2010 Volvo V70 Owner's Manual - Page 208

05 During your trip Towing a trailer Introduction Volvo recommends the use of Volvo trailer hitches that are specially designed for the vehicle. 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. WARNING • • If the automatic transmission begins to NOTE See page 273 for the maximum trailer and tongue weights recommended by Volvo. overheat, a message will be displayed in the text window. 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. • • • Avoid overload and other abusive operation. • Observe the legal requirements of the state/province in which the vehicles are • Hauling a trailer affects handling, durability, and economy. • All Volvo models are equipped with 05 • It is necessary to balance trailer brakes with the towing vehicle brakes to provide a safe stop (check and observe state/local regulations). 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: • Do not connect the trailer's brake system directly to the vehicle's brake system. • • More frequent vehicle maintenance is required. • Increase tire pressure to recommended full. See the tire inflation tables on pages 247 and 247. • 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. • 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 208