Ambitious Towing

dodgyken · Oct 17th, 2007, 11:28

With the addiction to track driving well and truly into my blood it appears I will be swapping the Z4 for a suitable towcar.

Sensible head says V70 D5 (possibly 185), but the petrolhead says V70R (2003+) manual/auto.

I reckon a decent trailer will come in around 550KG, and the car 1200KG. I will put wheels and parts in the Volvo - to keep the trailer weight down.

V70R - is 1782KG - trailer weight of 1750KG

I know it is beyond the 85% mark but I was thinking that either the D5 or R both happily exceed the power/weight ratio of 50BHP per tonne for the entire rig.

Any input???

JIM C · Oct 17th, 2007, 11:38

You will need a heavier tow car most likely a four wheel drive.

CTCNetwork · Oct 17th, 2007, 12:56

Hi,

The 85% rule is not a legal limit as the limit depends on the vehicle.

It would be worth checking with Volvo CS or a dealer or the vehicle manual what the max that can be towed with the car.
The fact that your trailer is almost 100% of the car weight is no big issue so long as the 1750 is within the max of the cars tow limit.

The 85% rule comes into play with less experienced tow drivers. Double your car weight is allot to handle when you are not experienced towing.

Des. . .

dodgyken · Oct 17th, 2007, 13:49

The V70R and D5 are quoted at 1800KG maximum tow weight.

Other options include Passat W8 (2000KG MTW), Merc E280/320/270CDI/320CDI (2100KG MTW) or BMW 530/530D/535D (2000KG MTW)

She who wears trousers will not allow a SUV type vehicle

pcdoc · Oct 17th, 2007, 15:00

Ken input your weight etc here http://www.whattowcar.com/basic_3.php I know its for caravans but will give you an idea.

JIM C · Oct 17th, 2007, 15:12

Your right 85% is a guide and not a legal requirment. But you certainly should not go very much over that as you want as safe a towing outfit as you can. If you tow something to heavy it will be unsafe, unstable and liable to the weight being pulled to take control of the car. Also get a good stabiliser for the trailer would make a difference.

LankyTim · Oct 17th, 2007, 17:34

If its a twin axle trailer it will help alot! The car should take the weight easily.

Viper_7 · Oct 17th, 2007, 18:30

..and make sure the trailers brakes work properly!

The D5 would be more suited - and the towing would be more pleasurable due to the low down torque. Clutch will last longer too!

dodgyken · Oct 17th, 2007, 20:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by pcdoc

Ken input your weight etc here http://www.whattowcar.com/basic_3.php I know its for caravans but will give you an idea.

Brilliant site thanks - I punched in the V70 details and it reckoned I could cruise at 180kmh with the trailer!!!!

I didnt realise that the weight thing included the load in the car - by the time I add 4 wheels, toolkit, jacks and driver it should bring things closer to 85%

Great news

Test drive booked for 10th November

Oct 17th, 2007, 11:28	#1
dodgyken Master Member Last Online: May 13th, 2014 14:41 Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Zollikon	Ambitious Towing With the addiction to track driving well and truly into my blood it appears I will be swapping the Z4 for a suitable towcar. Sensible head says V70 D5 (possibly 185), but the petrolhead says V70R (2003+) manual/auto. I reckon a decent trailer will come in around 550KG, and the car 1200KG. I will put wheels and parts in the Volvo - to keep the trailer weight down. V70R - is 1782KG - trailer weight of 1750KG I know it is beyond the 85% mark but I was thinking that either the D5 or R both happily exceed the power/weight ratio of 50BHP per tonne for the entire rig. Any input???

Oct 17th, 2007, 11:38	#2
JIM C Forum Support Team Last Online: Jul 4th, 2021 16:28 Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Scotland View Photos By: JIM C	You will need a heavier tow car most likely a four wheel drive. __________________

Oct 17th, 2007, 12:56	#3
CTCNetwork Forum Support Team Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Liège, Belgium View Photos By: CTCNetwork	Hi, The 85% rule is not a legal limit as the limit depends on the vehicle. It would be worth checking with Volvo CS or a dealer or the vehicle manual what the max that can be towed with the car. The fact that your trailer is almost 100% of the car weight is no big issue so long as the 1750 is within the max of the cars tow limit. The 85% rule comes into play with less experienced tow drivers. Double your car weight is allot to handle when you are not experienced towing. Des. . . __________________ Density:- Not just a measurement ~ It's a whole way of Life.! ! ! I drive a Volvo, Please Don't Get In My Way! OldVolvos4Ever He shows up. People die. He vanishes. People should not be afraid of their governments. "He'll deliver more justice in a weekend than 10 years of your Governments should be afraid of their people... "V" courts & tribunals. Just stay out of his way." "I plan to."

Oct 17th, 2007, 15:12	#6
JIM C Forum Support Team Last Online: Jul 4th, 2021 16:28 Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Scotland View Photos By: JIM C	Your right 85% is a guide and not a legal requirment. But you certainly should not go very much over that as you want as safe a towing outfit as you can. If you tow something to heavy it will be unsafe, unstable and liable to the weight being pulled to take control of the car. Also get a good stabiliser for the trailer would make a difference. __________________

Oct 17th, 2007, 17:34	#7
LankyTim Missing the point Last Online: Yesterday 10:32 Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Stoke-On-Trent View Photos By: LankyTim	If its a twin axle trailer it will help alot! The car should take the weight easily. __________________ Tim 1968 Volvo 145 long term project. Currently without a Volvo daily driver.

Oct 17th, 2007, 13:49	#4
dodgyken Master Member Last Online: May 13th, 2014 14:41 Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Zollikon	The V70R and D5 are quoted at 1800KG maximum tow weight. Other options include Passat W8 (2000KG MTW), Merc E280/320/270CDI/320CDI (2100KG MTW) or BMW 530/530D/535D (2000KG MTW) She who wears trousers will not allow a SUV type vehicle

Oct 17th, 2007, 15:00	#5
pcdoc New Member Last Online: Nov 26th, 2007 00:47 Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Rotherham	Ken input your weight etc here http://www.whattowcar.com/basic_3.php I know its for caravans but will give you an idea.

Oct 17th, 2007, 18:30	#8
Viper_7 Premier Member Last Online: Aug 30th, 2013 17:33 Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: York	..and make sure the trailers brakes work properly! The D5 would be more suited - and the towing would be more pleasurable due to the low down torque. Clutch will last longer too! __________________ S60 D5 SE 2004 Titanium Grey Winter Pack Mods: Volvo Tax disc holder - increases power output by 5% Child Seat Rear and side Volvo fitted blinds. Tree Sap from May - July. Removed at least 46 cup holders for weight reduction. Last edited by Viper_7; Oct 17th, 2007 at 18:35.

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