Towing 2012 Volvo V70 D3. Towing limit 1600kg

tigwigs
tigwigs Forum Participant Posts: 8
edited August 2016 in Towcars & Towing #1

We are hoping to buy a new Coachman Pastiche 560 or 575 (MTPLM 1520kg) at the Nec Caravan October show and are slightly worried whether our car will manage especially on hills/inclines etc. It is a 3cylinder as opposed to a D5 cylinder. We are
considering whether we should partex for an XC60 but given the mpg will drop massively, don't want to do this if unnecessary. Does anyone have any experience with towing a largish/heavish van with a V70 D3. Towcar give it an okish match. Thank you in advance.

Comments

  • EmilysDad
    EmilysDad Forum Participant Posts: 8,973
    1000 Comments
    edited August 2016 #2

    I haven't experience ..... but I'd want more than 3 cylinders on my towcar pulling that weight. 

  • flatcoat
    flatcoat Forum Participant Posts: 1,571
    1000 Comments
    edited August 2016 #3

    Are you really sure it's a 3 cylinder diesel Volvo.... to the best of my knowledge Volvo do not yet make a 3 cyl engine (although one is coming). Have you actually checked the car specification Or is this a wind up?! 

  • bennetti
    bennetti Forum Participant Posts: 13
    edited August 2016 #4

    Volvo engine naming can be confusing. D3 of that vintage is still 2 litre 5 cylinder I think (certainly not 3)  although output is relatlively modest. 136HP if I've just looked up the right one. So yes I think you're right to be aware that you'll be towing
    at the upper end of what's usually considered an appropriate match (and more to the point very close to the car's stated capability).

    However, in your position I would stick with it, have a towbar fitted, see how it copes. You'll likely be surprised.  Better to make an informed decision based on experience rather than guesswork. Fuel consumption of a newer XC60 likely not so much greater
    than an older V70 but frankly the cost to swap cars will make any fuel cost difference seem insignificant. 

  • flatcoat
    flatcoat Forum Participant Posts: 1,571
    1000 Comments
    edited August 2016 #5

    The D3 is a Fraud supplied 4 cylinder engine as used in the Mundano and Crocus, my post above was slightly tongue in cheek. However, NEVER EVER change cars to simply save on fuel costs, the biggest cost in car ownership by a country mile is depreciation. 

  • Simpleton855
    Simpleton855 Forum Participant Posts: 72
    edited August 2016 #6

    It`ll be a 2.0 4 cylinder unit, 161bhp and 295 lb ft.

     

  • FatCandy
    FatCandy Forum Participant Posts: 1
    edited September 2016 #7

    It depends on the age of the D3 model.  If memory serves correctly, the 2011-2013 D3 has a 5-cyclinder 2.0 163BHP motor.  This engine subsequently became the D4.  The newer D3s are 4-cyclinder.

  • alfigone
    alfigone Forum Participant Posts: 48
    edited September 2016 #8

    Hi Tigwigs,

    I tow with a 2012 D5 auto V70 so have a towing limit of 2000Kg, and can vouch for that been a very capable tow car. towing a van with a MTPLM of 1565Kg.  From my owners manual the D3 will have the following specs:- 5 Cylinder, Output 120/3500kW/rpm, 163/3500bhp/rpm. Torque 400/1500-2750 Nm/rpm.  So torque wise it's only 40 less than my D5 delivers, so I don't think you'll have any issues performance wise.  I don't know what the Mass in Service of the D3 is,but my D5 is 1829Kg, and can't imagine the D3 been that much less.  One thing to note, is the D3 only has a 75Kg noseweight limit.

    As bennetti says I would stick with it, and see how it performs, as I have been very pleased with the D5.

    Paul.

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