Towing a trailer

Installing a towbar allows you to tow a trailer with your car. Be sure to familiarise yourself with towing features and any relevant safety issues.

 Important

  • 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 car. If you cannot avoid parking on an incline, be sure to block1 the wheels as a precaution.

Snaking

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

Factors that introduce sideways motion can trigger snaking. 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 snaking when towing a trailer. The system precisely times individual braking actions for the front wheels to mitigate the snaking phenomenon. This is often enough to help the driver stabilise the car and trailer.

Electronic stability control symbol

When the system intervenes to suppress snaking, the electronic stability control symbol flashes in the driver information area.

Before towing a trailer, consider how this will affect your journey. Make a thorough assessment based on your car'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.
  • When you connect a trailer, be aware that your car automatically adjusts some of its features to fit your current needs.

 Note

Altered performance

Keep in mind that the car 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 car can actually tow.

Towing preparations

Increase the tyre pressure to the recommended pressure for a full load. This applies regardless of the trailer weight.
Mount the towbar to your car and attach the trailer.

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

Run a test of the trailer lights through the display after connecting the trailer to your car.

Driving with a trailer

The car senses that a trailer is connected and notifies you via a message in the display.
  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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