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saabstory
11-21-2001, 11:35 AM
I thought long and hard, especially after reading and talking with Darell (of vvspy.com and swedespeed.com fame) about his experiences. Darell as installed every hitch available for V70's, although his is a T5 and not a XC.

You can read about his trials at: <a href="http://www.darelldd.com/volvo/tow_hitch.htm

I" target="_blank">http://www.darelldd.com/volvo/tow_hitch.htm

I</a> decided to go try the DrawTite because of the differences between the T5 and XC's height and bumper size. I was betting that it would fit better on an XC due to the hitch's lower stance and the XC's bumper hangs lower than the normal V70. The bet paid off! the DrawTite receiver fits just about flush below the bottom edge of the bumper.

I was concerned that the Da'Lan wouldn't hang low enough, and that the receiver would stick out the back to far. So far, the DrawTite is great -- of course I haven't pulled anything yet. http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif I need to wire in the connector this weekend.

I'll get some pics to post as well. I didn't take any during the install because of all the grease and it was late when I finished. Actually, it was late when I started too. The install is very easy for the hitch itself. I did it solo, and it took less than an hour. It was basically taking out 4 existing bolts, fitting the hitch between the exhaust bracket and the car on one side and just holding it up to the holes on the other.

If anyone in N. America's interested, I bought my hitch from http://www.hitch-web.com . Those guys are very knowledgeable, helpful, and quick to respond to email.

--Adam

harden
11-22-2001, 08:47 AM
Adam-

I am very interested in doing the same. I remember all the headaches that Darrel had gone through and figured it wasn't really worth it (there was no way I was cutting my bumper, as I seem to remember Darrel posted) You made it sound almost easy. What is involved with the wiring end of it, is it just a plug in harness, or do you have to splice in?

Also, how much weight can you pull with a XC? One of my boats is a 13' Whaler that weighs about 1000 lbs. (boat motor and trailer) what do you think?

Thanks
dan

kw02blkv70xc
11-24-2001, 03:12 PM
Adam,

Thanks for sharing your experience on the DrawTite Install.

I recently purchased an '02 Black V70XC and thinking of installing a new tow hitch.

Your and Darrell's comments on the tow hitch installation are appreciated. I agree with you that the DrawTite might be the better installation for the XC.

I was wondering if you have the Part Number for the DrawTite unit you ended up installing. Is this the unit that will support a 1 7/8&quot; ball and 1 1/4&quot; Receiver opening?

By any chance do you have a pic of the DrawTite unit installed with the Ball adapter present? I would like to see how far the toungue extends out from the bumper, since you mentioned it might be a problem.

Any help you can provide would be appreciated.

Kevin


Update.... I think I've answered my own question!! I took the time to check out www.hitch-web.com and found the DrawTite listed for the 2001 model V70XC. The part number for the DrawTite is DT36297.



(Edited by kw02blkv70xc at 6:52 pm on Nov. 24, 2001)

kw02blkv70xc
11-24-2001, 04:05 PM
Adam,

I have another question concerning the setup of the V70XC DrawTite Tow Hitch.

What Electrical Connector did you end up buying? Did you purchase the DrawTite Electrical Connector part # T1CDT1817-18151,24109 or a Volvo specific Electrical Connector?

The DrawTite Electrical Connector unit looks like it will be a chore to install.

Isn't the V70XC pre-wired for a Volvo specific Tow Hitch Electrical Connector? I haven't had a chance to ask my dealer, but thought I might post the question here first.

K-


(Edited by kw02blkv70xc at 7http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif7 pm on Nov. 24, 2001)

saabstory
11-28-2001, 01:15 PM
K,

I didn't get a chance to take pics -- I had to jump on a plane and go &quot;cross country&quot; for business. I'll try as soon as I get back.

I did get the DrawTite electrical connector. I don't know how prewired the car is for the stock hitch/connector -- all I know is the look of the stock hitch scares me so I didn't even look into it. The connector install isn't all that hard. Just make sure you have a circuit tester -- the kind that look like a screwdriver with a point that can poke through insulation is great. I can help guide you to wire colors/function (there are too many yellow's though, so you'll have to poke around to get the right one) if you need.

--Adam

saabstory
12-02-2001, 11:31 AM
Here are some pics:

http://www.v70xc.com/pics/saabstory/hitch/1-500.jpg

http://www.v70xc.com/pics/saabstory/hitch/2-500.jpg

This is the underside attachment -- two bolts on each side:
http://www.v70xc.com/pics/saabstory/hitch/3-500.jpg

(Art, this is how i store my kayak too...)
http://www.v70xc.com/pics/saabstory/hitch/4.jpg

(edited for new picture locations)


(Edited by saabstory at 1:35 pm on Dec. 4, 2001)

coastal
12-03-2001, 01:56 PM
nice clean install adam. http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

I'll add these to the photo albums when I get a chance too.

This sort of information would be valuable as a more permanent fixture on the site. As mentioned in the past, I'll be adding a resource section of the site, and this would be a great addition... would you mind if I used it?

Maybe I'll contact good ole Darell to see if I can use some of his content too. http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

saabstory
12-03-2001, 02:35 PM
Coastal,

Not a problem. In fact, let me know when you host the files. If you send me their URL's I'll edit my message to point to them and delete from my other location.

I'm liking your idea for a resource section more and more each day... http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

--Adam

coastal
12-03-2001, 11:36 PM
Adam,

I reposted the photos here:
http://www.v70xc.com/pics/saabstory/hitch/

The tn named files are for the how to guide I'll be working on hence, just post the big ones named -500.jpg. http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

Thanks again for the submissions!

Art
12-04-2001, 01:42 PM
Thanks for posting those pics of your hitch install adam. Should be a great reference tool for those wishing to do the same. http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif BTW, I like the way you stored your yak...just like mine. :biggrin:

philip lindsey
09-26-2002, 09:28 AM
Based on Darell experience, I just bought the Da&#39;Lan for my XC. It should arrive today. &nbsp;I hope it hangs low enough.

philip lindsey
09-27-2002, 06:52 AM
Installed Da&#39;Lan hitch last night in 30 minuets with no problems. They supplied two more bolts for a total on three on each side. It looks great, all you can see is the receiver.

I&#39;ve got pictures, but can&#39;t figure out how to attach them.

coastal
09-27-2002, 10:12 AM
nice work philip.. wow, that&#39;s a quick install&#33;

You can only attach one file per post, as you&#39;ve probably figured out. Free free to continue posting, or email them to me at [email protected] and I&#39;ll get them into the galleries. I&#39;m a bit backed up right now but should have them up by the end of the weekend along with the rest of my updates. http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

to_jayson
09-28-2002, 05:33 AM
Hi folks, I found out that Volvo now made a hitch that actually resembles the other standard ones (Square receiver instead of round, 2&quot; opening).

I had it installed in San Antonio Texas before moving back to the homeland, and towed a U-Haul trailer from San Antonio to the Saguenay region in Québec (around 2000 miles/3300 Km).

I was very happy with it and Volvo did a good job installing it.

wiz
09-30-2002, 06:43 AM
philip, not to push you or anything ( http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif ), but I would be really interested in seeing your extra pics. http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

philip lindsey
10-01-2002, 08:11 AM
wiz:
Here&#39;s another picture.

coastal
10-01-2002, 08:54 AM
here&#39;s all three of his photos http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

/philip_lindsey/1.jpg
/philip_lindsey/2.jpg
/philip_lindsey/3.jpg

philip lindsey
10-01-2002, 10:23 AM
wiz
the extra bolts are important (three/side op.to two). &nbsp;look to the left of Adam&#39;s under side picture to see where the third bolt would go. &nbsp;Darell&#39;s photo clearly shows the three mounting holes in the bracket (and all three should be used). &nbsp;the DrawTite only has two. You&#39;ll also save 50.00.

phil

wiz
10-01-2002, 11:56 AM
phil, thanks so much (coastal too) for posting the pics. I knew the Da&#39;Lan had 3 bolts per side - I&#39;ve been comparing the specs.

From your middle picture, it looks like the receiver clears the bumper, correct? Is the ground clearance OK from your perspective? Darell had problems with the ground clearance of the DrawTite.

philip lindsey
10-01-2002, 01:18 PM
i&#39;ve blown up one of the pictures. &nbsp;cleance is not a problem.

philip lindsey
10-01-2002, 01:33 PM
wiz:
here you can see that the hitch is higher than the tail pipe

wiz
10-01-2002, 07:56 PM
phil, thanks for the great pictures and the advice. I was leaning toward the DrawTite but now I think I&#39;ll get the Da&#39;Lan.

It&#39;s clear from Darell&#39;s photographs that there is a big difference between the two with respect to ground clearance, and you need that ground clearance at the very back of the car because as you come off an exit cutout ramp the suspension pushes the back down. Hitch meets ramp&#33; http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif

One last question: what kind of electrical connector did you get?

philip lindsey
10-02-2002, 05:53 AM
wiz
I don&#39;t plan on towing anything that would block my tail lights, so I have not installed one. I will use this for a bicycle rack and pulling my other vehicles out of the snow. &nbsp;I might buy a small cargo rack. &nbsp;All this stuff (as you know) can be bought at: http://www.hitch-web.com/

They have a wiring kit for 59.82 (SKU#42604) and the hitch for 148.00. &nbsp;If you buy it all at one place you&#39;ll save the freight.

I had a hitch on the old T&amp;C van this replaced. &nbsp;I was wonderful to have if you ever do scrape the ground. &nbsp;It will sure take a lot more abuse than a Volvo rear skid plate and cost less to replace.

wiz
10-02-2002, 08:57 AM
Good point about the skid plate - I didn&#39;t think of that.

I think the Volvo skid plate is strictly for looks... http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif