission oil cooler and maybe beefed up suspension and/or hitch. The RP-178 is listed at 2535#, but my 172 came in several hundres pounds over their catalog weight when the A/C, Micro, Riser, TV, etc. were added. I would guess the fully equiped empty 178 might come in at 2900#. This "as built" weight will be stated on a little yellow label on the trailer when delivered. By the time you add people, full propane tank(s), battery(s), stocks, camping gear, etc. you will be very close to the maximum rated vehicle towing capacity. You will definitely need the towing package components and a WDH. For that I recommend the E2 600/6000 that many podders use. When I was towing my 172 (with risers) with a 2010 Honda 4WD Pilot using the E2 WDH the ball mounting surface was 18" above ground. The top of the receiver was 20" and the top of the ball was 20.75" above ground. Starting with a receiver at 14" will definitely require raising the ball. Fortunately this is built in to most WDHs ------------- Charlie Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD |
Posted By: cody91
Date Posted: 20 Feb 2014 at 3:21pm
Charlie, Thanks for the response and the information on the E2 600/6000. I will definitely look into that. It seems to me that the Edmunds information may be incorrect. It seems that Edmunds has a very large database of vehicles to maintain. There's actually a very comprehensive table in on my XC90 manual that stipulates the the max tow rating of the XC 90 per model and per occupant. The max tow rating was also verified by my dealer who felt I did not need the tow package for a 3000lb trailer for this model. |
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 20 Feb 2014 at 3:55pm
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Cody, If you have a rating table in your manual I'd definitely go with that. That's the best source you have. But don't get used to believing dealers or salesmen, car or trailer. They have some bad habits when advising customers. I may sound like a broken record, or even a salesman, re the WDHs. I didn't think I needed one either, at first, but now I'm a firm convert. So is my wife. Definitely a better and safer ride. And, as Techntrek says: you may not "need" one, but you'll "want" one. Camp on! ------------- Charlie Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD |
Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 20 Feb 2014 at 4:16pm
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cars.com has the tow capacity at 4,960 lbs. with 236 hp. forget what the torque was I think about 235. The 6 speed transmission is a help I think you will be OK. You may wish you had more power in the mountains but I agree with the dealer that your TV will handle the r-pod. Our 2010 Liberty was 210 hp. it was slow but it had a tow capacity of 5,000 lbs. I think it was over rated once you considered the wind load of a r-pod. It had a 4 speed transmission. I think your Volvo with 6 speed transmission and a little more horsepower you should not have a problem but will need to be careful not to overload with your cargo weight. David ------------- 2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018- 2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019) 2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014) Middle Tn 2014 Ram 1500 Quad cab |
Posted By: cody91
Date Posted: 20 Feb 2014 at 4:40pm
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Thanks for the advice Charlie and David. I'm going to buy a WDH this weekend. Does it matter if it it's "round" or "trunnion"?
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Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 20 Feb 2014 at 5:12pm
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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. ------------- Charlie Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD |
Posted By: Boomertype
Date Posted: 20 Feb 2014 at 6:56pm
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The folks at Trailer Life have a towing guide that has been published for years and each year it has lots of info. They don't have to keep up on that many vehicles as does cars.com or edmunds.com. They have lots of good towing background information on hitches, brake controllers, etc. This years guide has a good listing of what it means to have a towing package, and what all is needs to be included. Here is a link to their page where you can look at this years and last years guide. The Volvo XC90 has a capacity of 3970. Doesn't quote whether that's with a towing package or not. http://www.trailerlife.com/trailer-towing-guides/ |
Posted By: wingnut2312
Date Posted: 22 Feb 2014 at 9:53am
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I had the same question, but with a muchcdifferent vehicle. I was asking about a two door Wrangler. Big difference in wheelbase, but max tow capacity was 3500lbs. After a ton of research, we found that the max reffers to exactly that, max. It's not the safe or reccomended tow amount. The max was what you could tow stressing the vehicle. We sold the Jeep and bought an Expedition!
Without the tow package you should get some helpers i.e. wdh or sway. Make sure you watch your engine temp going up hills or through mountains. I don't remember everything we learned, but I did note that tow packages are rather helpfull. Just drive it around your sub a few times first. Don't get on the freeway until you've driven it around surface roads for a little bit. You'll know what you need by then. Good luck! ------------- 2014 rpod 182G Ford Expedition |
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 22 Feb 2014 at 11:09am
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Automatic transmission temps are far more sensitive to towing than engine coolant temps. Monitors such as ScanGauge are extremely helpful in preventing expensive overtemp conditions if you vehicle has a compliant OBD II connector.
------------- Charlie Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 22 Feb 2014 at 12:55pm
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Just paid for something similar to the Scangauge, yesterday: http://aeroforcetech.com/products_interceptor.html - http://aeroforcetech.com/products_interceptor.html I'm most interested in tracking the transmission slip and lockup status, I can already see the tranny temp on the dash display. This also has a useful feature where you can force the cooling fans on even if the computer doesn't think you need them. I could have used that last summer. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
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Posted By: cody91
Date Posted: 01 Mar 2014 at 6:17pm
Charlie, Just curious why you picked a 600/6000 sized hitch versus the 400/4000?
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Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 01 Mar 2014 at 7:08pm
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Because that's what most of the Podders on the two forums were using and my dealer recommended it too. The 400/4000 is not too common. Neither Amazon nor E-trailer carry it. And I knew I was going to load up the tongue with two batteries, two propane tanks, and other things such as the spare tire. The 600/6000 served well with the Pod and I was able to transfer it over to my new rig, although it is getting close to its limit now. ------------- Charlie Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 01 Mar 2014 at 7:16pm
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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.
------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: 320
Date Posted: 06 Mar 2014 at 12:16pm
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you should check with volvo before you do much... i have a 2013 xc70. it requires a software pkg to tow anything of any consequence. it requires a circuit pack to allow the lights to work. it requires a USA 7/4 pin light socket it requires a non-traditional brake controller (i'm using a prodigy rf). european RVs use a "surge" brake. and finally my vehicle has a sealed cooling system. volvo's response to cooling questions got the response..if you tow in spec you should have no problems. under gvw and under 50mph are my specs. i traded a 3/4 ton truck for this car. i have more hp and almost as much torque. however it's still a car not a truck and your xc90 suffers from the same deficit. though that being said, the truck couldn't do 130mph. your original guestion was will a vehicle with 14" hitch height work...yes, with correct drawbar. the wdh could very well be a good investment. to get the ride they do the xc90's springs are soft. i did meet a fellow who added some sort of "air assist" to keep his xc90's tail up. good luck! |
Posted By: freezingalaskan
Date Posted: 21 Mar 2014 at 1:40pm
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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 ------------- Volvo XC90 '13 rPod 179 '16 |
Posted By: cody91
Date Posted: 21 Mar 2014 at 1:49pm
Freezingalaskan, Thanks for sharing your experiences on the XC90. I have a 2007 XC90 3.2L 6 cylinder. I've only hitched it to my R178 twice but I barely notice it's behind me. That's with and without an Equalizer WDH (600/6000). I haven't weighed the setup yet but it seems to work fine. I'm also using an aftermarket HiddenHitch (5000lb) and the Curt Relflex brake controller. Rear springs do not seem soft at all. Attaching the hitch barely affects the pitch. Cody |
Posted By: 320
Date Posted: 24 Mar 2014 at 4:41pm
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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. |
Posted By: freezingalaskan
Date Posted: 24 Mar 2014 at 7:31pm
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Wow, I never imagined that I could tow the R-Pod with the XC70. Although you have a 2013 model and mine is a 2009 so there could be a difference there. Either way, I only have the four-pin and won't change over since I have the XC90 to pull with anyway...but very interesting to know regardless.
freezingalaskan ------------- Volvo XC90 '13 rPod 179 '16 |
Posted By: 320
Date Posted: 23 May 2014 at 8:35pm
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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. |