Retractable hitch*

The retractable hitch is designed to be used to tow a trailer or mount a bicycle holder. The hitch can be easily retracted or extended as needed. When retracted, the hitch is completely concealed.

 Warning

Follow the instructions for folding in/out the towbar carefully.

 Warning

Do not press the operating button for the towbar if a trailer or accessory is attached to the towbar.

Folding out the hitch

 Warning

Do not stand near the center of the bumper behind the vehicle when folding out the towbar.
P5-1946-Swivable towbar and tow bar switch - US

Open the tailgate. There is a button for operating the hitch on the right-hand side at the rear of the cargo compartment. Steady orange illumination from the indicator light in the button shows that the folding function is active.

Press the button and release – pressing too long on the button may prevent the hitch from folding out.

P5-1917-step2 1/2-Semi electrical hitch folding
The hitch will fold out and down to an unlocked position – the indicator lamp will flash orange. The hitch is ready to be moved to the locked position.
P5-1917-step2 2/2-Semi electrical hitch folding

Move the hitch to its end position, where it will lock in place – the indicator lamp will glow steadily orange.

The hitch is now ready for use.

 Important

When the towbar is activated by pressing the button and put in unlocked position:

Wait at least 2 seconds before moving the towbar to locked position. If the towbar does not remain in locked position, wait a few more seconds and try again.

Do not kick the towbar.

Retracting the hitch

Open the tailgate. Press the button on the rear, right-hand side of the cargo compartment and release. Pressing too long on the button may prevent the hitch from folding in.
The hitch will automatically fold down to the unlocked position and the indicator light in the button will flash orange.
P5-1917-step2 1/2-Semi electrical hitch folding

Secure the hitch into position by pushing it back to its retracted position under the bumper, where it will lock into place.

The indicator light in the button will now glow steadily if the hitch is correctly locked in the retracted position.

P5-1917-step1 2/2-Semi electrical hitch fold in

 Important

When the towbar is activated by pressing the button and put in unlocked position:

Wait at least 2 seconds before moving the towbar to locked position. If the towbar does not remain in locked position, wait a few more seconds and try again.

Do not kick the towbar.

 Note

Power save mode will be activated after a short time and the indicator light will go out. The system can be reactivated by closing and then reopening the tailgate. This applies to both folding in and folding out the towbar.

If the vehicle electrically detects a connected trailer, the indicator light will stop glowing with a steady light. It will then not be possible to fold the towbar in or out.

 Important

Make sure that there is no adapter in the electrical socket or removable ball section mounted when the towbar is folded in.

Remove the bicycle holder from the towbar when it is not being used.

 Important

The towbar should always be folded in when it is not being used.

Hitch-mounted bicycle holder

 Note

The weight limits for trailers and towbar-mounted accessories differ. A separate limit applies for each. This towbar is only designed for towbar-mounted bicycle holders. All other accessories are not suitable.

Before mounting the bicycle on the bicycle holder, keep in mind that:

  • Do not mount more than four bicycles
  • The maximum weight for the bicycle holder including bicycles is 200 lbs/90 kg. For example: holder 40 lbs + 4 bicycles at 30 lbs each = 160 lbs total > OK

 Note

Volvo recommends only using Volvo original accessories. Follow the instructions supplied with the product.

 Important

  • Never use towbar adapters or towbar extenders.
  • Only use ball mount for towing. Do not mount accessories directly on the ball mount. Use accessories designed to be mounted in the towbar's square bracket. Do not use accessories designed to be secured around the ball mount
  • Never use a load basket.

Loading the bicycle holder

The greater the distance between the load and the bicycle holder, the greater the load on the hitch and on the vehicle.

Keep the following points in mind:

  • Mount the heaviest bicycle closest to the vehicle.
  • If possible, mount the bicycles symmetrically, as close as possible to the center of the vehicle.
  • Remove loose objects from the bicycle, such as baskets, batteries or child seats. This will help reduce the load on the hitch and the bicycle holder.
  • Do not place a cover over the bicycle as this could lead to increased load on the hitch.
  1. * Option/accessory.