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Old 04-08-2016, 04:06 PM   #1
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Volvo XC90 as tow vehicle for 17', 19'

Have a friend with a late model Volvo XC90. Anybody have experience with this SUV as a 17' or 19' TV?
thanks
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Old 04-08-2016, 04:23 PM   #2
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I love how specific Volvo is about the towing capacity of the XC90:

5952 lbs. Not 6000, not even 5950. I've not seen one as a tow, but the numbers suggest it will tow really well.


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Old 04-08-2016, 05:33 PM   #3
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7th Heaven towed a 21 with an XC90. I see he is using a Gen 2 Sequoia now.
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Old 04-08-2016, 11:23 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bobo View Post
Have a friend with a late model Volvo XC90.
How late? This model was replaced with a new design for the 2015 model year, so it will matter (to some extent) whether it is the earlier or later generation.

Quote:
Originally Posted by rbryan4 View Post
I love how specific Volvo is about the towing capacity of the XC90:

5952 lbs. Not 6000, not even 5950. I've not seen one as a tow, but the numbers suggest it will tow really well.
The not-rounded number is typical for ratings determined directly by subtracting curb weight from Gross Combination Weight Rating, as is typical for pickup trucks. The round numbers usually come from reducing the trailer weight rating to match a trailer hitch class (e.g. 3500 pounds for Class 2) or otherwise restricting the rating (due to concerns such as stability).

I agree that the design has appeal as a tug, with long wheelbase, short overhang, and capable suspension. It is similar to a VW Touareg in this way. The current one has an 8-speed transmission. The first generation had a variety of engines, but all of the engines available for the new one are turbocharged (or mechanically supercharged) 2.0 litres... maybe a little small for towing a bulky trailer at highway speeds up grades.
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Old 04-08-2016, 11:35 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rbryan4 View Post
I love how specific Volvo is about the towing capacity of the XC90:

5952 lbs. Not 6000, not even 5950. I've not seen one as a tow, but the numbers suggest it will tow really well.


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Likely engineered/specified in metric as 2700 Kilograms. At least they rounded off the decimal places ;-)
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Old 04-09-2016, 12:28 AM   #6
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Originally Posted by rbryan4 View Post
I love how specific Volvo is about the towing capacity of the XC90:

5952 lbs.
Hmm... where did that value come from? Is it the previous model? This is what the 2016 owner's manual (published by Volvo Canada, but including U.S. values) says:

USA
Max. trailer weights
Without brakes: 1,650 lbs
With brakes (AWD): 5,000 lbs
With brakes (FWD): 4,000 lbs
Max. tongue weight
AWD: 500 lbs
FWD: 400 lbs
Canada
Max. trailer weights
Without brakes: 750 kg
With brakes (AWD): 2,250 kg
With brakes (FWD): 1,800 kg
Max. tongue weight
AWD: 225 kg
FWD: 180 kg
These look like round numbers in pounds.
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Old 04-09-2016, 01:20 PM   #7
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Originally Posted by Rossue View Post
7th Heaven towed a 21 with an XC90.
True. You might want to ask David (member profile: 7th Heaven) about the Volvo, but it sounds like a 17' or even a 19' would be no problem for the XC90, if carrying a similar load (of passengers and cargo).

David's XC90 is a 2011, so that's the first generation. It is apparently a six-cylinder; although someone suggested in a conversation that is was a V6, there is no V6 XC90 so it must be one of the inline sixes. In 2011 that would be the 3.2L 238 hp Volvo SI6 engine.
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Old 04-09-2016, 02:45 PM   #8
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I downloaded the 2016 XC90 manual from Volvo Cars Support (for Canada), and I just downloaded the 2011 manual as well.

The 2011 manual shows the same limits, plus reduced trailer limits when carrying passengers, with this comment:
Quote:
The maximum trailer weight listed in the table for All Wheel Drive models, 5,000 lbs (2250 kg) is only applicable when there are not more than two occupants in the vehicle, in the front seats, with a combined weight of 300 lbs (135 kg), with no other cargo in the vehicle.
Add a rear seat passenger, or a similar weight of cargo, and you still have 4500 pounds (total trailer weight) and 450 pounds (tongue weight) capacity, so a 21' is possible, a 19' is reasonable, and a 17' is no problem.
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Old 04-09-2016, 09:27 PM   #9
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Thanks everyone. I will pass this information on.
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Old 04-09-2016, 10:45 PM   #10
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Volvo XC90 as tow vehicle for 17', 19'

Quote:
Originally Posted by Brian B-P View Post
Hmm... where did that value come from? Is it the previous model?.

I just googled it when I saw the post. Don't recall the source but it was for a 2015. Didn't know the year, just "late model". Obviously, without knowing the exact year and equipment, it could be wrong.
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Old 04-10-2016, 02:29 PM   #11
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Originally Posted by rbryan4 View Post
I just googled it when I saw the post. Don't recall the source but it was for a 2015. Didn't know the year, just "late model". Obviously, without knowing the exact year and equipment, it could be wrong.
Thanks. Just curious, because sometimes manufacturers are not consistent in their information, and more commonly lists posted on web sites are simply wrong.

That 5292 pound value probably came from a pre-release article such as the one in Jalopnik; my guess is that Volvo calculated that from GCWR, provided it to journalists, and rounded it down before final publication of their documentation.
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