Can I tow a 98 s70 with my 96 850 turbo

msm15 · Post by **msm15** » 16 Jun 2009, 11:17

I am going to pick up a 98 s70 tomorrow and my 96 850 has a hitch on it I was wondering if it has the ability to tow the s70 if I go in low gear and dont drive too quickly

Post by **billofdurham** » 16 Jun 2009, 12:03

The 850 will certainly tow the S70 but bear in mind if the S70 has an auto box you are limited on speed and distance.
This is from the Owner's Manual of the S70:
Automatic transmissions only:
Gear selector in position N. Check transmission oil level Maximum speed: 20 mph (30 km/h).
Maximum distance with front wheels on ground: 20 miles (30 km.

Bill.

msm15 · Post by **msm15** » 16 Jun 2009, 12:22

does that apply if the front wheels will be on a dolly ?

I would like to rent a auto dolly from Uhaul

Post by **Matty Moo** » 16 Jun 2009, 12:36

Don't do it. It's not worth it.

First off, a turbo isn't meant to tow that kind of weight, no matter how short the distance or how slow you go. Neither is your transmission.

Again, you can go as slow as you want. Lets say a minivan loaded with kids is in front of you. They lock up the brakes because a dog runs out in front of them. You'll lock up your brakes, but you won't stop at all, you'll have another car behind you pushing you. You rear end the family van, possibly hurt or kill somebody and get sued to no end because...

1. U-haul is going to tell you they wouldn't rent you the dolly for that setup.

2. You did it anyway

3. Even if nothing happens, if the police spot you, chances are they're going to pull you over.

msm15 · Post by **msm15** » 16 Jun 2009, 12:45

k well said, wont do it. thanks guys

Post by **vegasjetskier** » 16 Jun 2009, 15:41

You can rent dollies that have built-in braking systems. I don't know if Uhaul would rent you one for your purpose or not. Also, the combined weight of the towed car and dolly might put you over the towing limit of your tow car.

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 16 Jun 2009, 19:27

The only thing I can add is that towing a Porsche 944 from Phoenix to Kansas City behind my 1/2 ton Suburban on a dolly was pure hell. If you have any downhill terrain the dolly really wants to pass the tow vehicle. I disconnected the half shafts on the Porsche before I left since it has a slush-box automatic

My 1/2 ton Suburban was "approved" as a tow vehicle at U Haul for the car in question and it was also approved for the full (4 wheel( trailer when I drug my son's 850 home from Chicago - it was not a much more pleasant experience since the rear springs were bottomed out the whole way home. The Suburban has a tow package option from Chevy but even then the 850 is so nose heavy that it must have had a ton or more of tongue weight with the car on the trailer.

...Lee