Best Towing Setup for a 2018 Volvo XC90

Question

Question:

Hello Etrailer Team, Im currently stationed in Germay, My 2018 Volvo XC90 is US spec and willing to install a trailer hitch with wiring haness to tow Euro spec caravan 2018 Dethleffs 495QSK. I also want to install a trailer hitch W/ wiring harness that can be used both in Euro and U.S. Which part do you recommend? Is wiring harness converter required? what is difference of hitch height between EU and U.S.? Thanks

asked by: JK

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

For your 2018 Volvo XC90, I recommend using the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver part # C53HR because this trailer hitch unlike the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver part # C13233 will not require any drilling into the frame which is not exactly something most want to do on a brand-new vehicle. The install process will be a bit more challenging but the limited vehicle modifications makes it well worth your while. We also have an install video of this hitch which I have attached for you as well.

In order to then couple the trailer to your newly installed trailer hitch you will need both a ball mount and hitch ball. For this, I recommend using the Convert-a-Ball Adjustable-Height Ball Mount part # TK5007 because it has multiple adjustment slots to ensure the trailer is towed level with the 50mm Hitch Ball part # EH53C-C. For a trailer wiring harness, I recommend using the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness part # 118683 because it is nearly entirely plug and play which you can also see in the attached install video.

I did some research on you 2018 Dethleffs 495 QSK and it looks to have braked axles which means you are going to need to convert the above 4-way to a 7-way and then install a brake controller. For these two items I recommend the Universal Installation Kit part # ETBC7L with the Curt Echo Mobile Trailer Brake Controller part # C51180. The Curt Echo is wireless so no modifications to the tow vehicle will be needed once the 7-way is installed. You only need to run the black 12 volt power wire to the battery on the Universal Installation Kit.

Unfortunately, there is no easy way to tow a trailer with a Euro trailer connector using a vehicle with a US trailer connector and certainly no way to switch back and forth. They do not make any sort of adapter for this to my knowledge and the only option I can offer you is to remove the Euro trailer connector from the trailer and install a US trailer connector. For this you are going to need both a converter box part # 118158 and trailer connector part # H20042.

On your trailer there should be the following wires:

Yellow: Left Turn Signal
Blue: Fog
White: Ground
Green: Right Turn Signal
Brown: Right Tail Light
Red: Brake Light
Black: Left Tail Light

When converting these wires for use with the US 7-way trailer connector you will need to make the following connections:

Euro Yellow = US Yellow
Euro Blue = Null
Euro White = US White
Euro Green = US Green
Euro Brown + Euro Euro Black = US Brown
Euro Red = US Red

In regard to hitch height, there isn't a standard for each country but the Convert-a-Ball Adjustable-Height Ball Mount has multiple adjustments so you shouldn't worry.

expert reply by: Conner L

1

Answer 1

I do have an option for you but your 2019 Volvo XC90 is not permitted for use with a weight distribution system like the Strait-Line Weight Distribution System. This is most likely due to how the trailer hitches for your XC90 like the Curt Trailer…

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Answer 2

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 3

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 4

The manual lockout on your Atwood 85778 surge brake coupler is there so that you can back up the trailer without the brakes locking up on you. Yes you can safely tow your trailer with the broken manual lockout, you just have to make sure you…

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Answer 5

I've never heard of an actual third brake light connector on a camper shell to plug in on a truck and we don't carry any parts to do that. The light generally needs to be hardwired into the truck's brake light circuit. The issue with this…

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Answer 6

Seal 171255UC has an inner diameter of 1.719 inches and outer diameter of 2.565 inches. A seal that has those dimensions would actually be #58846. I've added a link to a video review of this seal for you to take a look at.

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Answer 7

If your old axles have a 5 bolt brake flange the assemblies like Dexter Electric Trailer Brake Assembly - 12" - Left Hand - 6,000 lbs part #23-105 or Dexter Electric Trailer Brake Assembly - 12" - Right Hand - 6,000 lbs part #23-106 will…

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Answer 8

Brake systems are not dependent on the hub bolt pattern. So you can use the Electric Trailer Brake Kit #AKEBRK-7-SA for 12 inch hub/drums or #AKEBRK-35-SA for 10 inch hub/drums. Then use #10-1-1 wire sold by the foot for your brake magnet wiring.…

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Answer 9

While we may have an option for you, we do not have the exact specs on your Allis grease seal part number 5013 29772. However, with the 1.6" ID and 2.5" OD measurements you provides, that is very close to our #58846. This particular grease…

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Answer 10

Normal operating temperatures for drum brakes range from 150-400 degrees F. During certain stopping conditions the brake heat can exceed 600 degrees. The effectiveness and stopping power of the brakes is significantly reduced at these higher…

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Answer 11

If your current springs have 5 leaves then going to a 7 leaf spring will increase the height of the trailer a little and make the trailer more susceptible to sway. Regarding capacity if you go with springs rated higher than what is required it will…

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Answer 12

If you are needing the hub and drum assembly then you will want to go with the Dexter Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly #8-201-5UC3-EZ but if you are just looking for an idler hub then you will want part #8-213-5UC1 instead. These come with the correct…

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