06 Starting and driving
Towing a trailer
06
159
Points to keep in mind when towing a
trailer
•When towing trailers without brakes, the
maximum permissible trailer weight is
1,700 lbs (750 kg).
•If necessary, redistribute the weight of any
cargo in the trailer to avoid excessive
weight on the trailer hitch.
•The maximum trailer weight listed in the
table for All Wheel Drive models, 5,000 lbs
(2250 kg) is only applicable when there are
not more than two occupants in the vehi-
cle, in the front seats, with a combined
weight of 300 lbs (135 kg), with no other
cargo in the vehicle.
•The maximum weight listed for Front
Wheel Drive models, 4,000 lbs (1800 kg) is
only applicable when there are not more
than four occupants in the vehicle, in the
front seats and second row of seats, with
a combined weight of 600 lbs (270 kg), with
no other cargo in the vehicle.
•Vehicles used for towing a trailer on a reg-
ular basis, or for long-distance highway
towing should be equipped with an auto-
matic transmission oil cooler and Volvo's
automatic self-leveling system for the rear
suspension. Consult your Volvo retailer.
•Volvo recommends the use of Volvo trailer
hitches that are specially designed for the
vehicle.
•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.
•Increase tire pressure to recommended full
inflation pressure. See chapter "Wheels
and tires."
•When your vehicle is new, avoid towing
heavy trailers during the first 620 miles
(1,000 km).
•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 con-
ditioner 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.
•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.
•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
•When parking the vehicle with a trailer
on a hill, apply the parking brake before
putting the gear selector in P. When
starting on a hill, put the gear selector in
D before releasing the parking brake.
Always follow the trailer manufacturer's
recommendations for wheel chocking.
•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).
12 Index
12
298
Rear seat entertainment..........................270
Rear suspension...................................... 284
Rearview mirror with compass.................. 83
Rear window defroster.............................. 74
Recalls, child restraints.............................. 50
Recirculation.............................................. 99
REDUCE SPEED........................................ 62
Refrigerant (A/C system)............................ 94
Refrigerator (XC90 Executive).................. 117
Registering child restraints........................ 50
Remote key.............................................. 125
replacing the battery........................... 127
Reporting safety defects
Canada................................................. 19
USA....................................................... 18
S
Safety defects, reporting
Canada................................................. 19
USA....................................................... 18
Safety locks, child.................................... 130
Seat belt..................................................... 20
Seats........................................................ 104Shiftlock................................................... 139
Side impact protection (SIPS) airbags....... 31
Sirius satellite radio.................................. 255
Snow chains............................................ 184
Snow tires................................................ 184
Spare tire................................................. 185
Spare tire – accessing.............................191
Spare wheel, lowering.............................191
Speedometer............................................. 58
Starting the car........................................ 139
Start inhibitor (immobilizer)...................... 124
Steering wheel lock.................................141
Stone chips, touching up......................... 204
Storage compartments............113, 115, 116
Studded tires........................................... 184
Sun visor.................................................... 87
Symbols, overview................................... 290
T
Tachometer................................................ 58
Tailgate
locking/unlocking................................ 128
opening................................................. 80
Tailgate wipers......................................... 219
Technician certification............................ 292
Temperature control................................ 100
Temperature gauge................................... 58
Temporary spare tire............................... 185
Three-way catalytic converter................. 289
TIME FOR REGULAR SERVICE................. 62
Tire inflation pressure table
Canadian models................................ 178
US models.......................................... 177
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) 195
Tires.........................................................172
age...................................................... 172
changing............................................. 191
changing from summer to winter........ 173
designations....................................... 179
improving economy............................ 172
inflation............................................... 175
inflation pressure, checking................ 175
