I am considering keeping this 2004 V70 Wagonfor awhile, I want to add a trailer hitch with proper wiring. There will be occaisional use of a trailer with brakes. The loads will be well within allowable standards.

The dealer quoted approximately $950 to install the wiring and hitch. This seems way out of line.

Any recommendations?

John

 

https://volvoforums.com/m_64058/tm.htm
That post discusses myexperience with adding a tow hitch to my '99 V70. I used www.etrailer.com to get a "Hidden Hitch" based on a friend's recommendation. It came with directions specific to my car (which was part of the reason he recommended it), so it was pretty clear how to add it (although I was a little timid at first with enlarging a hole in the frame to add a bolt).

As for the lighting, I went with something like this: http://www.etrailer.com/pc-VWH~18252.htmwhere I using the wiring diagram from my Haynes manual to figure out which wires were for which lights and then clipped them together. It was also very easy and hides under the plastic casing and carpeting in the back of the wagon.

Oh yeah, I think I did it all for under $200... and one Saturday morning (maybe 1-2 hours at most).

Good luck!

 

04 V70 my suggestions is use the OEM harness... after market hitch is fine... If OEM harness not in use can cause numerous electrical problem if not wired properly (example: tapping into wiring behind bulbs <most instructions on aftermarket harness would suggests&gt there is at trailer wiring harness connector beside spare tires for hooking up the trailer wirng harness. If u know which is which and have proper wiring diagram u can hook up after market harness to that but for that much trouble just buy the harness from dealer since it is simple plug and play. one last thing... if u use the OEM harness anconversion harness may be needed to hook up to trailer connector. hope that helps

 

Does the factory wiring harness provide the signal for an electronic brake control module for trailers that have their own braking system? I'm trying to figure out if the V70 has the braking system wiring built into that harness like some cars/trucks do. I read in the manual that if towing over 1500 lbs they recommend you use a trailer with brakes. I thought maybe the car had the signal lines already in there.

 

I have the Volvo installed 4 wire trailer harness. it only works lights, stop lights and turn signals. I’m having to convert to a 7 wire harness which means I need to add a power wire to work the brakes. (the Scamp trailer comes with a 7 wire connector to work the electric brakes.). Has anyone gone 4 wire > 7 wire trailer plug?

 

check out e-trailer.com to see if they sell an adaptor kit. You may need to wire into a relay capable of handling the amps required by the brakes.