trailer hitch wiring & module for 2005 XC90

[gaxc90]

Just wanted to post my experience in trying to get trailer wiring installed on my 2005 XC90 for benefit of others contemplating doing this.
I installed a "Hidden Hitch" brand 2" receiver hitch on the car myself. Originally it was to be used only for a bike rack, but I later decided to install the wiring so as to tow a small utility trailer and a small personal watercraft trailer.
Not wanting to tear into the wiring harness myself, I went to several local hitch installation shops and all told me that since the car didn't come "pre-wired" for trailer towing I needed to get the parts from the Volvo dealer and have them install it. I called the dealer and they said they charged $279.00 to install the wiring (including parts)!!! Despite the cost I decided to let them do it anyway and took the car there. Upon seeing that the hitch I have was not an OEM "Volvo" brand hitch he said they couldn't install the wiring. The hitch I installed is specifically made for the XC90 and fits better than the OEM hitch which requires cutting the bumper. I asked the service rep what does the brand of hitch have to do with the trailer wiring and he mumbled something about the wiring mounting points not being like the OEM hitch so they were not allowed to install it. This simply doesn't make sense when looking at the hitch which came with mounting points.
I bought the OEM harness and module through autowebaccessories.com for considerably less than the dealer price and installed everything myself and saved about $150 on the installation.
Just wanted to let everyone know that this is not a difficult job to tackle if you have simple hand tools and patience. The installation instructions are a little intimidating at first because you need to remove several interior body panels to access the fuse block and vehicle electronic module. Once it is accessed however, everything is simply plugged in and the panels reinstalled in reverse order. There is no cutting, stripping or splicing of wires and it is really foolproof.
My local dealer charges over $600 to install the OEM hitch and wiring - I installed the hitch and wiring myself in my driveway for around $250 including all parts and it looks and works just like them OEM set - plus I didn't have to cut the bumper.
Hope this info is helpful.

[volvosafe]

I am curious where you got you aftermarket hitch and wires?

Also, what box do you install the wiring into? Thanks for the info!!

[flogsta]

Hello gaxc90,

thanks for the interesting article.

Can you provide some details which trailer hitch (and wiring) you bought? That would be great and much appreciated.

Thanks.

Flogsta