Volvo detachable tow bar electric hook up problem

pmwoodies17
pmwoodies17 Forum Participant Posts: 6
edited May 2019 in Caravans #1

Has anyone else had problems attaching the 13 pin electrical hook up to a detachable tow bar?

We have a dealer fitted Volvo detachable tow bar which works fine, but we really struggle to get the 13 pin electrical hook up in place. We've resorted to lying flat under the tow bar (great fun when its raining) but still takes ages to find the correct connection to enable it to turn. Once it's in place the electrics work fine. We've got a 2017 XC60 and a 2015 Unicorn Seville so know they are compatible. 

Any suggestions to resolve this problem and save our embarrassment would be very welcome!

Comments

  • IainM1970
    IainM1970 Forum Participant Posts: 170
    edited May 2019 #2

    I had the same issue on my 2nd Volvo, a 2016 V60 Cross Country, but fortunately familiarity meant I could attach it by 'feel' so to speak.  Fortunately my new XC60 has a much more accessible socket, as did my 1st Volvo.

  • pmwoodies17
    pmwoodies17 Forum Participant Posts: 6
    edited May 2019 #3

    Thanks for your response Iain. It maybe we just need to practice a bit more to get to the stage where it's familiar enough for us to do that! 

  • nelliethehooker
    nelliethehooker Club Member Posts: 13,644 ✭✭✭
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    edited May 2019 #4

    I have a 2017 XC60 with the same set up. I find that the easiest way to connect the 13 pin plug by standing to the right of the tow bar, when coupled up, and using my right hand to lift the plug cover and insert the hookup, with my left hand, with the flat to the left and then twisting socket clockwise. It did take a bit of practice but it works well now. I do have one of those aligning caps for the socket that I fit every time I unhitch, just to make sure that the pins are aligned correctly.

    Hope this helps, pmw.

  • pmwoodies17
    pmwoodies17 Forum Participant Posts: 6
    edited May 2019 #5

    Thanks nelliethehooker!! That technique makes sense and we'll give it a try tomorrow. We've been working from the left side so let's see if it's easier from the right. Much appreciated.

  • Wildwood
    Wildwood Club Member Posts: 3,582 ✭✭✭✭
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    edited May 2019 #6

    Never had the Volvo but I have had the problem. I carried a rubber mat in the car boot so I could kneel down on it when the ground was wet. Not really the best answer but it worked.

  • cyberyacht
    cyberyacht Forum Participant Posts: 10,218
    1000 Comments
    edited May 2019 #7

    A garden kneeler is softer on the knees than a rubber mat. Think awning pegs.

  • nelliethehooker
    nelliethehooker Club Member Posts: 13,644 ✭✭✭
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    edited May 2019 #8

    Hope that it worked for you, pmw.

  • pmwoodies17
    pmwoodies17 Forum Participant Posts: 6
    edited May 2019 #9

    Thanks wildwood and cyberyacht. Added problem in that the hubby has two replacement knees so it's me trying to get the hook up sorted!! Managed today after numerous attempts but I'm still not confident it'll work every time. I'll post in a couple of days but your responses are much appreciated.

  • pmwoodies17
    pmwoodies17 Forum Participant Posts: 6
    edited May 2019 #10

    Sorry should have said thanks to nelliethehooker too!!

  • bill
    bill Forum Participant Posts: 388
    edited May 2019 #11

    I have exactly the same problem with a dealer fitted Volvo detachable tow bar/electrics on my 2013 XC60 R Design AWD.  The 13 pin socket is not only recessed so that it can be hidden/covered but is set at an awkward angle and does not allow easy connection to the plug.  Haven't found a solution yet and am more use to a fixed tow bar with fully exposed and accessible socket. 

  • EasyT
    EasyT Forum Participant Posts: 16,194
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    edited May 2019 #12

    Thankfully always had a fixed towbar. Persevere Woodies wink

  • flatcoat
    flatcoat Forum Participant Posts: 1,571
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    edited May 2019 #13

    Use a mirror and with familiarity you will soon learn how to connect blind. 

  • EasyT
    EasyT Forum Participant Posts: 16,194
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    edited May 2019 #14

    Reminds me of an uncle. He ran a fish and chip shop and at the time always wore detachable collars on his shirt. He would stand in front of the mirror to fix his collar on but always did it with his eyes closed!

  • EmilysDad
    EmilysDad Forum Participant Posts: 8,973
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    edited May 2019 #15

    As it's a detachable I assume the socket is on a plate that pivots or swivels down to a more accessible position ..... you're not trying to plug in when the socket is in its hidden position? 🤔🤔

    Just asking ..... 😉

  • pmwoodies17
    pmwoodies17 Forum Participant Posts: 6
    edited May 2019 #16

    Thanks everybody. You're a helpful crowd on here for a first-time poster! Bill, ours is the R Design and it's exactly as you say. We've tried everything and sometimes we're lucky, sometimes we're not. Mollysmummy, the electric hook up is in a fixed position under a black cap, and it needs agile slim fingers to hold the cap up whilst trying to get the other part in. When we're back home we'll try resetting it to see if that helps (don't want to risk taking it apart away frome home). I'll post the results in due course.

  • flatcoat
    flatcoat Forum Participant Posts: 1,571
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    edited May 2019 #17

    My Passat is very similar set up however it has become easier with time and can now to do it almost single handed. My previous Audi had a pivot down socket which did help. I also have a soft kneeling mat to save the knees whilst connecting...  

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