What is Correct Ball Mount for Draw-Tite 1-1/4-Inch Class II Hitch # 36445 for 1994 Volvo 940 Wagon

Question

Question:

Just bought this DrawTite 1-1/4 inch Class II receiver for my Volvo and have NO idea what else I need to go with it. I want to rent a utility trailer and the rental agent says it will need a 1-7/8 or 2inch ball to fit their trailer. I am not sure if that size ball will even attach to the receiver I bought. Help!

asked by: Carol

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

Thank you for providing your two photos showing the Draw-Tite hitch # 36445 that you have acquired for use on your 1994 Volvo 940 Series wagon.

I was able to confirm with my technical contact at Draw-Tite that this hitch (which incidentally is no longer manufactured) is a correct fit for your vehicle and is a Class II-rated hitch with a tongue weight capacity of 300-lbs and a gross towing weight capacity of 3500-lbs. (Tongue weight is a measure of the downward force on the hitch applied by the trailer and gross towing capacity is the maximum trailer weight allowable.)

Please note that your Volvo may have different capacities than the hitch; it is important that you do not exceed either the hitch rating or the vehicle rating when towing. If their limits are different then the lower of the two becomes the rating for the overall system. I was able to find some information online that indicates the vehicle has a maximum trailer weight rating of 2000-lbs and a maximum tongue weight rating of 165-lbs, but if you provide your VIN number to a local Volvo dealer they should be able to verify the exact capacities for your specific car.

You will also need to use appropriately-rated hardware to install the hitch. The hitch will deliver its rated performance only when installed as intended by the manufacturer. The parts required should be available at a local hardware store. According to my contact at Draw-Tite you will need eight grade 8.8 hex-head bolts in size M12 x 1.75 x 40 and also eight lock washers and eight flat washers. Nuts are not needed as these are part of the vehicle frame where the hitch attaches. You will need to torque the bolts to 58-ft-lbs; this requires a torque wrench. A local auto mechanic shop should have this tool or you can buy one if you intend to install the hitch yourself. If you intend to hire a shop to do the install be sure to give them the torque spec of 58-ft-lbs.

The ball mount you referenced, part # 36051, is indeed the correct ball mount. This part includes the necessary pin and clip to secure the ball mount to the hitch. You can use Tow Ready 2-inch hitch ball # 19258. The nut that secures the hitch ball should be torqued to 160-ft-lbs.

Towing a trailer also requires wiring to send tail, brake and turn light signals from the tow vehicle to the lights on the trailer. If your Volvo already has a working 4-pole flat trailer connector then you are all set, but if not you will need to install a trailer wiring harness, part # C59236. Installation of this kit is shown in the linked video and written instructions.