When we say that the Volvo has asuperb reputation as a towing vehicle,the sceptical might well ask, amongstwhom?The answer is amongst those peoplewho really know about the subject: thetowing enthusiasts.I n 1986 the readers of Practical Caravanvoted the Volvo 240 Top Towcar.Asked which car they wouldrealistically hope to replace the Volvo240 with, they then answered, theVolvo 740.The previous year The Caravan Clubhad their say, voting the Volvo 360 GLETowcar of the Year.So what is it that makes the Volvo rangeso exceptional?The simple answer is that preciselythose factors which make them suchsafe, reliable cars to begin with,

become even more important when atrailer is added.On the following pages you will seewhy.You will also discover plenty of adviceon how to prepare your car before youl eave home and what to look out foronce you're on your way.Furthermore, many of Volvo's tried andtested towing accessories areillustrated.If you want advice about which one tochoose, talk to your Volvo dealer. Hisstaff have tremendous experience of allVolvo parts and accessories and havebeen trained to fit them correctly.He will also be able to show you therange of new and used Volvo carswhich have made such an impressionon those who enjoy towing.

A GUIDE TO TOWING

SIX THINGS TO

LOOK FOR IN THE

IDEAL TOWING

VEHICLE

All cars are not created equal.Indeed, they were never designed thatway. In the interests of a low purchaseprice, some have far too little power tobe towing vehicles.Others have the power, but use it forfast initial acceleration, which mayimpress the racing fraternity, but notthose who are experienced at pullingheavy trailers behind them over alltypes of terrain.To be a safe and reliable towing vehicle,a car must have many differentcharacteristics.Volvo has them all.

The important features1 Engine powerThe more torque a towcar produces atl ower engine speeds, the easier it will pullaway, especially on hills. Every Volvo'sextremely even torque curve gives it powerto spare precisely where you need it. And,when you wish to overtake you'll find yourcar can go smoothly and without straining- a sure sign that the car is also operatingvery economically.

3 Safe brakingDownhill, the trailer creates a pushing effect,so brakes must be absolutely reliable. AllVolvos have dual circuit braking. The 300series has an axle split system which alwaysprovides you with front or rear braking. The200 and 700 series* have a triangular splitsystem - in the event that one system shouldfail, both front wheels can still be braked,along with one of the rear wheels. The carcomes to a halt under complete control in astraight line. Antilock braking (ABS) isavailable as an option on the 740 range orstandard on all 760s.

5 Advanced suspensionPeople who tow tend to travel longdistances. Volvo's advanced suspensionsystem keeps you comfortable andmaintains excellent roadholding, evenunder the most adverse conditions. Onejournalist said of a Volvo "It always felt sovery stable and manageable."On the latest 760 models and on 740estates, self-levelling is now standard. Thisfeature automatically compensates for heavyloads, keeping passengers comfortable andstopping headlights shining upwards intooncoming drivers' eyes

2 Rugged constructionThe heavier the vehicle in relation to thetrailer the better. Volvo's ruggedconstruction gives it another bigadvantage here. In the table on the backcover you will find both maximum andrecommended towing weights. Therecommended weight is 85% of the car'skerb weight. Therefore Volvo give you agreater margin right from the outset. Onlyvery experienced towers should attempt topull the maximum weight and then only forshort distances.

4 Proven gearboxesTowing always puts more strain on thegearbox, especially as the gears are oftenused to reduce speed. So they have to betough. They also have to be reliable. AllVolvo gearboxes have an enviablereputation for longevity. And, when itcomes to towing, Volvo's automaticgearboxes are every bit as robust as themanual ones. However we wouldrecommend the fitting of an additional oilcooler. Ask your dealer for further advice.

*except cars which are fitted with ABS.

6 Constant stabilityThe aerodynamic styling of every Volvo hasbeen designed to take into accountcrosswinds as well as headwinds.This, combined with Volvo's kerb weightproduces a low level of side windsensitivity and therefore better stability atall times.

Model exampleThe Volvo 240 DL EstateYou'll probably see more Volvo 240 Estateswith towbars than without. This sturdy,spacious, reliable car epitomises all that isbest about Volvo. Its reputation has made ita firm favourite with many different people,regardless of what they tow. The 240 wasvoted top Towcar for 1986 by readers ofPractical Caravan, who also described it as"unrivalled at its price".

Retractable towbarsThe towbar in fig B is retractable. When it'snot in use, it simply swings away under thebumper, making parking easier. It is safelyand securely fixed in place at all times andis available for 200 and most 700 seriescars.

Removable towbarOn the right is the removable version.When the towing season is over you cansimply undo 4 bolts and store the towingball. This model is also adjustable forheight and fits all 200 series models.

AccessoriesTowbarsVolvo towbars are made from the tougheststeel and meet all international safetystandards and recommendations forheight when laden.

Fixed towbarsApart from the straightforward fixed towbar(see fig A) there are also two other types ofVolvo towbars.

Towbar wiring kitsVolvo towbar wiring kits reduce the glareback which can be a problem when a car'srear fog lights are in use while a trailer isbeing towed. The Volvo seven pole socketwhich transfers electricity to the caravan'sli ghts even allows a caravan's rear fogli ghts to be on while, at the same time,cuffing out those of the car.A supplementary kit is available to poweritems inside the caravan when this seventhpole is needed for rear fog lights and acombined double kit is available whichprovides both facilities in one.

THE BEST

PLACE TO BEGIN

IS WELL BEFORE

YOU START

Safe towing doesn't just take place onthe open road. Good preparation is thebest investment you can make.Having the car and trailer properlybalanced will make driving far more of apleasure and your trip much morerelaxing.So before you set off, spend a fewminutes checking that everything is asit should be.It will be time well spent.

Advice on safe towingIf you carry luggage in the caravan, ratherthan in the boot of the car, you will reducethe leverage effect upon the two ball. So dothis whenever you can. To increase overallstability, stow the luggage as low down aspossible, ideally on the floor, and placeparticularly heavy items over the axle.Make sure that tyres are inflated to themaximum pressure given in the vehicle'shandbook.Pay particular attention to the nose weight.This is the pressure exerted by the traileron the tow ball. The figures for all Volvomodels are given in the table on the backcover. It is important that you never exceedthe maximum pressure - this forces thefront of the car up and makes the steeringtoo light. Nor should you allow the pressureto drop below the minimum - this reducesstability, especially in crosswinds.

The nose weight can be checked with oneof many special noseweight indicatorsavailable from caravan dealers.Alternatively, placing a set of bathroomscales underneath the coupling head andbridging the gap with a piece of wood untilthe caravan floor is vertical, will serve justas well.Often you will find there is no need toi ncrease or decrease the total load in thetrailer. Simply moving heavy items forwardor backward will produce the ideal noseweight.If you have never reversed the trailerbefore, try to find somewhere to practicewhere you're off the road. Don't leave ituntil you're on your way, with a queue ofimpatient motorists behind you!

Check ListBefore each journey:Measure nose weightI nflate car tyresCheck caravan tyresGrease tow ballCheck all electricsAdjust rear view mirrorsFix towing mirrors if trailer is widerthan your car.

Model exampleThe Volvo 340 GLEThe Volvo 340 is available both as a saloonand the hatchback version shown below.The 1.7 litre engine provides excellenttorque and good economy. With itsreassuring stability and the responsivehandling you need when you're towing, theVolvo 340 generates confidence whateverthe road conditions.

There are also Load Carrier Bars which areavailable individually. With speciallyordered fittings, these can hold skis,bicycles or surfboards.

All-round boxFor the safe, convenient storage of looseitems, there is this ingenious All-RoundBox. Fully open it measures approximately20in x 14in x 9in and can hold everythingfrom shopping to children's toys. It foldsalmost flat when it's not required and wasvoted one of Motor Magazine's Top TenAccessories when it was first launched.

AccessoriesRoof rackPeople who tow need plenty of space forl uggage, too. Below is the huge 80in x 46inall-aluminium roof rack for Volvo Estates.This has a front spoiler to reduce windresistance and is capable of carrying220 lbs.There is also a roof rack made ofaluminised steel which fits all Volvos,including the saloons. It is fast to fit,measures 40in x 38.5in and, although itonly weighs just over 14 lbs itself, it cancarry 110 lbs on the 300 series and 165 lbson the 200 series.

Towing mirrorsThere is no need to drill the body work to fitVolvo towing mirrors. They clamp easilyonto either wing and provide an excellentview to the rear with no vibration.

Full load linerIf you have to carry dirty loads, this FullLoad Liner protects your estate when therear seat is folded down, A Half Load Lineris also available for estates or hatchbacks.

TOWINGI NTRODUCES YOUTO A NEW KINDOF FREEDOM

Towing allows you to go where youwant, when you want.Whether you're towing a boat, a glider,a horsebox, a caravan or a trailer tent,you will experience the extra pleasureof being able to get away when whimand weather allow.With just a little knowledge about whatto expect and how to handle conditionswhich are only slightly different fromordinary driving, there are few roadsyou can't travel.

I n transitNever tow long distances with a car whichhas not been fully run in. With any Volvo1,000 miles is a sufficient run-in period.However, always keep your eye on the fuelgauge when you're towing. Greater weightand increased wind resistance both add topetrol consumption.Take care when you are alongside largelorries. Their suction effect when you'retowing is that much greater.

Although the torque of Volvo engines ismore suited to towing than that of manyengines, you can still reduce the effortnecessary by intelligent use of the gears.Selecting a low gear in hilly country is veryi mportant. it will provide greater torquewhen you're ascending and increaseengine braking on long descents.

Model exampleThe Volvo 340 GLThe Volvo 340-this time the saloon.Besides the 1.7 model below, there is alsoa 1.4 version which represents superbvalue for money. As the torque graphshows, it has more than enough power foranyone wishing to tow light camping orbusiness trailers.

Alternatively, on the 200 series, there arespecially sprung shock absorbers,available separately or as a kit.

Roof spoilerThis roof spoiler fits to the Load CarrierBars mentioned previously and is aworthwhile investment. In Wind TunnelTests it cut wind resistance by 28%,i mproving directional stability noticeably. Itfits all models. However, careful positioningi s needed and it is best to ask your Volvodealer.

AccessoriesLevelling systemsBecause towing changes any car's originalhandling characteristics, it is advisable tofirm up the rear suspension.One answer is Volvo's Automatic LevellingSystem. This keeps vehicles level,stopping a heavily laden car bottoming onrough surfaces. It also helps prevent theheadlights from dazzling oncomingdrivers.The system works by activating a smallcompressor which inflates and deflatesspecial shock absorbers whenevernecessary. The result is that the car's

handling characteristics remain the samewhether you are towing, or whether you arenot.Automatic levelling is standard on all 760models and 740 estates. It is available as afactory option or accessory on all othermodels except the 360 GLT and 480 ES.There is also a semi-automatic versionavailable without the compressor. Here thel evel is adjusted by an air-line.

WHAT THE

LAW REQUIRES

COMMON SENSE

ALSO DEMANDS

Although there are many laws coveringthe towing of trailers, all of them arebased upon common sense.Providing you always think about thesafety of yourself, your passengers andother road users, you should neverhave any difficulty remembering them.They will all come to mind quitenaturally.On the right are brief summaries of themajor legislation which affects theperson towing.

Legal requirements for towingTrailer lightsGenerally speaking, the rules on parking,indicator, fog and braking lights for trailersare the same as they are for cars.

Car mirrorsThe law states that, if the car's interiormirror doesn't allow a clear view of the roadbehind, then an additional exterior mirroron the nearside should be fitted. An offsidemirror is already compulsory.

Trailer sizeThe maximum length of a towed vehiclepulled by a normal saloon or estate car is 7metres. The maximum width is 2.3 metres.

Projecting loadsAnything which projects from the trailer bymore than 1.07 metres must be made easyto see. A bright red or orange bag fixedfirmly to the object is one answer.

Towing weightNot only must every trailer over 750kg (14.8cwt) have its own braking system, but therei s another requirement, too. Any trailer witha loaded weight of over 50% of the towingvehicle's kerb weight must also be fittedwith brakes. So be careful! An unbrakedtrailer may be legal with one car, but notwith another.

Towing speedThe maximum speed if you are towing atrailer or caravan is 50 mph, or 60 mph ondual carriageways and motorways.Obviously, if there's a lower speed limit youshould comply with that.You are not allowed to use the outside laneof a motorway, when all three lanes areopen.

Towing responsibilityYou need to hold a full driving licencebefore you are allowed to tow anything atall. It is then your responsibility to makesure no one rides in or on the towed vehiclewhile it is moving.

The above is only a brief guideline. Formore detailed information, the following 2books are particularly useful.*A.A.-Camping and Caravaning in G.B.The Caravan Club Handbook.

Model exampleThe Volvo 740 GLE SaloonExperts have already predicted that theestate version of the Volvo 740 will soon bea winner of the Top Towcar Award. Thesaloon version has the same impeccableroadholding, the same smooth torqueengine, and the same power steering andservo assisted disc brakes. With either a 4speed plus overdrive gearbox, or a 4speed automatic gearbox, you have a veryrefined car indeed.

Volvo towing accessories and model applicationsVolvo towing accessoriesAs you can see every Volvo is superbly wellequipped for towing right from the start.However, the selection of specialistequipment has been left to you.These are the towing accessories availablefor each model.

The towing facts and load capacity of every Volvo model