Towing a caravan/trailer
Hints for owners of caravans and trailers
•
Only approved towing brackets should be used.
In order to maximise the strength of the towing eyelet, reinforce-
ments must be mounted on the rear side member.
Information on approved types can be obtained from your Volvo
dealer. The Volvo-designed towing brackets have been tailor-made
for your particular Volvo model and any Volvo dealer will assist
with installation. To avoid unnecessary wear, clean the towing
bracket regularly and grease the towbar ball* and towbar ball pin
on detachable towing brackets).
Note: Bear in mind that the bumpers are designed to absorb impacts
and consequently should not be used to mount towing brackets.
•
Your car can be equipped with Nivomat, an automatic level regu-
lating system attached to the rear suspension and whose function
it is to compensate for load variations. The Nivomat system oper-
ates when the vehicle is in motion. When the engine is switched
off, the rear of the vehicle will droop if you are carrying a lot of
luggage in the boot or if the vehicle is hitched to a caravan or trailer,
but as soon as you start driving the Nivomat system will pump up
the rear suspension to the most suitable level.
•
Increase tyre inflation pressure to the appropriate level for full
load. Refer to the table on 4:3 or the rear cover of this owner's
manual.
•
Note that current for the trailer socket cannot be taken from just
anywhere in the car's electrical system as this could cause the bulb
failure warning system to operate.
•
Do not tow a heavy trailer when your car is completely new.
Wait until it has been driven at least 600 miles (1000 km).
•
Brakes are subject to considerable strain on long, steep descents.
Change down to a lower gear and adjust your speed.
•
For cars with automatic transmission, refer to 3:9 for further special
instructions.
•
As the engine is under greater strain when towing a trailer the oil
must be changed more often, see page 7:7.
Remember that the cooling system and engine can overheat if they
are put under more strain than usual, see page 3:9.
•
The maximum permitted trailer weight for an unbraked trailer
is 1500 lb (700 kg).
•
The maximum permitted trailer weight for a trailer with
brakes is 3500 lb (1600 kg), at a maximum speed of 50 mph
(80 km/h). If you live in a hot climate the trailer weight must not
exceed 3200 lb (1500 kg).
Note: the above max. weight and speed limits are imposed by
VOLVO CAR CORPORATION.
Bear in mind that national legal requirements may limit both
weight and speed even further.
•
Distribute the load in the trailer so that the weight acting on the
towing bracket is approx. 110 lb (50 kg) for trailers up to 2600 lb
(1200 kg) and 165 lb (75 kg) for trailers above 2600 lb (1200 kg).
Note that the weight of the towing bracket (50/75 kg) is included in the
permitted load and that the load in the boot may have to be reduced so
that axle loads and/or total weight are not exceeded when towing a
trailer.
•
Avoid driving with trailer weights in excess of 2600 lb (1200 kg)
on inclines which are steeper than 12%.
Inclines of 15% and more should not be negotiated with a trailer.
The load on the driven front wheels may be so low that they begin
to spin and make further progress impossible.
It is not always possible to keep the car and trailer at a standstill
with the sole help of the handbrake, with the result that the wheels
may begin to slip on the road surface.
*Does not apply when using a ball socket with a built-in swing damper.
WARNING!
Observe the towing recommendations carefully. Otherwise your car
may become very difficult to steer and control, placing your safety
and that of other road users at risk.
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