Volvo V60 2017 D4 Auto Towing Capacity

damo1969 replied on 14/02/2017 21:53

Posted on 14/02/2017 21:53

I am looking for some friendly advice. I currently tow with a XC60 D4 that has a towing capacity of 1800kg, the same as the new company car that I am being offered. My question is, would you feel comfortable towing a caravan with a MTPLM of 1600kg with a V60?

 

Thanks in advance

Tinwheeler replied on 14/02/2017 22:42

Posted on 14/02/2017 22:42

When you say towing capacity of 1800kg do you mean the manufacturers stated max ability? If so, no I would not tow 1600kg as the manufacturers max is the weight it will tow it set conditions and does not mean it is safe or sensible to do so on the road.

What is the kerb weight of the car?

damo1969 replied on 14/02/2017 22:49

Posted on 14/02/2017 22:49

Yes the manufacturers stated towing capacity is 1800kg. The kerbweight is 1691kg, so if I apply the 85% rule I know that the recommended towing capacity would be approximately 1437kg. 

pagan8c replied on 15/02/2017 02:20

Posted on 15/02/2017 02:20

I wouldn't bother as I have towed similar with an S60 Volvo and had no problems but if you want to stick with the 85% suggestion (it is not a RULE) then no you won't. If you are not happy then what are you going to do . If you already have the Van and the car you are being offered is a V60, then you either tow with it or you will have to choose a heavier car .Will the company consider a different car you may feel comfortable with when towing your caravan. There is really no point in asking others whether they would tow with it or not as there are always different opinions . Even the Caravan Club say that towing up to 100% can be considered by experienced towers as you seem to be. You either make up your own mind or get a different car. 

Simpleton855 replied on 16/02/2017 08:27

Posted on 16/02/2017 08:27

Slightly off topic but I`ve recently swapped my XC60 manual for a V60 auto and prefer the V60 in every way.

 

I only tow a 1450 MTPLM van but the V60 is a stable tug and doesn`t suffer the fore and aft pitching that the XC60 suffered from on the original Pirelli tyres.

Both D5 cars...

 

Heethers replied on 16/02/2017 11:40

Posted on 16/02/2017 11:40

Saw a V60 pulling out of my dealers yester day pulling a Swift twin wheeler, thought to my self wouldn't like to be towing that rig, you are always better to be nearer 85% guideline than nearer to 100%, think of the dear old horse being shoved by the cart

jimd replied on 22/02/2017 08:16

Posted on 22/02/2017 08:16

I tow a 1550 'van with a V60 D5 with no stability problems whatsoever.

 

 

The 85% guideline for the relatively inexperienced is 'donkeys ears' old. It comes from a bygone age when cars didn't have such things as ABS, power steering or probably even disc brakes and caravans weren't fitted with ATC, stabilisers or shock absorbers.


How much relevance it has today is debatable, but of course no-one, in these days of H & E obsession and blame and claim culture, is going to stand up and declare that a figure such as 95% is now appropriate.


The main things to consider are: is it legal, is the outfit loaded and balanced correctly, does the car actually have the power to tow well enough and are you comfortable and confident with the set up. If it's a No to any of them then the answer is No.

Personally I'd be ok with that combination.

IainM1970 replied on 22/02/2017 20:39

Posted on 22/02/2017 20:39

Towing 1500Kg with a V60 D4 AWD Cross Country ... seems to handle better than my previous XC60 D5 both with and without the 'van.

I didn't think anything could top the XC 60, have been pleasantly surprised!

damo1969 replied on 23/02/2017 22:08

Posted on 23/02/2017 22:08

Thank you for all the replies. I feel confident enough to tow with the V60, and I am acutely aware of the need to load the caravan correctly and as my proposed new caravan is a twin axle I would suggest that this will offer better stability overall too. 

DaveMX replied on 09/04/2019 12:03

Posted on 09/04/2019 12:03

I have a 2019 V60 D4 Auto and tow a Coachman Laser 620 at 1830 laden, the car can tow 2000kg and with the electronic stability pack that comes with the car when you spec the towbar coupled with the ATC on the caravan it works well. The car has all the weight in it and the caravan is carefully loaded - you need to be experienced as the car has tremendous power and torque and very easy to speed!

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