- All Volvo models are equipped with energy-absorbing shock-mounted bumpers. Trailer hitch installation should not interfere with the proper operation of this bumper system.
Trailer towing does not normally present any particular problems, but take into consideration:
- Increase tire pressure to recommended full pressure.
- When your vehicle is new, avoid towing heavy trailers during the first 620 miles (1,000 km).
- Maximum speed when towing a trailer: 50 mph (80 km/h).
- Engine and transmission are subject to increased loads. Therefore, engine coolant temperature should be closely watched when driving in hot climates or hilly terrain. Use a lower gear and turn off the air conditioner if the temperature gauge needle enters the red range.
- If the automatic transmission begins to overheat, a message will be displayed in the text window.
- Avoid overload and other abusive operation.
- Hauling a trailer affects handling, durability, and economy.
- It is necessary to balance trailer brakes with the towing vehicle brakes to provide a safe stop (check and observe state/local regulations).
- Do not connect the trailer's brake system directly to the vehicle's brake system.
- More frequent vehicle maintenance is required.
- Remove the ball holder when the hitch is not being used.
Note
- When parking the vehicle with a trailer on a hill, apply the parking brake before putting the gear selector in P. Always follow the trailer manufacturer's recommendations for wheel chocking.
- When starting on a hill, put the gear selector in D before releasing the parking brake.
- If you use the manual (Geartronic) shift positions while towing a trailer, make sure the gear you select does not put too much strain on the engine (using too high a gear).
- The drawbar assembly/trailer hitch may be rated for trailers heavier than the vehicle is designed to tow. Please adhere to Volvo's recommended trailer weights.
- Avoid driving with a trailer on inclines of more than 15%.
Important
Warning
- Bumper-attached trailer hitches must not be used on Volvos, nor should safety chains be attached to the bumper.
- Trailer hitches attaching to the vehicle rear axle must not be used.
- Never connect a trailer's hydraulic brake system directly to the vehicle brake system, nor a trailer's lighting system directly to the vehicle lighting system. Consult your nearest authorized Volvo retailer for correct installation.
- When towing a trailer, the trailer's safety chains or wire must be correctly fastened to the attachment points provided in the trailer hitch on the vehicle. The safety chain or wire must never be fastened to or wound around the towing ball.
Trailer turn signals and brake lights
If one (or more) of the bulbs on a trailer is defective, a symbol and a message will be displayed in the instrument panel.
The other lights on the trailer must be checked manually by the driver before the vehicle is driven. See the subsection "Manual check" in the following section "Trailer lamp check".
| Symbol | Message |
|---|---|
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|
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If one of the trailer's turn signal bulbs is defective, the turn signal symbol in the instrument panel for the respective sides of the vehicle will also flash faster than normal.
Trailer lamp check*
Automatic check
When the trailer has been connected to the vehicle's electrical system, its lamps can be checked by automatically activating them. This helps the driver to ensure that the trailer's lamps are functioning correctly before starting to drive.
Disabling the automatic check
The automatic lamp check function can be disabled in the center display.
Manual check
If the automatic lamp check has been disabled, the function can be started manually.
Self-leveling suspension*
The self-leveling system attempts to keep the vehicle at a constant level, regardless of the load (up to the max. permissible load). When the engine is not running, the rear of the vehicle sinks down slightly, which is normal.