Driving With A Trailer - Volvo V60 2018 Owner's Manual

Driving with a trailer

When driving with a trailer, there are a number of
points that are important to think about regar-
ding the towbar, the trailer and how the load is
positioned in the trailer.
Payload depends on the car's kerb weight. The
total of the weight of the passengers and all
accessories, e.g. towbar, reduces the car's pay-
load by a corresponding weight.
The car is supplied with the necessary equipment
for towing a trailer.
The car's towbar must be of an approved
•
type.
Distribute the load on the trailer so that the
•
weight on the towbar complies with the
specified maximum towball load. Towball load
is calculated as part of the car's payload.
Increase the tyre pressure to the recom-
•
mended pressure for a full load.
The engine is loaded more heavily than usual
•
when driving with a trailer.
Do not tow a heavy trailer when the car is
•
brand new. Wait until it has been driven at
least 1000 km (620 miles).
The brakes are loaded much more than usual
•
on long and steep downhill slopes. Downshift
to a lower gear when shifting manually and
adjust your speed.
Follow the regulations in force for the permit-
•
ted speeds and weights.
Maintain a low speed when driving with a
•
trailer up long, steep ascents.
The maximum indicated trailer weight only
•
applies to heights up to 1000 metres above
sea level (3280 ft). At higher elevations, the
engine output and the vehicle's climbing abil-
ity are reduced due to the reduced air den-
sity, and the maximum trailer load must
therefore be reduced. The weight of the car
and trailer must be decreased by 10% for
each additional 1000 m (3280 ft) (or part
thereof).
Avoid driving with a trailer on inclines of more
•
than 12%.
NOTE
Extreme weather conditions, driving with a
trailer or driving at high altitudes in combina-
tion with fuel quality are factors that consider-
ably increase the car's fuel consumption.
Trailer connector
An adapter is required if the car's towbar has a
13 pin connector and the trailer has a 7 pin con-
nector. Use an adapter approved by Volvo. Make
sure the cable does not drag on the ground.
STARTING AND DRIVING
IMPORTANT
When the engine is switched off, the constant
battery voltage to the trailer connector can be
switched off automatically so as not to drain
the starter battery.
Trailer weights
WARNING
Follow the stated recommendations for trailer
weights. Otherwise, the car and trailer may be
difficult to control in the event of sudden
movement and braking.
NOTE
The stated maximum permitted trailer weights
are those permitted by Volvo. National vehicle
regulations can further limit trailer weights
and speeds. Towbars can be certified for
higher towing weights than the car can
actually tow.
Level control*
The car's system for level control endeavours to
maintain a constant height regardless of load (up
to the maximum permissible weight). When the
car is stationary the rear of the car lowers slightly,
which is normal.
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* Option/accessory.