Trailer Hitch Experience

[wagonguy]

Here are a couple pictures of my application. I did not permanently mount the end of the wiring harness...instead I wedged it securely between the hitch and the bumper cover on the left side of the receiver.

[wagonguy]

Apparently my link to pictures did not work so I have attached them below.

[Art]

As an alternative to the Hidden Hitch, several members including Saabstory, have installed Drawtite hitches. You can view text and photos of Saabstory's completed install in the link below.

http://volvoxc.com/resources/how-to/hitch-install.php

[Golions]

I just recently joined this forum after purchasing an '02 Cross Country wagon.

I read all the posts I could find regarding installing trailer hitches and weighed the benefits of a factory vs an aftermarket hitch. I tend to be a do-it-yourselfer, but was a little intimidated about the effort involved installing a factory hitch. Consequently, I ordered a "Hidden Hitch" from hitchmart.com for $154 delivered and am extremely happy with it. It has a round tube and really hugs the chassis for a factory, professional look . The installation was real easy taking less than an hour with basic tools. I had several 2" receivers from previous vehicles, but this hitch came with a 1-1/4" drawbar, pin, clip and receiver cover . I then ordered a factory wiring harness (p/n 8698079) from autowebaccessories.com for $74.47 plus shipping, which plugged right into the pigtail in the car by the spare tire. The total cost was less than $240 and I am extremely pleased.

Thanks to all who have contributed previously regarding this topic. It was those posts that helped me solve my trailer hitch dilemna.

I have also purchased p/n 8698079. My 2003 has the electrical pigtail in the trunk area. It plugs in fine, but I can't get the lights to work. I just get a solid tail light reading. I read osmewhere that the Volvo needs to flash a setting on the car so it is recognized? Has anyone else had this problem?

Any input would be great.

Thanks.

[VWVespaVolvoinVA]

No, my 2004 (and others, so I've heard) needed no such flash or VADIS download to work.

[2004XC]

2 weeks ago, after my '02 V70 was totaled while parked in Boston, I purchased a 2004 XC with a Draw Tite hitch- no wiring.

I only tow a lawn trailer 4 times a year.

I want to purchase the OEM harness ( p/n 8698079) but not install it perminantly. Hope to attach it to the connector near the spare tire and run it outside closing the rear hatch over it when I need it.

Does anyone use the harness that way? Is there enough rubber gasketing around the rear hatch to not crush the harness wires? I checked last night using an orange extention cord (3 wire round) and I coud see some deformation in the orange jacket. The OEM harness looks to have some area with flat cables that might work.

THANKS