Volvo 2009 S60 - Manual (Page 143)

06 Starting and driving
Towing a trailer
06
``
143
Volvo recommends the use of Volvo trailer
hitches that are specially designed for the vehi-
cle.
• Maximum trailer weight recommended by
Volvo is: Trailers without brakes: 1650 lbs
(750 kg) Trailers with brakes: 2" (50 mm)
ball - 3300 lbs* (1500 kg), 1 7/8 " (47 mm)
ball - 2000 lbs (900 kg). Observe the legal
requirements of the state/province in
which the vehicles are
• 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.
Trailer towing does not normally present any
particular problems, but take into considera-
tion:
• Increase tire pressure to recommended
full. See section "Wheels and tires."
• When your vehicle is new, avoid towing
heavy trailers during the first 620 miles
(1000 km).
• Recommended hitch tongue load is: Trailer
weights below 2,650 lbs (1,200 kg) -
110 lbs (50 kg) Trailer weights above
2,650 lbs (1,200 kg) - 165 lbs (75 kg)
• 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 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.
• Avoid overload and other abusive opera-
tion.
• 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.
• 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 trained
and qualified Volvo service technician
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.
NOTE
When parking the vehicle with a trailer on a
hill, apply the parking brake before putting
the gear selector in P (first/reverse gear on
manual transmissions). Always follow the
trailer manufacturer's recommendations for
wheel chocking.