Tow bar poll

Ernie · Post by **Ernie** » Fri Feb 06, 2004 9:52 am

My 480 is equipped with a tow bar, which I have never used. Being the second owner of this car I can't be blamed for this accessory and because it is detachable it does not look too bad (but it is another thing to say it is stylish).

What is your opinion on this? And do you have or want such a piece of iron?

Ben Harris · Post by **Ben Harris** » Fri Feb 06, 2004 10:14 am

I had one fitted to my 480 when I first got it, but I've taken it off as I never intended to use it, and don't think it suited the styling of the car. After my 480 was lowered, it certainly didn't look right, and probably wouldn't have been able to tow anything anyway! At least yours is detachable though - mine was an aftermarket one.

There was someone advertising a second hand, non-original Volvo one, a while ago. They wanted about Â£100 for it, which I thought was a bit (very) steep!

Ben.

dragon · Post by **dragon** » Fri Feb 06, 2004 11:00 am

had one fitted to my second 480 whenI got it, but I had to have it removed becase all of a sudden it started failling the MOT because the ball slightly obscured the reg plate

Passed for many years before.

I don't think the 480 is made for towing anyway...

MatBat · Post by **MatBat** » Fri Feb 06, 2004 3:28 pm

I have seen one 480 with a towbar (at the breakers) it just looked wrong, what could you tow with a 480 anyway? (unless it was deisel

)

Website · Post by **coyote1980** » Fri Feb 06, 2004 4:36 pm

Here in Holland yuo must have a tow-bar!

It's almost tradition

I even know of jokes made by radio-stations where they call a kwik-fit dealer and pretend to own a Ferrari and say they want a tow-bar under it

, always great to hear a response to that.

But back on topic: being dutch both my 1987 had and 1996 ES has a tow-bar! (OK, fitted by previous owner, but tow-bar is towbar

)

Sophie · Post by **Sophie** » Fri Feb 06, 2004 5:16 pm

I've got one on mine, but I don't think I'll use it. I would only need a towbar for towing the horses, but as I havn't got a trailer, it won't be used...and we've got a 760 for towing !
480's aren't made for towing.
But I might keep mine just incase someone wants to drive up the back of me...
N.B. French drivers are no good...well in the Charente Maritime anyway...

chris1roll · Post by **chris1roll** » Fri Feb 06, 2004 7:39 pm

not sure what you could tow with a 480, maybe a small box trailer, anything larger and the car is far too light, the clutch would last 2 minutes, and getting it to stop again may prove tricky. thats why i have the 740, its designed to handle it.

David Thornber · Post by **David Thornber** » Fri Feb 06, 2004 8:27 pm

Had one on the first 480 I ever owned, fitted by its previous owner. Was useful for towing small trailer of rubbish to local tips, but that's about it. Also handy for rear end shunts, was in my dads old Rover with towbar, going to college when a Metro decided to impale itself. I thought it was very funny as I suffered no damage apart from a twisted electrical socket, can't say same for the other car. That was in the days before metros had turned into rust buckets. 1987 - yes I know I'm getting on now!

Renter · Post by **Renter** » Sat Feb 07, 2004 7:08 am

I am looking for a tow bar for a while now, need it for a motorcycle trailer.
I am in Holland if anyone wants to part with his tow bar for a reasonable price let me know.

Rgds, Renter

volvofox · Post by **volvofox** » Sat Feb 07, 2004 8:21 pm

hey yes, a trailor hitch please ! I am also looking for a front and rear electro hydraulic 3 point hitch, catagory II, a 3 valve double electro-hydraulic valves (SCV's) and a 3 gear front and rear pto please, also common rail tech, four valves per cylinder, electronic steered fuel pump "constant power" dependant of electronic controlled parameters "vario" hybrid mechanic/hydraulic constant variable gear box, GPS etc. etc.

Only kidding, but I wish sometimes our car was as technological advanced as a modern tractor.

I don't think you must be so prejudged about a trailor hitch !

I think if you think its ugly this is your problem between your ears, It has numerous safety advantages, and it comes handy.

You just have to hitch on a trailer that suits a 480, like a small caravan, a one horse trailor or similar small and light one axle trailors..

I think the clutch is (must be!) tough enough to whitstand. A small disadvantage is however there is not enough torque in petrol engines like ours in the low revs.(unlike diesel) the engine will stall, you must drive a way with a "slipping clutch" keeping it half engaged. this is bad., so try to prevent this.

so nothing is impossible...

again, i find it to be a pitty i haven't got one.

Renter · Post by **Renter** » Sun Feb 08, 2004 9:46 am

Can somebody post some piccies of the towing hitch installed on their 480.
Pref. some detail pics of rear and underside.

Rgds, Renter

volvofox · Post by **volvofox** » Sun Feb 08, 2004 1:57 pm

@ renter: refer the partsbook ???? (downloadable on dragon's site )

Volvo 480 Club Europe

Tow bar poll

Is your 480 equipped with a tow bar?

Tow bar poll