Towbar Electric Socket Fitted Facing Downwards
I have just had a Tow Trust detachable tow bar fitted to my 2015 Volvo XC60.
The 13 pin socket faces vertically down towards the road surface instead of facing directly backwards. All other cars I have had, has had the sockets facing backwards
My fitter insists that this is correct (it may be having looked at the fitting instructions) but it seems odd to me.
It obviously puts the cable closer to the road surface but I also am concerned if it would cause more damage fitted how it is should (god forbid) the caravan become detached from the car.
Has anyone else had this or questioned it?
Comments
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The chances are slim that your caravan will detach from your car, but if it did, I'd say the 13 pin plug will be the least of your worries.
I assume the socket is fixed. Maybe Tow Trust are just saving a couple of quid by not having a swing up & out of sight socket.
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Found this .... https://gttowing.co.uk/product/towtrust-rotating-socket-mounting-plate-/ maybe you could fit one?
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I too have never heard of a socket facing downwards, how can you see where the plug aligns and go in? Also won't it necessitate definitely being on your knees to achieve this?
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Yes you do have to get on your knees to fit the plug but once you know which way round it goes, thats not a problem. My concern was proximity of cable to the road. I also thought the plug was designed to pull straight out backwards should your trailer detach (assuming the socket is fitted in the normal way).
This is a photo of how the socket is fitted (there is a cover over the socket)
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you shouldn't really have to get on your knees each time you want to hitch up. Also one idea of a detachable tow bar and electrics is that you cannot see it when not needed? but that appears to visible and quite close to the ground. Mine swivels away under the bumper
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The socket on my Touareg (which was dealer fitted) is attached to the rear valance and as a consequence is pointing about 45 degrees downwards. Not ideal by any means but I have got used to it. I also experienced a problem with the cable dragging on the ground when I first used it, but fortunately I spotted it before any real damage was done. I now have a bit of string around it which I tie to the ATC handle, having allowed enough slack for turning etc.
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wow, my ATC hasn't got a handle and I do believe nobody has unless you mean the Alko hitch clamp handle. The thing that makes me think about if socket points down is it would make the cable a little shorter and risk damage if/when taking sharp turns.
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I think you need to go back to your dealer and get them to fit your socket correctly or pay for a specialist towbar company,to install it correctly,our car dealer say we will not fit towing equipment to any of the vehicles we sell as that is not our policy we pay to have them done by the profesionals as they understand, rather than the few we may install
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Sorry - you're correct but you know what I meant. No it doesn't make the cable shorter - if anything it's too long already. That's why, when I secure it, I always make sure there's a big enough loop to enable turning - as I said originally.
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I'd be interested to know what "correctly" is. It's a swan-neck tow bar, so there's nothing to attach a bracket for the socket to. It's actually a very neat installation - it should be since it cost over £1200 for the tow bar and electrics.
Interestingly, my previous Touareg had the socket fitted in exactly the same place, so I am assuming that it is fitted "correctly".
As far as using a third party fitter is concerned - that wasn't an option on a brand new car because of the warranty implications.
Where the socket is, is no big deal - just slightly inconvenient.
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