Towing a trailer – Volvo 2005 C70 User Manual
Page 82

76
When preparing for trailer
towing, observe the following:
NOTE: Models with automatic transmission
are equipped with a transmission oil cooler as
standard equipment. This cooler helps prevent
overheating of the transmission during times
of increased load, as when towing a trailer.
Maximum trailer weight recommended by
Volvo is:
Trailers without brakes: 1100 lbs (500 kg)
Trailers with brakes: 2" (50 mm) ball -
3300 lbs (1,500 kg), 1 7/8" (47 mm) ball -
2000 lbs (908 kg).
Observe the legal requirements of the state/
province in which the vehicles are registered.
All Volvo models are equipped with energy-
absorbing shock-mounted bumpers. 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
consideration:
Increase tire pressure to recommended full.
See section Wheels and tires.
Recommended hitch tongue load is 110 lbs
(50 kg) for trailer weights below 2,650 lbs
(1,200 kg) and 165 lbs (75 kg) for trailer
weights above 2,650 lbs (1,200 kg). For
trailer weights between 2,650 - 3,300 lbs
(1,200 - 1,500 kg) a top speed of 50 mph
(80 km/h) should never be exceeded.
Engine and transmission are subject to
increased loads. Therefore, engine coolant
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 pointer
enters the red range.
Avoid overload and other abusive operation.
Hauling a trailer affects handling, durability,
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 trailers brake system
directly to the vehicles brake system.
More frequent vehicle maintenance is
required.
Remove the ball and drawbar assembly
when the hitch is not being used.
Volvo recommends the use of synthetic
engine oil when towing a trailer over long
distances or in mountainous areas.
NOTE: Refer to section Automatic
transmission for additional trailer hauling
tips.
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 trailers hydraulic brake
system directly to the vehicle brake
system, nor a trailers lighting system
directly to the vehicle lighting system.
Consult your nearest authorized Volvo
retailer for correct installation.
When towing a trailer, the trailers safety
wire must be correctly fastened to the
hole or hook provided in the trailer hitch
on the car. The safety wire should never
be fastened to or wound around the
drawbar ball.