XC70 towing an S70

Lynn · Post by **Lynn** » 19 May 2009, 20:49

I'm relocating to TX from WA and need to know if there's any foreseeable problem with my 2004 XC70 towing my husband's 98 S70. This move was planned to a "T" and now everything is falling apart. Don't want my car to do the same. Right now I have the towing receptacle without the hitch yet. Thanks for any help and advise you can provide.

Post by **vegasjetskier** » 19 May 2009, 21:30

Your XC70 is rated to tow 1650 lbs; 3300 lbs if you have trailer brakes and a 2" ball; your husband's S70 weighs 3150 empty, so you're OK there, but you would need brakes. You might be able to tow it on a dolly with brakes, but that would add weight and probably put you over the limit. Also, you'll need to have wiring put on both cars if it's not already there so you can light up the taillights and turn signals on the S70 (or you can get a set of magnetic towing lights to put on the S70 just for that trip, but you'll still need wiring for the XC). U-Haul has a wide assortment of hitches and tow bars available and might be able to outfit your car, or there is probably a hitch shop near you that can fab up a custom rig. If the S70 is a manual and you're towing 4 wheels down, remember to shift to neutral, release the parking brake, and unlock the steering column with the key and leave the key in there for the trip - lock the car with the key in the ignition and use the spare key to unlock it when you arrive or need to drive it. Good luck with your move.

Lynn · Post by **Lynn** » 19 May 2009, 22:28

Thanks V-Jet. Will have to research it per your suggestions. I'm leaving tomorrow for TX for 3 days and when I get back will be arranging the move and movers. What a hassle!

Post by **vegasjetskier** » 20 May 2009, 08:58

Lynn,

I just wanted to add that if your husband's S70 is an automatic you may want to use a dolly for it. There are a lot of cars with automatics that can't be towed with 4 wheels on the ground (4-down) because the fluid pump is not running and it will burn up the transmission. If it is an automatic, you could check with your local Volvo dealer to see if it is OK to tow 4-down.

Post by **VCA** » 21 May 2009, 06:53

vegasjetskier wrote:Lynn,

I just wanted to add that if your husband's S70 is an automatic you may want to use a dolly for it. There are a lot of cars with automatics that can't be towed with 4 wheels on the ground (4-down) because the fluid pump is not running and it will burn up the transmission. If it is an automatic, you could check with your local Volvo dealer to see if it is OK to tow 4-down.

You can't tow any car with an Aisin AW5 series gearbox (Volvo 850, S/V70, S60, Infiniti I30/I35, etc.) 4-down. The pump is driven by the engine only, and since it won't be running, it will cook the bearings. You'd need a lube pump & disconnects (if you go this route, make sure the manufacturer specifically states it will work with your gearbox).