My 2002 v70 came with a 1 1/4" hitch receiver. Can I remove that and install a 2" safely? I want to add a swingaway cargo box on the outside and the 1 1/4" capacity is only 125 lbs. the 2" is 200 lbs. What is safe for x-country trip?

 

I installed the Volvo hitch on my 2004 V70 and it is a 2" class III hitch. I looked for aftermarket hitches, but all were 1 1/4" and I wanted the 2".

The installation of the Volvo hitch is much more involved than the aftermarket hitches. Volvo specifies 3 1/2 hr of labor for doing it! The average aftermarket hitch can be installed by a professional in 1/2 hr. I figured out how to install the Volvo hitch without removing the rear bumper cover and without jacking up the V70, but it took me hours to do it. I use it to tow a light utility trailer. I have thought about getting a hitch mounted cargo box, but I think the rear springs would need to be assisted with helper springs to support any significant weight hung out over the rear.

If I were you, I would just use the hitch you have and work within its limitations. The V70 itself cannot safely support a 200 lb mass in a hitch mounted cargo box. Emergency avoidance maneuvers would be made much more difficult with a 200 lb mass hung out over the rear of the vehicle. If you want to use a hitch mounted box put light weight and bulky gear in it. Put the heavier stuff inside the vehicle and as close to the center as possible.

A roof mounted cargo box avoids the front-to-rear mass distribution problem of the rear hitch mounted box, but increases air resistance and of course can make the vehicle less stable to swaying and rolling.

It could be that a lightweight trailer would be a better option than a cargo box. Check out the 86 cu ft model of Gearwagon at Letsgoaero.com.

 

Thanks. I'll stick with what I have.

 

Greetings...I have a 2" receiver hitch mounted on my 2008 v70 for the purpose of carrying a cargo box. While I doubt that I've ever had an excess of 200 lbs on the rear hitch, I've noticed no adverse handling reaction whatsoever. The cargo box typically holds luggage with a cooler sitting on top of the cargo box. I travel with two rottweilers so there is no room in the car for luggage. A 2" receiver also facilitates attaching a bicycle carrier which the 1 1/4 " hitch does not. Just be aware of the vehicle gross weight. Good Luck!

 

Correction: my 2" receiver hitch states on a sticker "class 2". It was purchased from Volvo. Is your 2" hitch a Volvo branded one? How much time was required for installation?

It is reassuring that the 2008 V70 can handle a loaded cargo box on the receiver hitch.

 

The hitch I purchased was a "Curt" brand. The installation was a bit easier as the Volvo brand of hitch requires the moving of some muffler hangers. Both require some cutting on the bottom of the facia surround for the receiver. IIRC it took me several hours to install the hitch but I did spend time wiping down the interior area exposed after removal of the lower facia.Good Luck.