Best Towing Setup for a 2018 Volvo XC90

Helpful Expert Reply:

For your 2018 Volvo XC90, I recommend using the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver part # 76194 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 regards 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.

helpful expert reply by: Conner L

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