Convertibles and towing

[AlbertF]

Originally Posted by cameront120

My particular Volvo would likely be underpowered to tow my trailer, but I often wonder how it would fare with a vintage bambi or Caravel. When it comes time to purchase a tow vehicle for my Tradewind, I'd prefer to avoid the pickup truck option, if at all possible.

The 850 has a solid rear axle and a relatively narrow rear track (57.5"). The P2 platform cars (S80, S60, newer V70) have independent rear suspension and a track of about 61". I'd expect better stability with a newer model, but a lightweight trailer like a Caravel would be fine with your car. A friction sway control is a good idea.

The 5 cylinder engines/drivetrains are similar in capability.

A Caravel is 2300 to 2500 lbs empty, with a tongue weight of about 300 lbs. A loaded weight of 3000 to 3500 lbs would be no problem at all. A Class 2 hitch would work, but you will want weight distribution unless you have no weight at all in the back of the car. A custom Class 3 is the solution - email Andrew T. Of course, you would need a suitable brake controller and wiring. Volvo offers a plug-in 4 wire harness that you can start with.

You will need to use 3rd gear with an automatic/4th with a manual transmission to deal with wind resistance at highway speeds. The non-turbo 5 cylinder works fine with an aerodynamic travel trailer, but a conventional square box trailer is likely to be a bit more than it could handle. Long grades shouldn't be a problem at all with 3500 lbs in tow; you will easily outpull the tractor trailers and old gas-engine motorhomes.

An auxiliary transmission fluid cooler is recommended if you have an automatic. If the radiator is in good shape, engine coolant temperature should be a non-issue.

In my personal experience, Volvos are superb cars and a great value if they are well-maintained. They are also excellent tow vehicles.

If you will be in the market for a new car, the 2008 V70 with the 3.2 inline six would have very good pulling power, and should have even better stability. I'm also wondering if Volvo will bring the D5 to North America; 300 lbs ft of torque would make for an impressively strong package. I would tend to avoid the XC70 - it has a higher centre of gravity and taller, soft-sidewall tires.

[cameront120]

Interesting information Albert. Thank you for taking the time to write it. I wonder if the V70 would work well with my Tradewind, or would that be pushing things? I've never been a real fan of the XC70 models. May as well go with the XC90 if I want an suv.

[rickandsandi]

Tow ratings for non-SUV, Trucks is a dart throw and something I think they should stop publishing. There are so many factors to consider as we all know when towing. Of course power is one, trans, suspension, wheel-base, frame and receiver set-up, braking, and so on. If we always believed everything in car makers specs we would all be towing 31 foot Airstreams with Mini's getting 28 MPG.

[59tradewind]

Originally Posted by Road Ruler

Buddy, one of the forum members is already living your dream.

what a nice looking combo
my first tow vehicle was a 74 cadillac eldorado convertible.
i will try and find pics to post.
nothing like a classic towing a classic!!!!

[rjohnston]

What do you all think about a Cadillac SRX as a tow vehicle for a 19" Bambi (newer model)?

[59tradewind]

I dont think that would be an issue at all
but of course many people will tell you just to check the tow ratings. but with airstreams being so light and having such low tongue weights, i wouldnt hesitate to do it.