Towing a trailer

If you have a towbar installed, you can tow a trailer with your vehicle. Be sure to familiarize yourself with towing features and any relevant safety issues.

 Important

If you have a retractable towbar installed, it must always be retracted when not in use.

 Note

Make sure that the towbar is properly installed.

Towbar unlocked symbol

When the towbar is installed but not locked, the associated symbol appears in the display.

Before towing a trailer, consider how this will affect your journey. Make a thorough assessment based on your vehicle's capabilities.
  • Only use trailers in good working condition that comply with local regulations.
  • Make sure you have read the separate section of the manual covering loading recommendations.

 Warning

The towbar might become damaged or malfunction if it is not used correctly, or if incompatible or faulty accessories are used.

 Note

Altered performance

Keep in mind that the vehicle performs differently with added weight at the rear. This affects both handling and power usage. Expect a notable reduction in range when towing a trailer.

Maximum permitted trailer weights

The stated maximum permitted trailer weights are those permitted by Volvo. National vehicle regulations can further limit permitted trailer weights and speeds. Your towbar may be certified for a higher towing weight than the vehicle can actually tow.

Towing preparations

Increase the tire pressure to the recommended pressure for a full load. This applies regardless of the trailer weight.
Attach the trailer to the towbar.
When the trailer is fully connected, your vehicle automatically adjusts some of its features to fit your current needs.
Run a test of the trailer lights through the display after connecting the trailer to your vehicle.

Driving with a trailer

Read the recommendations for driving with a trailer thoroughly before you start driving.

 Important

While driving

  • Maintain a low speed when driving with a trailer up long, steep ascents.
  • Avoid driving with a trailer on inclines of more than 12%.
  • The additional load increases the risk of overheating, which will be indicated in the driver information area of the display. Follow any instructions shown.
  • Avoid parking on an incline if possible. The extra weight of the trailer can affect the parking brake's ability to securely hold the vehicle. If you cannot avoid parking on an incline, be sure to block the wheels1 as a precaution.

Fishtailing

Fishtailing is a phenomenon that can occur when towing a trailer. It causes the vehicle and trailer to oscillate in a side-to-side motion, which can escalate quickly and cause loss of control. Fishtailing primarily occurs at high speeds, especially if the trailer load is too heavy or improperly distributed. The vehicle continually monitors its movement and can intervene to help the driver regain control if it detects fishtailing.

Factors that introduce sideways motion can trigger fishtailing. For example:
  • Sudden gusts and powerful side winds.
  • Uneven road surfaces.
  • Sweeping steering wheel movements from side to side.

Trailer stability assistance

The stability control system2 intervenes if it detects fishtailing when towing a trailer. The system precisely times individual braking actions for the front wheels to mitigate the fishtailing phenomenon. This is often enough to help the driver stabilize the vehicle and trailer. When the system intervenes to suppress fishtailing, the electronic stability control symbol flashes in the driver information area.

Electronic stability control symbol
Electronic stability control symbol

Interventions and warnings when reversing

The vehicle can automatically brake to prevent a collision when reversing if it detects an obstacle or crossing traffic behind the vehicle. Interventions and warnings when reversing are disabled when towing a trailer.

 Note

If you've had the towbar installed after purchasing your vehicle, a system update may be needed for the towing features to work. Contact an authorized Volvo workshop to update the software.
  1. 1 If you do not have wheel chocks, you can use large stones or wooden blocks instead.
  2. 2 Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

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