Volvo S60: Towing a trailer

Volvo S60: Towing a trailer

• Introduction
• Detachable trailer hitch (accessory)
• Trailer Stability Assist (TSA)

Introduction

Volvo recommends the use of Volvo trailer hitches that are specially designed for the vehicle.

NOTE

See page 337 for the maximum trailer and tongue weights recommended by Volvo.

• Observe the legal requirements of the state/province in which the vehicles are
• All Volvo models are equipped with energy-absorbing shock-mounted bumpers. Trailer hitch installation should not interfere with the proper operation of this bumper system.

Trailer towing does not normally present any particular problems, but take into consideration:

• Increase tire pressure to recommended full pressure. See the tire inflation table on page 275.
• When your vehicle is new, avoid towing heavy trailers during the first 620 miles (1,000 km).
• Maximum speed when towing a trailer: 50 mph (80 km/h).
• Engine and transmission are subject to increased loads. Therefore, engine coolant temperature should be closely watched when driving in hot climates or hilly terrain. Use a lower gear and turn off the air conditioner if the temperature gauge needle enters the red range.
• If the automatic transmission begins to overheat, a message will be displayed in the text window.
• Avoid overload and other abusive operation.
• Hauling a trailer affects handling, durability, and economy.
• It is necessary to balance trailer brakes with the towing vehicle brakes to provide a safe stop (check and observe state/local regulations).
• Do not connect the trailer's brake system directly to the vehicle's brake system.
• More frequent vehicle maintenance is required.
• Remove the ball holder when the hitch is not being used.
• Volvo recommends the use of synthetic engine oil when towing a trailer over long distances or in mountainous areas.

WARNING

• Bumper-attached trailer hitches must not be used on Volvos, nor should safety chains be attached to the bumper.
• Trailer hitches attaching to the vehicle rear axle must not be used.
• Never connect a trailer's hydraulic brake system directly to the vehicle brake system, nor a trailer's lighting system directly to the vehicle lighting system. Consult your nearest authorized Volvo retailer for correct installation.
• When towing a trailer, the trailer's safety wire must be correctly fastened to the hole or hook provided in the trailer hitch on the vehicle. The safety wire should never be fastened to or wound around the drawbar ball.

NOTE

• When parking the vehicle with a trailer on a hill, apply the parking brake before putting the gear selector in P. Always follow the trailer manufacturer's recommendations for wheel chocking.
• When starting on a hill, put the gear selector in D before releasing the parking brake. See also page 125 for more detailed information about starting off on a hill while towing a trailer.
• If you use the manual (Geartronic) shift positions while towing a trailer, make sure the gear you select does not put too much strain on the engine (using too high a gear).
• The drawbar assembly/trailer hitch may be rated for trailers heavier than the vehicle is designed to tow. Please adhere to Volvo's recommended trailer weights.
• Avoid driving with a trailer on inclines of more than 15 %.

Trailer cable

An adapter is required if the vehicle's trailer hitch has a 13-pin connector and the trailer has 7 pins. Use an adapter cable approved by Volvo. Make sure the cable does not drag on the ground.

Detachable trailer hitch (accessory)

A - Ball holder
B - Locking bolt
C - Cotter pin
D - Hitch assembly
E - Safety wire attachment

Installing the ball holder

1. If necessary, remove the cotter pin from the locking bolt and slide the locking bolt out of the hitch assembly.

2. Slide the ball holder into the hitch assembly.

3. Align the hole in the ball holder with the one in the hitch assembly.

4. Slide the locking bolt through the hitch assembly/ball holder.

5. Insert the cotter pin in the hole at the end of the locking bolt.

Removing the ball holder

1. Remove the cotter pin from the locking bolt and slide the locking bolt out of the ball holder/hitch assembly.

2. Pull the ball holder out of the hitch assembly.

NOTE

A cover for the hitch assembly is also included in the kit.

Trailer Stability Assist (TSA)

Trailer Stability Assist is a system designed to help stabilize a vehicle that is towing a trailer when the vehicle and trailer have begun to sway and is part of the Dynamic Stability and Traction Control system (DSTC). See page 149 for information on DSTC.

Function

A vehicle towing a trailer may begin to sway for various reasons. Normally this only occurs at high speeds but, for example, if the trailer is overloaded or if the load is unevenly distributed in the trailer, there is risk of swaying at speeds between approximately 45-55 mph (70-90 km/ h).

Swaying may be caused by factors such as:

• The vehicle and trailer are hit by a sudden, strong crosswind
• The vehicle and trailer are traveling on an uneven road surface or drive over a bump
• Sudden movements of the steering wheel

Facts about TSA

• TSA intervenes at speeds above approximately 40 mph (60 km/h)
• The DSTC symbol () in the instrument panel will flash when TSA is working
• If the driver switches off the DSTC system's Spin Control function, TSA will also be switched off (but will be on again the next time the engine is started)
• TSA may not intervene when the vehicle and trailer begin to sway if the driver tries to compensate for the swaying motion by moving the steering wheel rapidly

How TSA works

Once swaying has begun, it can be very difficult to stop, which makes it difficult to control the vehicle and trailer.

The TSA system continuously monitors the vehicle's movements, particularly lateral movement. If the system detects a tendency to sway, the brakes are applied individually on the front wheels, which has a stabilizing effect on the vehicle and trailer. This is often enough to enable the driver to regain control of the vehicle.

If this is not adequate to stop the swaying motion, the brakes are applied to all of the wheels on the vehicle and on the trailer if it is equipped with brakes, and engine power is temporarily reduced. As the swaying motion begins to decrease and the vehicle-trailer have once again become stable, TSA will no stop regulating the brakes/engine power and

LoadingEmergency towing