Volvo XC40 2019 Owner's Manual page 406

STARTING AND DRIVING
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The ball mount must fall within the geometric
limits for the towbar, for both distance
height . Geometric limits are described on a
type plate located on the towbar.
Related information
Driving with a trailer (p. 404)
•
Towing capacity and tongue weight
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(p. 600)
404
Driving with a trailer
There are a number of things to consider
when towing a trailer, such as the towbar, the
trailer and how the load is distributed in the
trailer.
Load-carrying capacity is determined by the
vehicle's curb weight. The total weight of all
passengers and any installed accessories, e.g.
towbar, reduces the vehicle's load-carrying
capacity by the corresponding amount.
Towbars used on the vehicle must be
•
approved for the applicable use.
Distribute the load on the trailer so that
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and
the weight on the towbar complies with
the specified maximum towball weight.
The tongue weight is calculated as part of
the vehicle's payload.
Increase the tire pressure to the recom-
•
mended pressure for a full load.
The engine is subjected to more load than
•
usual when towing a trailer.
Towing a trailer affects the vehicle's han-
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dling, durability and driving economy.
Do not drive with a heavy trailer when the
•
vehicle is very new. Wait until the mileage
has reached at least 1000 km (620 miles).
On long and steep downgrades, the vehi-
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cle's brakes are subjected to much more
load than usual. When manually shifting,
downshift and adapt speed accordingly.
Follow applicable regulations regarding
•
permitted speed and weight.
Drive slowly when towing a trailer up a
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long and steep incline.
The maximum trailer weights given only
•
apply to altitudes up to 1000 meters
(3280 feet) above sea level. At higher alti-
tudes, engine power (and thus the vehi-
cle's climbing ability) is decreased due to
the reduced air density, and the maximum
trailer weight must therefore be reduced.
The weight of the vehicle and trailer must
be decreased by 10% for each additional
1000 m (3280 feet) or part thereof.
Avoid driving with a trailer on inclines of
•
more than 12%.
Avoid overloading and other incorrect use.
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The trailer's brakes must be balanced with
•
the vehicle's brakes to help ensure safe
stops (follow applicable local regulations).