Hi Friends,

Long time lurker first time poster.
Need some assistance understanding what I have vs what I need. I can't find a definitive answer online anywhere.

Basically: I own a 2021 XC40 T5 AWD w/ the factory tow package.
---- As far as I can tell that gives me all the needed hookups to tow up to 3500lbs. Including the required 7 wire round plug (forget the name of these).

I just purchased a used 2010 Rockwood tent trailer. Weighs about 3000lbs dry. So all good here.
BUT because of the weight it does have electronic trailer brakes.

So the thing I don't understand, and what I'd like some guidance on (so I'm not swindled by a Hitch Shop sales person) is....

Do I need an additional brake controller for the trailer brakes?
As far as I can tell from wiring diagrams of the 7 pin it has a wire dedicated to the brake power.
Should that signal the brakes when I press the brakes?
What's the deal? Why doesn't Volvo say ANYTHING about trailer brakes or a brake controller on their site? No accessories?

Any help would be awesome!
Thanks

 

I have the same questions you have. Have you learned anything? I'm about to put the tow package on my xc60, but if the package doesn't control my trailer brakes I'm not sure it's worthwhile. Would love to know if you've found anything out. TIA!

 

Hi there, I was about to post a similar question, and am sad to see there are no useful responses on this thread.
Here's what I do know: the tow package is as you described-there is no brake controller integrated into it. I do wish that had been mentioned when I had mine installed. Also, the car is rated at 1500 lbs without electic brakes on the trailer, and 3500 with. My camper is about 2200 lbs loaded, and I assumed wrongly that the 7 pin plug out did control the electric brakes. So, now I have replaced my warped rotors, and am in search of a brake controller. I have to say that the car controls the camper very well-better than with our xc70 with brake controller, and as good as or better than a Honda Pilot before that. I think the tow package, which includes the tow module, is valuable in that regards, because the stabilization is much increased. However, as I mentioned, it's beyond pathetic that it is so difficult to elicit information about the installation regarding a brake controller. I had to do a deep dive, and also consult the dealer to discover that. From etrailer, I have learned that we can buy an indirect controller that mounts on the trailer and links to the car--an easy self install. It would need to be moved to a different trailer though, so installing a brake controller in the car is likely the most durable. My question revolved around best products for that option, so if you did move forwards, perhaps you can share what you did? Thanks!

 

Hi All,

Sorry for not responding. I totally forgot I posted this.

I ended up purchasing a CURT Echo Wireless brake controller.
Works perfectly!

I know it sounds a bit gimmicky, and its odd that it runs off an app on your phone, but it worked perfectly on 3 different camping weekends (all about 3 hour round trip).

Happy to answer any questions.

 

Thanks for your reply! And now anyone searching this topic has a solution. Interestingly, when I first looked into this, I did not find the Curt Echo listed on Etrailer, but now I do. Elsewhere on the forum, I saw a recommendation for one on an xc90, so I ordered one. It is good to know you've had success. There is no signal (voltage) at the blue wire on the 7 pin connector with the factory tow package, so I'm imagining the unit is taking power from the battery out, and....whatever. (The 7 pin connector requires a load to test it properly). But I was planning to test it to make sure, and you saved me that time--so glad the controller activates the brakes! And it seems handy to be able to store it somewhere dry to use only when we're towing. If you're managing 3000 lbs, that's great. I like the Rockwood line-solid stuff.

 

Hey there! Congrats on your first post! From what you’ve described, it sounds like your XC40 is all set up with the factory tow package, which should indeed include the 7-pin connector. However, to control the electronic brakes on your Rockwood trailer, you’ll likely need a brake controller. The 7-pin does have a wire for brake power, but it typically requires a brake controller to manage the brake signal properly. Volvo might not have it directly listed as an accessor but they sometimes offer compatible third-party controllers or can recommend one that works seamlessly with your setup. It’s worth double-checking there before heading to a Hitch Shop. Hope this helps!

 

Hi there,
Please read this whole thread! Yes, they are very cagey about revealing that you still need a brake controller. The Curt Echo does in fact work, and requires no installation. You will likely need to secure it better than with the strap it comes with. You can get it from them, etrailer (which verifies that it's the one for your car) or Amazon I believe. As I noted in my post, I blew my brakes towing our 2200 lb camper without a brake controller (it has brakes), so don't!
Stewart

 

I've done two hitches (one Curt, one Draw-tite. I wound up buying both on etrailer since their content really helped on the decision and install process. Not sure about the XC40 but it may have a dedicated fuse/circuit for the trailer electrics like Toyotas do :-) Plenty of detail out there so google around.

 

As I consider ordering a 2025 XC40, I have a more fundamental question: In the factory installed tow package, is the receiver 2” (class iii) or 1.25”?

 

factory hitch should be PN 31458009, Towing capacities are in the owner's manual plus you can you independent resources like etrailer.com to see your car's ratings.

 

Yes, you need an additional brake controller for the trailer brakes. The 7-pin wiring provides the connection, but your XC40 doesn’t have a built-in controller to activate the trailer’s electric brakes.