Volvo 2006 XC70, Owner'S Manual

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107
Towing a trailer
•
Remove the ball and drawbar assembly when the hitch is not being
used.
•
Volvo recommends the use of synthetic engine oil when towing a
trailer over long distances or in mountainous areas.
WARNING!
•
Bumper-attached trailer hitches must not be used on Volvo’s, nor
should safety chains be attached to the bumper.
•
Trailer hitches attaching to the vehicle rear axle must not be used.
•
Never connect a trailer’s hydraulic brake system directly to the
vehicle brake system, nor a trailer’s lighting system directly to the
vehicle lighting system. Consult your nearest authorized Volvo
retailer for correct installation.
•
When towing a trailer, the trailer’s safety wire must be correctly
fastened to the hole or hook provided in the trailer hitch on the car.
The safety wire should never be fastened to or wound around the
drawbar ball.
NOTE:
•
When parking the car with a trailer on a hill, apply the parking
brake
before putting the gear selector in (P)ark or reverse on
models with a manual transmission. Always follow the trailer
manufacturer's recommendations for wheel chocking.
•
When starting on a hill, put the gear selector in (D)rive before
releasing the parking brake.
•
If you use the manual (Geartronic) shift positions while towing a
trailer, make sure the gear you select does not put too much strain
on the engine (using too high a gear).
•
The drawbar assembly/trailer hitch may be certified for trailers that
are heavier than the car is designed to tow. Please adhere to Volvo’s
recommended trailer weights.
* When driving for prolonged periods at temperatures above 86° F
(30° C), the maximum recommended weight is 2000 lbs (900 kg).
When preparing for trailer towing, observe
the following:
Volvo recommends the use of Volvo trailer hitches which are specially
designed for the car.
•
Maximum trailer weight recommended by Volvo is:
Trailers without brakes: 1650 lbs (750 kg)
Trailers with brakes: 3300 lbs* (1,500 kg),
Observe the legal requirements of the state/province in which the
vehicles are registered.
•
All Volvo models are equipped with energy-absorbing shock-
mounted bumpers. Trailer hitch installation should not interfere with
the proper operation of this bumper system.
Trailer towing does not normally present any particular problems, but
take into consideration:
•
Increase tire pressure to recommended full. See section ”Wheels and
tires”.
•
When your car is new, avoid towing heavy trailers during the first
620 miles (1000 km).
•
Recommended hitch tongue load is:
Trailer weights below 2,650 lbs (1,200 kg) - 110 lbs (50 kg)
Trailer weights above 2,650 lbs (1,200 kg) - 165 lbs (75 kg)
•
Maximum speed when towing a trailer: 50 mph (80 km/h).
•
Engine and transmission are subject to increased loads. Therefore,
engine coolant temperature should be closely watched when driving
in hot climates or hilly terrain. Use a lower gear and turn off the air
conditioner if the temperature gauge needle enters the red range.
•
If the automatic transmission begins to overheat, a message will be
displayed in the text window.
•
Avoid overload and other abusive operation.
•
Hauling a trailer affects handling, durability, and economy.
•
It is necessary to balance trailer brakes with the towing vehicle brakes
to provide a safe stop (check and observe state/local regulations).
•
Do not connect the trailer’s brake system directly to the vehicle’s
brake system.
•
More frequent vehicle maintenance is required.