1999 v70xc as tow vehicle?

v70xclace · Post by **v70xclace** » 10 Jul 2013, 08:03

We are preparing to transport a small kayak trailer from Chicago to Missouri and we were hoping to use the V70 to tow it. I've been looking around and it seems that there is only one style of hitch (a class II) that is for this car however, we were hoping to install a class III hitch on it (this one: http://www.diggerslist.com/sale/heavy-e ... III/93819/) is this possible?

any recommendations, suggestions, tips, tricks, etc are welcome

Thanks!!!

Post by **abscate** » 10 Jul 2013, 08:23

A Class III hitch is rated at >5000 lbs towing capacity which exceeds that of your V70. A typical small kayak trailer only weighs 200-300 lbs so a class I would be fine.

I tow small trailers, boats, and even a large boat with my V70 often.

If you want the 2 inch receiver capacity you can get that in a Class II.

I dont think you will find anyone who will install a hitch rated more than the car, for obvious liability reasons.

Post by **BEJinFbk** » 10 Jul 2013, 08:24

There's no class III hitch because the car
isn't designed to haul that large a load.

Post by **JRL** » 10 Jul 2013, 12:55

Make sure you put new transmission fluid in BEFORE you do this

Post by **jpr0204** » 10 Jul 2013, 13:43

+1 to what JRL said...

Also I would like to add to his post...

If you plan on traveling with this load behind you for quite awhile until you reach your destination, the addition of a small auxillary transmission cooler (that can be had for about $30-$40) which splices into your exsisting tranny cooler lines will do wonders for getting rid of the heat from the transmission while towing which will extend the life of your transmission tremendously since heat is the number one killer of transmissions.

- Joe

Post by **precopster** » 10 Jul 2013, 16:31

If it's high speed travelling and very little steep mountainous climbing you can omit the cooler. Transmission damage is done in stop/start conditions and hard acceleration at low speeds.

I would definiteley replace fluid.

I'd be more worried about choosing the right person to install the wiring as the '99s V70s were the first year with CANBUS.

v70xclace · Post by **v70xclace** » 11 Jul 2013, 05:42

Thank you all for your help!

Post by **abscate** » 11 Jul 2013, 05:46

Illinois to MO is pretty flat. A small kayak trailer is about the same load as three meat-eating adults.

For a one time longer flatlands trip, I would skip the cooler. If you were trailering your boat to Pikes Peak every weekend, I would get the cooler.

Some where I have the instructions for wiring my OEM Volvo hitch on my 1999 V70 - Ill see if that adds value and upload it

v70xclace · Post by **v70xclace** » 11 Jul 2013, 10:26

Thanks abscate! that would be helpful. the wiring part does make me nervous and my "guy" might not be able to fit us in :-/ I've done a little bit of wiring work before; it may be something I could handle (maybe not). I'm still not sure if we'll even go this route and not use a rental or something. But, so long as the car can handle it ( I THINK it can), it would be handy to have it outfitted with a hitch.