1. Home
  2. Club Together
  3. Discussions
  4. Towcars & Towing
  5. Towbar Electric Socket Fitted Facing Downwards

Towbar Electric Socket Fitted Facing Downwards

trev864 replied on 13/10/2018 16:34

trev864 profile picture Member

trev864

Posted on 13/10/2018 16:34

I have just had a Tow Trust detachable tow bar fitted to my 2015 Volvo XC60.

The 13 pin socket faces vertically down towards the road surface instead of facing directly backwards. All other cars I have had, has had the sockets facing backwards

My fitter insists that this is correct (it may be having looked at the fitting instructions) but it seems odd to me.

It obviously puts the cable closer to the road surface but I also am concerned if it would cause more damage fitted how it is should (god forbid) the caravan become detached from the car.

Has anyone else had this or questioned it?

14 replies

Follow

lornalou1 replied on 14/10/2018 11:22

lornalou1 profile picture

lornalou1

Caravanner from Lancashire
Posted on 14/10/2018 08:12 by richardandros

The socket on my Touareg (which was dealer fitted) is attached to the rear valance and as a consequence is pointing about 45 degrees downwards.  Not ideal by any means but I have got used to it. I also experienced a problem with the cable dragging on the ground when I first used it, but fortunately I spotted it before any real damage was done. I now have a bit of string around it which I tie to the ATC handle, having allowed enough slack for turning etc.

Posted on 14/10/2018 11:22

wow, my ATC hasn't got a handle and I do believe nobody has unless you mean the Alko hitch clamp handle. The thing that makes me think about if socket points down is it would make the cable a little shorter and risk damage if/when taking sharp turns.

JVB66 replied on 14/10/2018 11:33

JVB66 profile picture Member

JVB66

Caravanner from Hertfordshire
Posted on 14/10/2018 08:12 by richardandros

The socket on my Touareg (which was dealer fitted) is attached to the rear valance and as a consequence is pointing about 45 degrees downwards.  Not ideal by any means but I have got used to it. I also experienced a problem with the cable dragging on the ground when I first used it, but fortunately I spotted it before any real damage was done. I now have a bit of string around it which I tie to the ATC handle, having allowed enough slack for turning etc.

Posted on 14/10/2018 11:33

I think you need to go back to your dealer and get them to fit your socket correctly or pay for a specialist towbar company,to install it correctly,our car dealer say we will not fit towing equipment to any of the vehicles we sell as that is not our policy we pay to have them done by the profesionals as they understand, rather than the few we may install

richardandros replied on 14/10/2018 11:46

richardandros profile picture Member

richardandros

Caravanner from East Yorkshire
Posted on 14/10/2018 11:22 by lornalou1

wow, my ATC hasn't got a handle and I do believe nobody has unless you mean the Alko hitch clamp handle. The thing that makes me think about if socket points down is it would make the cable a little shorter and risk damage if/when taking sharp turns.

Posted on 14/10/2018 11:46

Sorry - you're correct but you know what I meant. No it doesn't make the cable shorter - if anything it's too long already.  That's why, when I secure it, I always make sure there's a big enough loop to enable turning - as I said originally.

richardandros replied on 14/10/2018 11:52

richardandros profile picture Member

richardandros

Caravanner from East Yorkshire
Posted on 14/10/2018 11:33 by JVB66

I think you need to go back to your dealer and get them to fit your socket correctly or pay for a specialist towbar company,to install it correctly,our car dealer say we will not fit towing equipment to any of the vehicles we sell as that is not our policy we pay to have them done by the profesionals as they understand, rather than the few we may install

Posted on 14/10/2018 11:52

I'd be interested to know what "correctly" is. It's a swan-neck tow bar, so there's nothing to attach a bracket for the socket to. It's actually a very neat installation - it should be since it cost over £1200 for the tow bar and electrics.

Interestingly, my previous Touareg had the socket fitted in exactly the same place, so I am assuming that it is fitted "correctly".

As far as using a third party fitter is concerned - that wasn't an option on a brand new car because of the warranty implications.

Where the socket is, is no big deal - just slightly inconvenient.

near Malvern Hills Club Campsite Member photo by Andrew Cole

Book a late escape

There's still availability at many popular UK Club campsites - find your perfect pitch today for a last minute trip!

Book now
Woman sitting in camping chair by Wastwater in the Lake District with her two dogs and picnic blanket

Follow us on Facebook

Follow the Caravan and Motorhome Club via our official Facebook page for latest news, holiday ideas, events, activities and special offers.

Photo of Wast Water, Lake District by Sue Peace
Visit Facebook