Towing A Trailer - Volvo XC 70 Owner's Manual

Introduction
Volvo recommends the use of Volvo trailer
hitches that are specially designed for the
vehicle.
NOTE
See page 385 for the maximum trailer and
tongue weights recommended by Volvo.
•
Observe the legal requirements of the
state/province in which the vehicles are
•
All Volvo models are equipped with
energy-absorbing shock-mounted bump-
ers. 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 considera-
tion:
•
Increase tire pressure to recommended
full pressure. See the tire inflation table
on page 316.
•
When your vehicle is new, avoid towing
heavy trailers during the first 620 miles
(1,000 km).
•
Maximum speed when towing a trailer:
50 mph (80 km/h).
•
Engine and transmission are subject to
increased loads. Therefore, engine cool-
ant 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 opera-
tion.
•
Hauling a trailer affects handling, durabil-
ity, 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.
•
Remove the ball holder when the hitch is
not being used.
07 During your trip

Towing a trailer

WARNING
•
Bumper-attached trailer hitches must
not be used on Volvos, 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 author-
ized Volvo retailer for correct installa-
tion.
•
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 vehicle. The safety
wire should never be fastened to or
wound around the drawbar ball.
07
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