Factory tow hitch install.

[Hiro's XC]

Well, the debate went around and around as to the brand of hitch to install. It was a tough decision and one not made lightly. After talking to and looking at a lot of cars and photos I decided to go with the Volvo hitch. It will suit me just fine with the 2" ball. All I pull is a small 12ft tralier so I feel it should be more than adequite. I also like the way it is tucked up under the bumper compared to some of the aftermarket units not to mention the factory wiring that just snaps together without a fuss.

I'll send it to Taylor when it's done so keep your eyes open for it in the how too section. I have snapped about 30 photos already and should have about 20 more. I am making it REAL SIMPLE so anybody could do it. From the removal of every bolt to the fastening of all the connectors. It is taking a while making notes and photographing everything though. About 2 hours so far and I'm 1/3 done.

Jason

[coastal]

sounds great Jason, look forward to seeing that http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[wiz]

Fantastic, Jason! http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif Can't wait. I also went round & round on this and have decided on an OEM 2" hitch. Really looking forward to the pictures, particularly a sideways on pic that shows the ground clearance (hint, hint) http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[Hiro's XC]

ok! ok!  side shot!

jason

[wiz]

http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif Ta, mate! (English slang.) Post here when the pics go up so we can take a gander... http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[Hiro's XC]

Well here are a couple of shots to follow of the good, the bad and the not so ugly.

jason

[Hiro's XC]

lets try again!

[Art]

Outstanding Jason!  http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

Looking forward to seeing your completed install!

Judging by the photo I assume this is in the early stage of the tow hitch installation. Looks pretty intense.  http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif

[Art]

Ahhh....that's better!  Great Job! http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

What was your time frame for this project? Any special tools required?

[Hiro's XC]

And the coveted side shot! Great thing is this hitch does not hang down at all except in the "hitch" middle portion. Who needs a stinkin' hidden hitch from the aftermarket when volvo sells it!  Oh, this is not a job for the faint of heart. Your blood pressure will rise doing it. Now I know why the dealer gets 4 hours for it. It's not easy. Especially the reinstall of the bumper.

Jason

[Hiro's XC]

Tools, hmmmm, 2 jacks sure helped! a dremel tool, a drill w/6mm or 1/4" bit. A dropped bolt magnetic pick up tool, some electrical tape to hold the bolts in the hitch while you lift it into place. Other than that just your standard set of sockets with a long extension and a 22mm box wrench & socket to connect the hitch to the frame rails. I might also reccomend a torque wrench to tighten everything and a breaker bar socket 18"-24" to get some of the factory bolts out. Also my torque wrench goes to 80 ft lbs so everything that needed to got that then the breaker to go to 102 ft lbs or the required torque.

Also what I said about difficult is purely subjective. For the oil change only type, no other experience I would really say don't do it. Intermediate types, brakes, tune up ect shouldn't be an issue. Just set aside 3-7 hours. It's just hard to do as the instructions are like a cheap set of pictograms.


jason

[Hiro's XC]

One last thing......If you think you can do this with the bumper on.......you have another thing comming. Trust me I know.....

Jason

[Art]

Thanks Jason!

I take it from your comments that the bumper removal/reattachment overall was your biggest issue.

Should make a fine addition to the resources how-to section.  http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[wiz]

Great pics, Jason! http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif But I'm appalled at the length of time it took you - would probably take me twice as long - and I don't have that kind of time... http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif

But your side pic is great and clearly demonstrates the excellent clearance - I don't think any 3rd party product can match that! Is this a 2" receiver, BTW?

[stevel0923]

Jason,

Are there anymore pictures of your hitch installation?

[budrichard]

I'm sure glad the dealer installed mine! Did you get the VOLVO plug? -Dick

[North Coast XC]

Yes, having s mechanic install mine was worth the few bucks too.  As it turned out, he gave me a quote to do the work and stuck to it despite the fact he realized he had to take off the bumper and mud flaps after he gave me the quote and started. http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sneaky2.gif

[Hiro's XC]

My bad! Sorry for the lack of the write up. I'll get it together in the next few days. Yrp I have tons of photos and it is a PITA.

Jason