I own a 2006 XC90 with the V8 and will have the local dealer install the tow package (tow bar and wiring) shortly so that I can tow a small camping trailer (about 4,000 lbs). The problem I am running into is that the wiring that will be installed is for a 4 pin trailer connector (which doesn't send a signal to the trailer's brakes). They offer a 7 pin adapter but the obviously only aids in connecting to the trailer, not fixing the braking system.

The reason I am told to go to the dealer for the tow kit is that a firmware upgrade is needed for towing a trailer to get the lighting system to work properly. However, when I asked the service tech about controlling the trailer brakes he had no suggestions and mentioned that the dealership doesn't install third-party trailer brake controllers and didn't think highly of some other RV shop adding wires to the braking system and a brake controller.

When I asked the same tech what other people are doing to tow a trailer with the XC90 he said he didn't know and had never been asked the question.

Please help. Those of you that use your XC90 to pull a trailer with brakes what have you done to set up the wiring, the software and the brakes so that everything works properly?

 

I don't have brakes on my cargo trailer but what kind of brakes are on your camper; electric or hydraulic?

I would highly recommend going to a trailer "shop" to talk to them about your situation. I was under the impression that a brake booster control unit and harness is all you needed to add to your vehicle to operate your trailer brakes.

I had a look at my local shop and they sell this unit:http://www.cerka.ca/comersus7f/store...Product=150571 But do not list a harness for the XC90.

I'm curious to know what happens, keep us posted.
John.

 

Just curious...how is the towing working out? Does the XC90 have enough pulling power and is it a stable tow vehicle?

 

I pull a 5x10 cargo trailer that weighs about 2700 lbs with some tool in it. I've had about 3600 lbs worth of total weight in it and the XC90 performs flawlessly.
I have the V8 so there's plenty of power to pull up hill and accelerate on highways.
The rear end stays fairly level and rides greats. The photo is of the trailer with about 2900 lbs worth of equipment in there with a full tank of gas in the car (helps keep the trailer stable too). All this without trailer brakes too.

 

I've now had the hitch bar, wiring and brake controller installed and will use my xc90 for towing for the first time today. Everything seems to be going well so far. Since my trailer will weighs just below the 5,000 lb rating for the vehicle I have also added a cooler for my transmission.

Wish me luck.

 

Well; sounds like you're all set to take it out for a test spin.... let us know how it all goes.
What did you do for the brake controller(brand)? Was it dealer installed and was there any sort of modification required? Can you calibrate the brakes on the go?
Keep us posted (maybe some pics too) and good luck!

 

I'm interested in this also. I have been looking at XC90's to tow my boat. It's less than 3500 lbs, but with the boat I have to be able to pull up a wet ramp with a significant slope. I pull it great with a 4.3L Envoy so I would think the XC90 should be fine. I am looking strictly at the V8 model.

 

We've been towing our camper trailer for 2 weeks now and everything is going well.

Our local Volvo dealer wasn't very helpful giving suggestions on how to set up the wiring and break controller for towing a camper trailer with electronically controlled breaks. So we went to a local RV shop that had a good reputation and they installed the hitch bar, the wiring (with some contraption that adjusts for the European light system) and the break controller.

The controller they installed is the Tekonsha Envoy Brake Controller. This controller can be adjusted on the fly. It took one full trip to really get it set properly so that it engaged at the right times and then to ensure that the braking wasn't too much or too little.

The trailer is 26 feet long and weighs just under the 5,000 lbs (when fully-loaded with water, battery and propane) and has a tongue weight of 450 lbs. The V8 along with the manual shift feature on the Volvo XC90 pretty much meant that I was able to accelerate when needed and was able to tow at the speed limit on all but the steepest climbs. The rear leveling suspension that comes standard keeps the vehicle from lowering too much in the rear when the trailer is hitched-up.

I have also added an additional cooler to the transmission system to help ensure that the transmission fluid doesn't get too hot with the extra load.

If anyone was thinking of towing with a V8 XC90 I'd say that my experience has been positive so far. Just keep within the weight ratings.

BTW, the picture is a bit deceiving in that the trailer is a bit more nose down than it actually is. The ground under the Volvo and the trailer is not level.

For the bikers on the forum, the bike on the roof rack is a Gary Fisher hardtail 29er.

 

I would like check into towing a 14ft tent trailer with electric brakes with my 2008 XC90 V6 AWD with 20,000 miles still under warranty.The issue is it has no tow package so I will need to have it installed. Volvo will not install a brake controller assembly as this is 3rd party after market item but will install wiring and the module with software. Not sure if Ican have the brake controller installed elsewhere and maintain my full warranty or if we can bypass the electric tent traliler brakes. Has anyone installed a tow package on a 2008 XC90 after purchase? Any suggestions?

 

I pull a 3500lb boat with no problems. My trailer has surge brakes, so the 4pin connector worked fine. Easy install for DIY - got everything I needed here.

http://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hitc...cleid=20053890