Volvo XC60 Towing Capacity - Sanity Check

davida71uk replied on 25/09/2016 16:28

davida71uk

Posted on 25/09/2016 16:28

Hi Everyone,

This is my first post to the CC Forum, I'm David from the West Midlands. We've just put a deposit on a 2008 Lunar Delta SB, very excited. We've just sold our VW T5 California - after only owning for a year - as we decided they really are not designed, or big enough for longer touring trips.

I have tried some searches, but really I was just enquiring if a more experienced person on the forum could confirm my towing calculations.

Here goes:

Lunar Delta SB:

Mass in Running Order (Kg) - 1425
Maximum Technical Permissible Laden Mass (Kg) - 1695

Volvo, XC60, D4, AWD, Manual, 163bhp:

Max Braked Trailer weight - 1800kg

Nose Weight - 90kg

Gross Vehicle Weight - 2505kg

Effective Kerb Wegith - ~2600kg

%75 of Kerb Weight - 1950kg

So I am well over the MTPLM of 1695kg.

Do my numbers stack up correctly?

Thanks, looking forward to using the forum for some helpful information. Next stop, insurance and storage. A shame none of the CC courses are doable at the moment.

-David

30 replies

ChemicalJasper replied on 25/09/2016 19:51

Member

ChemicalJasper

Caravanner

Posted on 25/09/2016 19:51

Have you used the matching service David?

http://www.caravanclub.co.uk/advice-and-training/choosing-a-vehicle/match-your-car-and-caravan

I have made some guess' based on your info, you can tweak it to check better.

Don't cancel your order just yet - double check the numbers and then consider the advice given - as long as you are legal and drive safely being just over an advised limit is not always a show stopper (not saying it is something to take lightly before I get jumped on by the rules is rules guys), just not a show stopper!

The Club advises that a Volvo XC60 D4 AWD (163hp) Start/Stop SE Lux (2013) can, with warnings, tow a Lunar Delta SB (2008)

Kerbweight ratio: 91%
The caravan's laden weight is close to the car's kerb weight, increasing the risk of stability concerns. This outfit should not be driven by novice towers, and does not meet Club guidelines. Note that a small increase in ratio (to perhaps 90%) is acceptable if all other criteria are passed.
Towing limit ratio: 93%
The caravan's laden weight is within the car's stated towing limit, and therefore meets legal limitations.
Gross train weight ratio: 97%
The sum of the car and caravan’s fully laden weights is within the car’s gross train weight. This outfit can therefore be used legally with both the car and the caravan fully laden.
Nose weight ratio: 111%
If car nose weight is listed as ‘unknown’, then check with the retailer, maker or in the handbook that the car’s nose weight is sufficient. If a nose weight figure is listed, it may be hard to load the caravan (especially a twin axle) to give acceptable car and adequate caravan nose weight. Aim for 5-7% of the caravan’s actual laden weight without overloading the car or the caravan’s front axle/tyres.
BHP per ton : 43
The car’s engine power should be fine to safely tow this caravan.

B+E Licence required

The maximum combined weight of this car and caravan car gross vehicle weight + caravan MTPLM) are over 3500kg, which means you need to have a category B+E driving licence. If you obtained your standard car driving licence before 1st January 1997, you already have this – if not you will need to take a B+E test to legally drive this outfit.

Glossary of terms

Volvo XC60 D4 AWD (163hp) Start/Stop SE Lux (2013)

Make	Volvo
Range	D4 AWD (163hp) Start/Stop SE Lux
Model	XC60
Year	2013
Fuel type	Diesel
Transmission type	Manual
Body type	Sports utility vehicle
Kerb weight	1839.00kg
Towing limit	1800.00kg
Gross vehicle weight	2505.00kg
Gross train weight	4305.00kg
Nose weight	90.00kg
BHP	163
RPM for maximum BHP	4000.00
Maximum torque	420.00
RPM for maximum torque	1500.00

More info

Lunar Delta SB (2008)

Make	Lunar
Range	Delta
Model	SB
Year	2008
Type	Caravan
Berths	4
Number of axles	2
MTPLM	1665kg
MIRO	1395kg
User payload	270kg
Hitch limit	Unknown
Shipping length	7.93m
Overall width	2.28m
Overall height	2.65m
Body Length	6.37m

davida71uk replied on 25/09/2016 20:13

davida71uk

Motorhomer

Posted on 25/09/2016 20:13

Now if you had kept your Califfornia

Errrrrm, no. Nice looking vehicle, all very cool but just a nightmare to camp with. I could go on, but wanted to try it, tried it, didn't like it, got rid.

Thanks ChemicalJasper, that is something to think about. Clearly I have a steep learning curve ahead. The nose weight @ %111 is of concern. There are only two of us, so loading of the van is going to be lighter than say a family of four.

Will have a think on it. All this and we're only after a twin fixed bed setup around the £10k region

Fysherman replied on 25/09/2016 20:22

Member

Fysherman

Posted on 25/09/2016 20:22

A rules is rules guy. Never been called that before. Happy

Prefer to think of myself as a guy who does not want to advise a newcomer who might very well find themselves in an unrecognised dangerous situation that relies upon the weight of the towcar to save their necks.

Different for someone who knows enough not to get into such a situation in the first place.

This combination is not for a beginner.

ChemicalJasper replied on 25/09/2016 20:26

Member

ChemicalJasper

Caravanner

Posted on 25/09/2016 20:26

Are you a member? - too many to list without narrowing the search.

Adria	Action	341 PH	2007	3	2.20	3.55	1	Details
Adria	Action	341 PH+	2007	3	2.20	3.55	1	Details
Adria	Action	361 LH	2007	2	2.20	3.61	1	Details
Adria	Action	361 LH	2008	2	2.20	3.61	1	Details
Adria	Action	361 LH	2010	2	2.20	3.61	1	Details
Adria	Action	361 LH+	2007	2	2.20	3.61	1	Details
Adria	Action	361 LH+	2008	2	2.20	3.61	1	Details
Adria	Adiva	552 LT	2009	4	2.29	5.54	1	Details
Adria	Adiva	552 LT	2010	4	2.29	5.54	1	Details
Adria	Adiva	552 PH	2008	4	2.30	5.45	1	Details
Adria	Adiva	552 PH	2009	4	2.29	5.54	1	Details
Adria	Adiva	552 PH	2010	4	2.29	5.54	1	Details
Adria	Adora	532 LT	2007	4	2.29	5.18	1	Details
Adria	Adora	532 LT	2008	4	2.29	5.28	1	Details
Adria	Adora	532 UP	2007	4	2.29	5.18	1	Details
Adria	Adora	532 UP	2008	4	2.29	5.28	1	Details
Adria	Adora	542 DL	2009	4	2.29	5.36	1	Details
Adria	Adora	542 DL	2010	4	2.29	5.36	1	Details
Adria	Adora	542 DL	2011	4	2.29	5.36	1	Details
Adria	Adora	612 DP	2009	4	2.29	6.10	1	Details
Adria	Adora	612 DP	2010	4	2.29	6.10	1	Details
Adria	Adora	612 DP	2011	4	2.29	6.10	1	Details
Adria	Adora Plus	532 UP	2007	4	2.29	5.18	1	Details
Adria	Adora Plus	532 UP	2008	4	2.29	5.28	1	Details
Adria	Altea	360 LT	2009	3	2.07	3.56	1	Details
Adria	Altea	360 LT	2010	3	2.07	3.56	1	Details
Adria	Altea	390 DS	2009	4	2.07	3.92	1	Details
Adria	Altea	390 DS	2010	4	2.07	3.92	1	Details
Adria	Altea	390 DS	2011	4	2.07	3.95	1	Details
Adria	Altea	432 PX	2007	4	2.29	4.30	1	Details
Adria	Altea	432 PX	2008	4	2.29	4.28	1	Details
Adria	Altea	432 PX	2011	4	2.29	4.28	1	Details
Airstream	Bambi	422	2009	2	2.28	4.14	1	Details
Airstream	Bambi	422	2010	2	2.28	4.14	1	Details
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Avondale	Arrow	470	2008	2	2.08	4.80	1	Details
Avondale	Arrow	475	2008	4	2.08	4.80	1	Details
Avondale	Arrow	475 FB	2008	4	2.08	4.80	1	Details
Avondale	Arrow	525	2008	4	2.08	5.50	1	Details
Avondale	Arrow	545	2008	4	2.08	5.50	1	Details
Avondale	Avocet	Avocet	2008	2	2.23	4.87	1	Details
Avondale	Centurion	550-4 L	2008	4	2.20	5.50	1	Details
Avondale	Centurion	555-4 L	2008	4	2.22	5.55	1	Details
Avondale	Eagle	L	2008	4	2.23	5.75	1	Details
Avondale	Eagle	S	2008	4	2.23	5.75	1	Details
Avondale	Osprey	L	2008	4	2.23	5.65	1	Details
Avondale	Passione	380/2 EK	2008	2	2.08	3.85	1	Details
Avondale	Passione	470/2 EW	2008	2	2.08	4.08	1	Details
Abbey	Cardinal	620	2008	4	2.29	6.27	2	Details
Abbey	Expression	640	2008	4	2.29	6.27	2	Details
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Abbey	Freestyle	620	2009	4	2.29	6.27	2	Details
Abbey	Safari	620	2008	4	2.29	6.27	2	Details
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Adria	Adora	642 UP	2010	4	2.29	6.35	1	Details
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Adria	Adora Plus	642 UP	2008	4	2.29	6.40	2	Details
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Airstream	532	532	2009	2	2.28	5.31	1	Details
Airstream	532	532	2010	2	2.28	5.31	1	Details
Airstream	534	534	2008	4	2.28	5.31	1	Details
Airstream	534	534	2009	4	2.28	5.31	2	Details
Airstream	534	534	2010	4	2.28	5.31	1	Details
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davida71uk replied on 25/09/2016 20:39

davida71uk

Motorhomer

Posted on 25/09/2016 20:39

I am a member, yep. We've looked at many layouts and really want the twin fixed bed setup, that's the ticket. a 2014 LUNAR VENUS 500/4 has caught my eye, with an a 1,185 kg MTPLM.

ChemicalJasper replied on 25/09/2016 20:40

Member

ChemicalJasper

Caravanner

Posted on 25/09/2016 20:40

A rules is rules guy. Never been called that before.

Prefer to think of myself as a guy who does not want to advise a newcomer who might very well find themselves in an unrecognised dangerous situation that relies upon the weight of the towcar to save their necks.

Different for someone who knows enough not to get into such a situation in the first place.

This combination is not for a beginner.

No offence meant Fysherman, depends what you class as a beginner.

I tow my 3500kg Ifor with my 1500kg 90, well over 200% - I don't do it if I can avoid it as its somewhat scary, but have done that from being a young man with little towing experience (in at the deep end - perhaps I was just lucky?!).

91% is not dangerous persay, compared to some of the idiots I see driving about, speeding, tailgating, late manoevers, no extended mirrors, so badly loaded the car is pulling a wheelie.

Yes it increases the risk of instability, but that has to take into account with driver skills and/or style etc. A few percent does not take you over some precipice where you are suddenly guaranteed a crash, that is all I was saying after someone suggested he cancel his order based on a CC guideline.

Fysherman replied on 25/09/2016 20:46

Member

Fysherman

Posted on 25/09/2016 20:46

No offence taken CJ your posts are always reasonable and I think you drive a tanker professionally?

The OP has never towed AFAIK and the combination of a downhill bit, a touch too fast, a gust of wind and a adverse camber corner and 75% might not save the day.

All I am banging on about is the importance of maintaining a sensible and safe safety margin in case the unexpected happens. That's all really

Fysherman replied on 25/09/2016 20:51

Member

Fysherman

Posted on 25/09/2016 20:51

I am a member, yep. We've looked at many layouts and really want the twin fixed bed setup, that's the ticket. a 2014 LUNAR VENUS 500/4 has caught my eye, with an a 1,185 kg MTPLM.

I know someone with one and they really like it

ChemicalJasper replied on 25/09/2016 21:09

Member

ChemicalJasper

Caravanner

Posted on 25/09/2016 21:09

The OP has never towed AFAIK and the combination of a downhill bit, a touch too fast, a gust of wind and a adverse camber corner and 75% might not save the day.

All I am banging on about is the importance of maintaining a sensible and safe safety margin in case the unexpected happens. That's all really

Agreed!

rovinmad replied on 25/09/2016 21:09

Member

rovinmad

Posted on 25/09/2016 21:09

Now if you had kept your Califfornia

Errrrrm, no. Nice looking vehicle, all very cool but just a nightmare to camp with. I could go on, but wanted to try it, tried it, didn't like it, got rid.

Thanks ChemicalJasper, that is something to think about. Clearly I have a steep learning curve ahead. The nose weight @ %111 is of concern. There are only two of us, so loading of the van is going to be lighter than say a family of four.

Will have a think on it. All this and we're only after a twin fixed bed setup around the £10k region

Write your comments here...

I may be mistaken but I read it as JVB inferring that the California would have towed the caravan.

Anyway I think you are OK with the Volvo. Just make sure you get the nose weight correct.

And take extra care to get used to the combination.

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