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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
•
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-
•
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-
•
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
•
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.
•
The trailer's brakes must be balanced with
•
the vehicle's brakes to help ensure safe
stops (follow applicable local regulations).
NOTE
To facilitate towing a trailer in a vehicle
equipped with pneumatic suspension*,
select: the
Suspension Control
Dynamic
setting in Individual drive mode.
STARTING AND DRIVING
CAUTION
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 chains or wire must be correctly
fastened to the attachment points pro-
vided in the trailer hitch on the vehicle.
The safety chain or wire must never be
fastened to or wound around the tow-
ing ball.
NOTE
The optional detachable trailer hitch may
not be available in all markets or on all
models. Consult your Volvo retailer.
* Option/accessory.
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