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Thread: Trailering...

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Feb 2018
    Location
    Ridgefield, CT
    Posts
    12

    Default Trailering...

    Been reading up, and the consensus is to add the additional cooler/filter to the car. I have an '03 XC-70. The boat/trailer combination I'm considering is going to put me over the 3300 lb budget, but can likely get below it by changing over to a single-axle aluminum trailer vs. the dual-axle steel Eagle trailer the boat currently sits on. Can this vehicle reliably tow 3300 lbs consistently?

    Thanks,

    Ultra.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Feb 2010
    Location
    Virginia Beach
    Posts
    4,116

    Default

    The weak link is the transmission.

    Change the fluid completely. Add a cooler. Best would be a cooler with filter.

    I posted some pictures and details from a cooler install I did on my 2002 V70 in this thread:

    https://www.volvoxc.com/forums/showt...sh-From-Bottom

    I did basically the same thing on my son’s 2001 V70. Both cars are doing well. Neither tow a trailer, but keeping the transmission cool will be the key to your car's longevity in this.
    Current Fleet:
    2016 Tundra Crewmax 4WD 1794
    2005 MB S600 (126K, Michelin AS4, HPL 0W40)
    2005 MB SL600 (55K Michelin AS4, Mobil 1 0W40)
    2004 V70R (143K, six speed M66, HPL 5W40)
    2004 XC90 (235K, HPL 0W30 Euro)
    2002 V70-XC (295K, HPL 0W30 Euro)
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    2001 V70-T5 (125K, IPD downpipe, cat back and other mods)
    1932 Packard Sedan (straight 8, dual sidemounts, original paint and interior, Shell Rotella 15W40)

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Dec 2009
    Location
    GA
    Posts
    1,420

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by ultrarunner View Post
    Can this vehicle reliably tow 3300 lbs consistently?
    No.

    I tell customers that the engine in the tow vehicle should be bigger than the one in the boat. (that was before Yahama jet boats with their 1.x liter supercharged motors)

    Is your 3300 lb estimate wet or dry? Gasoline/water and gear can easily add 500 pounds. And don't forget the spare tire (and a working jack and lug wrench) for the trailer.

    Instead of buying a single axle aluminum trailer (google says up to $3200 +tax for a 22 ft 3400 pound boat @ Memphis boat center), and replacing the transmission frequently, (it's already weak at 17 years old!) - choose/find another option.

    Unless - you have an extra up to $5000 for a transmission to put into your 17 year old car.

    Or take the $8200 (trans and trailer cost) and put it toward a suitable tow vehicle.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Feb 2013
    Location
    Boston, MA
    Posts
    1,196

    Default

    Volvo specifies 1800 kg / 3950 lbs towing capacity for braked trailers. However, as said, you are going to put a lot of strain on the drivetrain.
    2002 V70 (sold)
    2005 XC70 (Telos Road took it. Did a chassis swap)
    2016 XC60 (sold, P.O.S.)

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Aug 2017
    Location
    Pleasanton CA USA
    Posts
    486

    Default

    The strain is not only on the drivetrain, but the entire length of the frame. Remember, 90% of torque goes to front wheels. You're talking about hitching a single-axle boat trailer to a FWD car. On boat ramps, you'll be disappointed in the early Haldex AWD's slow response time (1/4 rev front wheel slippage).

    Focus your thoughts on the force and traction needed to pull your boat up a 12-15% wet boat ramp, and your exasperation at that point of having chosen the wrong tow vehicle. This Volvo wasn't designed to serve as a boat lifter.
    2013 XC70 T6 Flamenco Red (hers)
    2015 XC70 T6 Seashell Metallic (his)
    past: 13 Volvos going back to '74 242 sedan

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Feb 2013
    Location
    Boston, MA
    Posts
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    Default

    These cars are/were hauling a lot of heavy campers in Europe, so they can do it, but in Europe automatic gearbox was something very vulgar up until recently. By European standards, XC70 is a big, heavy-duty car =)
    2002 V70 (sold)
    2005 XC70 (Telos Road took it. Did a chassis swap)
    2016 XC60 (sold, P.O.S.)

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Dec 2009
    Location
    GA
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    1,420

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by pbierre View Post
    you'll be disappointed in the early Haldex AWD's slow response time (1/4 rev front wheel slippage).
    If it still works after 17 years.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Feb 2018
    Location
    Ridgefield, CT
    Posts
    12

    Default

    All it all, I'll add a cooler and filter setup for longevity. It's an old car, but only 70k on it. With that said, it makes sense to get a tow vehicle, so that's the plan!

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