2000 Volvo S70 Towing Capacity

tjmartin317 · Post by **tjmartin317** » 28 Aug 2023, 14:01

Hi friends! Hope you're well.

I'm trying to purchase a mostly rust free body for my incredibly rusty VW, and there's a guy in New York that may have one. Now, I could make a separate trip to get it. Or I could grab it when I'll be "passing through" on my way to the New England LeMons Rally (late September).

So what does that have to do with my S70? Well, when I asked Google about towing capacity, it gave a generic answer of 3,300lbs... if this is true, it's life-changing, because I've always wanted a tow rig. But I have my doubts. So I wanted to ask experts here. I do have stiffer springs from IPD that I can install (the blue ones, as well as HD shocks), which I'm sure would help. But again, that seems high. My daily can only tow 1,000 lbs, and that's what I assumed the S70 would be able to do as well.

For your viewing pleasure, here's are a photo from yesterday's RallyX event. We debeaded a tire (after I flung off the track), but were able to pop it right back on and take part in the afternoon runs! No suspension bits broke this time! Huzzah!

: IMG_7861.JPG (468.5 KiB) Viewed 1418 times

V50M66 · Post by **V50M66** » 28 Aug 2023, 14:34

Google is correct - 3300 lbs in North America. They're rated for 1800 kg in Europe (at least the V70 is), which is just shy of 4k lbs.

Question though - do you have the factory hitch? You can't get them anymore, and they're BEEFY. The only aftermarket option (a Curt) is pretty awful, and I would be hesitant to tow even the 2k lbs it's rated for.

Post by **scot850** » 28 Aug 2023, 14:59

Is your S70 auto or manual trans? If auto, you should consider fitting an additional trans cooler.

My buddy has my old V70 NA which he fitted IPD HD springs and it had new struts when he bought it 2 years prior to a trip from Windsor Ontario, to Calgary AB, while 250kg over loaded. Car managed just fine although driving into a strong headwind with roof rack and luggage on roof.

I got a lift at a later point in time and expected the car have really hard rear suspension, but I'll give IPD Kudos for once, the car ran nicely on the harder springs and was not rough at all.

Any well done on your rally test!

Neil.

tjmartin317 · Post by **tjmartin317** » 28 Aug 2023, 15:09

V50M66 wrote: ↑28 Aug 2023, 14:34
Question though - do you have the factory hitch? You can't get them anymore, and they're BEEFY.

Unfortunately not... That's impressive though. Any chance you'd know where to find one?

scot850 wrote: ↑28 Aug 2023, 14:59
Is your S70 auto or manual trans?

Manual trans, so that's one less part to install. Very happy to hear that your experience with the IPD springs is worthwhile. They haven't been installed yet and we've been hesitant to do so since we're taking the car on a road trip to Maine next month. Didn't want to make the trip miserable. But if you're confident they won't ruin the experience, I may convince my friend to slap them on sooner!

Post by **scot850** » 28 Aug 2023, 16:07

I can't say for your car, but I suitably surprised on my buddies V70 that it road well.

Neil.

Post by **abscate** » 28 Aug 2023, 17:43

An air cooled type 3 weighs under 2000 pounds. You could dolly that nice and slow, but stop every 2-3 hours and let things cool off. With an M56, you don’t have to worry about ATF temperature!

I just trailered a 3500 pound v70 with an NA V70 and it was near the limit of safe , power wise. Look at my coolant temps….

tjmartin317 · Post by **tjmartin317** » 28 Aug 2023, 18:43

abscate wrote: ↑28 Aug 2023, 17:43 An air cooled type 3 weighs under 2000 pounds.

Wouldn't even be a full type 3, just the shell of one:

: 10008737.jpg (51.89 KiB) Viewed 1348 times

A few guys could lift that onto a trailer no problem... but I don't have a Volvo trailer hitch, which leaves my options to Curt and whatever Uhaul may install...

EDIT: Looks like Uhaul will sell and install a Curt trailer receiver... rated for 3500lbs, but again, it doesn't sound like some folks on here trust it.

Post by **abscate** » 28 Aug 2023, 18:46

I towed this with the Curt , it’s fine

Not seen -another 500 pounds of Volvo parts in the car

tjmartin317 · Post by **tjmartin317** » 28 Aug 2023, 19:11

That is the greatest photograph I've ever seen... thank you for filling me with sheer delight. The world of possibilities has opened up for me knowing that I own a tiny tow rig, and I'll likely put it to good use soon!

Post by **abscate** » 28 Aug 2023, 19:45

Take it slow, like 60 mph, and watch temps on grades. Stop and cool off on big hills at top

I was down to 45 on some of the mild grades in upstate NY