Towing with an S60

[MadeInJapan]

Thanks- will check out U-Haul.

[MadeInJapan]

Still in the process of getting this done. Anyone who has done this, do you know if the U-Haul design has different size balls that can be swapped out?

[abscate]

I put a UHAul on my EV, it has a box receiver which will take a square post with either 1 7/8 or 2 inch hitch ball.

[MadeInJapan]

Awesome!! We are trying to figure out a good time to do all of this and drive to NC for the trailer and yard equipment.

[Yycvolvo]

I’m about to do a long trip with my 2002 Volvo S60 from Alberta to Ontario to pick up a 16’ fibreglass boat on a pretty heavy duty trailer. Total weight to tow is approx 2900lbs. The car currently has about 280,000km on the odo. The trip is planned on the last week of October and is a 6700km round trip, from 3600’ above sea level to 200’ and back up with the boat/trailer. I’ll post an update afterwards to document the journey, including fuel economy and any issues encountered, because a quick google search shows almost nothing about these cars towing much of anything, especially long distances. I just installed a Curt Mfg hitch and wiring this afternoon.

[Yycvolvo]

Did a test run last week to haul some stuff to the landfill. On the way out, the scales showed me that I was hauling 455kg in this 5'x9' Uhaul trailer. The car had plenty of power, and the brakes held up well also. I did not measure the fuel economy this time as I only drove like this for about 150km. Leaving next week to pick the boat up in Ontario.

[Blacklab467]

Should be an interesting trip, just make sure of a couple things: tongue weight should be 9 to 15 percent of trailer weight so about 300lbs. This will be extremely important with a trailer that heavy. Also trailer brakes will be required for any trailer over 2000lbs or greater than half the tow vehicle weight, you're not putting the boat on that U-haul trailer are you?

[- Pete -]

I was wondering the same thing - those galvanized 5x9 uhaul trailers are heavy unloaded. I once towed that exact trailer with a 1,500lb 6x6 Polaris ATV in it, a plow, & a few other odds and ends. It definitely felt like the car (04 XC70) was maxed out, but I was within the limitations (barely).

I have towed some pretty hilarious/embarassing stuff with our high mile 04 XC70. You definitely don’t want to overlook your braking ability and also the gusto with which you go after uphill ascension.

That’s a lot of elevation change you’ll encounter over the course of your 3,350 km drive home. I’d pray for driving prudence and extra turbo cooling from the divine Creator. Might want to start the trip off with fresh ATF also.

[volvolugnut]

Trailer towing should always follow the 3 S's. Sane, sober and slow. Extra distance behind others. Accelerate, brake and turn slowly.
volvolugnut

[abscate]

When I roll the big boat I keep it at 60 and in the slow lane. Big space in front of me