2008 Volvo V70 Owner's Manual - Page 198

Load carriers are available as Volvo accessories. Observe the following points when in use: To avoid damaging your vehicle and to achieve maximum safety when driving, we recommend using the load carriers that Volvo has developed especially for your vehicle. Volvo-approved removable roof racks are designed to carry the maximum allowable roof load for this vehicle: 220 lbs (100 kg). For non-Volvo roof racks, check the manufacturer's weight limits for the rack. Never exceed the rack manufacturer's weigh limits and never exceed the maximum rated roof load of 220 lbs (100 kg). Avoid single-point loads. Distribute loads evenly. Place heavier cargo at the bottom of the load. Secure the cargo correctly with appropriate tie-down equipment. Check periodically that the load carriers and load are properly secured. Remember that the vehicle's center of gravity and handling change when you carry a load on the roof. 212 05 During your trip Cargo area The vehicle's wind resistance and fuel consumption will increase with the size of the load. Drive smoothly. Avoid rapid starts, fast cornering and hard braking. 213 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 274 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 250 and 251. 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.