940 2ltr towing weight

[volvulus]

Hi all,

I posted on the TR register forum looking for a light weight trailer for sale in my area.... nobody has one but... I said my 940 estate 2ltr normally aspirated would struggle with a heavy trailer.

There are 2 responders saying that they have 2 ltr 940s and they tow no problems. One has a Brian James trailer and tows long distances. "Easy tow"
he says.

What is the consensus of opinion/experience with volvo owners here?

Prior to rebuilding the engine top end last year after the cam belt failure the "tank" struggled up hills. It's better now but I didn't think a 2 ltr 940 was meant for dragging a trailer or a caravan.

Interested to receive your thoughts.

Regards Ken.

[Forrest]

The maximum towing weights for various types of trailer are quoted in the user manual (can be found online for your model year) and are dependent on the weight of the car rather than the engine it's equipped with.

Is the 2ltr turbocharged? If so, and it is running properly, it will have more power than the 2.3 LPT. However, the latter has more low-down torque thus making for more comfortable towing.

If it is normally aspirated it will be slow anyway, with or without a trailer.

Faults in the surprisingly durable ignition components can lead to power and drivability issues so it is worth checking plugs, leads, distributor cap and rotor arm if you think you're down on power and are unsure of the state of these. Mine still ran, just about, after the original centre electrode had bored a hole through the rotor arm after 200k plus miles.

[360beast]

As it is N/A it will have barely enough power to get out of it's own way, no way I'd tow with a 2.0 N/A. I pulled a broken down 2008 Ford Fusion in my 2.3 turbo 940 with about 200hp a few months ago and I wouldn't want to tow much more than that with it but that's probably down to my camshaft choice too as it has lost a bit of low down power. If you're pulling a big trailer then a 2.0 N/A is not the right car to do it with IMO.

[classicswede]

The 2ltr non turbo will tow a good way above the weight limit suggested on a 940. You do need to work the gearbox harder and plan ahead for hills

[volvulus]

Originally Posted by 360beast

As it is N/A it will have barely enough power to get out of it's own way, no way I'd tow with a 2.0 N/A. I pulled a broken down 2008 Ford Fusion in my 2.3 turbo 940 with about 200hp a few months ago and I wouldn't want to tow much more than that with it but that's probably down to my camshaft choice too as it has lost a bit of low down power. If you're pulling a big trailer then a 2.0 N/A is not the right car to do it with IMO.

Thank you Luke, that is pretty much what I think.

I have to plan ahead for hills and use the gears without any extra weight. ( better since my top end rebuild after the cam belt failure)

I recently had a very big load on board including two TR engines. It went ok but obviously slower and sluggish.

I will try with a light weight trailer ( if I find one not too far away ) I only need to trailer 15 to 20 miles so it's not like I'm doing great distances with heavy vehicles.

Cheers Ken

[volvulus]

Originally Posted by classicswede

The 2ltr non turbo will tow a good way above the weight limit suggested on a 940. You do need to work the gearbox harder and plan ahead for hills

Thanks for that info. If I ever find a cheap light weight trailer. (nowhere to keep one which can't be spirited away so can't risk an expensive one ) I will find out how well it tows.

cheers Ken

[Moomoo]

Originally Posted by volvulus

Hi all,

I posted on the TR register forum looking for a light weight trailer for sale in my area.... nobody has one but... I said my 940 estate 2ltr normally aspirated would struggle with a heavy trailer.

There are 2 responders saying that they have 2 ltr 940s and they tow no problems. One has a Brian James trailer and tows long distances. "Easy tow"
he says.

What is the consensus of opinion/experience with volvo owners here?

Prior to rebuilding the engine top end last year after the cam belt failure the "tank" struggled up hills. It's better now but I didn't think a 2 ltr 940 was meant for dragging a trailer or a caravan.

Interested to receive your thoughts.

Regards Ken.

Permitted towing weight should be in the handbook!

[classicswede]

Originally Posted by Moomoo

Permitted towing weight should be in the handbook!

Chassis plate under the bonnet, that is the only one that counts for anything

[Moomoo]

Originally Posted by classicswede

Chassis plate under the bonnet, that is the only one that counts for anything

My 240 plate only gives the Maximum Gross Vehicle Weight , the Gross Train Weight, is not there, I’m pretty sure.

[bob12]

The max recommended towing weight for a 745 with the B200F (2ltr LH2.4 engine) per the Owner's Manual is 1600kg. I guess that it will be the same for a 940. There is a whole page of additional advice!

Bob.