2008 VOLVO S80 tow bar

201 05 During your trip
Towing a trailer
Introduction
Volvo recommends the use of Volvo trailer hitches that are specially designed for the vehicle.
NOTE
See page 270
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 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 the tire inflation tables on pages 240 and 241.
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 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 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 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 trailer's brake system directly to the vehicle's 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.
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 authorized Volvo retailer for correct installation.
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.
202 05 During your trip
Towing a trailer
NOTE

When parking the vehicle with a trailer on a hill, apply the parking brake before putting the gear selector in P.
Always follow the trailer manufacturer's recommendations for wheel chocking.
When starting on a hill, put the gear selector in D before releasing the parking brake. See also page 117 for more
detailed information about starting off on a hill while towing a trailer.
If you use the manual (Geartronic) shift positions while towing a trailer, make sure the gear you select does not
put too much strain on the engine (using too high a gear).
The drawbar assembly/trailer hitch may be rated for trailers heavier than the vehicle is designed to tow. Please
adhere to Volvo's recommended trailer weights.
Avoid driving with a trailer on inclines of more than 15 %.
Trailer cable
An adapter is required if the vehicle's trailer hitch has a 13-pin connector and the trailer has 7 pins. Use an adapter
cable approved by Volvo. Make sure the cable does not drag on the ground.
203 05 During your trip
Towing a trailer
Detachable trailer hitch (accessory)
Installing the ball holder
1. If necessary, remove the cotter pin from the locking bolt and slide the locking bolt out of the hitch assembly.
2. Slide the ball holder into the hitch assembly.
3. Align the hole in the ball holder with the one in the hitch assembly.
4. Slide the locking bolt through the hitch assembly/ball holder.
5. Insert the cotter pin in the hole at the end of the locking bolt.
Removing the ball holder
1. Remove the cotter pin from the locking bolt and slide the locking bolt out of the ball holder/hitch assembly.
2. Pull the ball holder out of the hitch assembly.
NOTE
A cover for the hitch assembly is also included in the kit.

The tire suppliers may have additional markings, notes or warnings such as standard load, radial tubeless, etc.
Tire information placard: A placard showing the OE (Original Equipment) tire sizes, recommended inflation
pressure, and the maximum weight the vehicle can carry.
Tire Identification Number (TIN) : A number on the sidewall of each tire providing information about the tire
brand and manufacturing plant, tire size and date of manufacturer.
Inflation pressure : A measure of the amount of air in a tire.
Standard load: A class of P-metric or Metric tires designed to carry a maximum load at 35 psi [37 psi (2.5 bar) for
Metric tires]. Increasing the inflation pressure beyond this pressure will not increase the tires load carrying capability.
Extra load : A class of P-metric or Metric tires designed to carry a heavier maximum load at 41 psi [43 psi (2.9 bar)
for Metric tires]. Increasing the inflation pressure beyond this pressure will not increase the tire's load carrying
capability.
kPa : Kilopascal, a metric unit of air pressure.
PSI: Pounds per square inch, a standard unit of air pressure.
B-pillar: The structural member at the side of the vehicle behind the front door.
Bead area of the tire : Area of the tire next to the rim.
Sidewall of the tire: Area between the bead area and the tread.
Tread area of the tire : Area of the perimeter of the tire that contacts the road when mounted on the vehicle.
Rim: The metal support (wheel) for a tire or a tire and tube assembly upon which the tire beads are seated.
Maximum load rating : a figure indicating the maximum load in pounds and kilograms that can be carried by the
tire. This rating is established by the tire manufacturer.
Maximum permissible inflation pressure : the greatest amount of air pressure that should ever be put in the tire.
This limit is set by the tire manufacturer.
Recommended tire inflation pressure : inflation pressure, established by Volvo, which is based on the type of tires
that are mounted on a vehicle at the factory. This inflation pressure is affected by the number of occupants in the
vehicle, the amount of cargo, and the speed at which the vehicle will be driven for a prolonged period. This
information can be found on the tire inflation placard(s) located on the driver's side B-pillar or on the inside of the fuel
filler door on Canadian models, and in the tire inflation table in this chapter.
Cold tires : The tires are considered to be cold when they have the same temperature as the surrounding (ambient)
air. This temperature is normally reached after the vehicle has been parked for at least 3 hours.
247 06 Maintenance and specifications
Wheels and tires
Vehicle loading
Properly loading your vehicle will provide maximum return of vehicle design performance.
Before loading your vehicle, familiarize yourself with the following terms for determining your vehicle's weight
ratings, with or without a trailer, from the vehicle's Federal/Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards
(FMVSS/CMVSS) label, and the vehicle's tire information placard:
Curb weight
The weight of the vehicle including a full tank of fuel and all standard equipment. It does not include passengers,
cargo, or optional equipment.
Capacity weight
All weight added to the curb weight, including cargo and optional equipment. When towing, trailer hitch tongue load
is also part of cargo weight.
NOTE

Contact with the sealing compound may cause skin irritation. If contact occurs, wash the affected area immediately
with soap and water.
5. Unscrew the orange cover over the bottle holder and unscrew the cap on the bottle of sealing compound.
NOTE
Do not break the seal on the bottle. This occurs automatically when the bottle is screwed into the holder.
6. Screw the bottle into the bottle holder.
WARNING
The bottle is equipped with a catch to keep it securely in place and help prevent sealing compound leakage. Once in
place, the bottle cannot be unscrewed. This must be done by a trained and qualified Volvo service technician.
7. Remove the valve cap from the tire's inflation valve and screw the tire sealing system's hose connector onto the
valve as tightly as possible by hand.
260 06 Maintenance and specifications
Wheels and tires
8. Connect the electrical wire to the nearest 12-volt socket in the vehicle.
9. Start the vehicle's engine.
WARNING
The vehicle's engine should be running when the tire sealing system is used to avoid battery drain. Therefore, be sure
the vehicle is parked in a well ventilated place, or outdoors, before using the system.
10. Start the tire sealing system's compressor by pressing the on/off switch to position I .
WARNING
Never stand next to the tire being inflated when the compressor is in operation.
If cracks, bubbles, etc. form on the tire, switch off the compressor immediately.
If there is visible damage to the sidewall or the rim, the tire cannot be repaired. The vehicle should not be driven if
this occurs. Contact a towing service or Volvo On Call Roadside Assistance if applicable.
NOTE
The air pressure gauge will temporarily show an increase in pressure to approximately 88 psi (6 bar) while the
sealing compound is being pumped into the tire. The pressure should return to a normal level after approximately 30
seconds.
11. Within seven minutes, inflate the tire to between 22-44 psi (1.8-3.0 bar). Switch off the compressor briefly to get a
clear reading from the pressure gauge.

CAUTION
The compressor should not be used for more than 10 minutes at a time to avoid overheating.
WARNING
If the pressure remains below 22 psi (1.8 bar) after approximately seven minutes, turn off the compressor. In this
case, the hole is too large to be sealed and the vehicle should not be driven.
12. Switch off the compressor and disconnect the electrical wire from the 12-volt socket.
13. Unscrew the hose from the tire's inflation valve and reinstall the valve cap.
14. Immediately drive the vehicle for approximately 2 miles (3 km) at a maximum speed of 50 mph (80 km/h) to
distribute the sealing compound in the tire.
NOTE
Safely stow the tire sealing system in a convenient place as it will soon be used again to check the tire's inflation
pressure.
The empty bottle of sealing compound cannot be removed from the bottle holder. Consult a trained and qualified
Volvo service technician to have the bottle removed and properly disposed of.
WARNING
If heavy vibrations, unsteady steering behavior, or noises should occur while driving, reduce speed and park the
vehicle in a safe place. Recheck the tire for bumps, cracks, or other visible damage, and recheck its inflation
pressure. If the pressure is below 19 psi (1.3 bar), do not continue driving. Have the vehicle towed to a trained and
qualified Volvo service technician.
261 06 Maintenance and specifications
Wheels and tires
Stage 2: Checking inflation pressure
1. Connect the tire sealing system as described in stage 1.
2. Refer to the tables on pages 240 and 241
for the correct tire inflation pressure. If the tire needs to be inflated, start
the tire sealing system's compressor. If necessary, release air from the tire by turning the air release knob
counterclockwise.
CAUTION
The compressor should not be used for more than 10 minutes at a time to avoid overheating.
WARNING
If you interrupt your trip for more than 1 hour, check the inflation pressure in the damaged tire again before
continuing.