Comparing towing vehicles and experience

RoyVal
RoyVal Forum Participant Posts: 2
edited September 2021 in Towcars & Towing #1

Good Evening, I have just sold my much loved 2015 Mercedes ML which indeed was a brilliant tow vehicle for my Swift Conqueror 530 coming in at a hefty 1650k. I have bought a new Volvo V90 MHEV B5 Cross Country. My question is has any one had experience of this vehicle in relation to towing performance?

Thank you

Roy

Comments

  • flatcoat
    flatcoat Forum Participant Posts: 1,571
    1000 Comments
    edited September 2021 #2

    Try the Volvo OC Forum. I cannot imagine it will be a problem but isn’t it a bit late asking after you have bought it? Seems a lot of money to risk if it is a clunker when towing. 

  • kentman
    kentman Forum Participant Posts: 147
    edited September 2021 #3

    Hi RoyVal

    I have been towing a Coachman VIP (replated to 1700kg) for the past year with an XC90 B5 MHEV, if that is of any interest. It is the best vehicle I have towed with over 40 years, other than a Land Rover Discovery 4. The fuel consumption towing is nothing special (26-27mpg) but it is significantly more economic solo (best of 47mpg on one long run) than my previous LR Discovery Sport. It seems to be well made and everything is well thought out. It is also extremely comfortable and pleasant to drive.  Downsides: I would prefer a few more buttons rather than everything being on the touch screen; the ride is a touch hard; road noise is greater than I would ideally want. Overall, however, I am very happy with it.

  • Busyelf
    Busyelf Forum Participant Posts: 76
    edited September 2021 #4

    Speaking of Volvos, I purchased a caravan that could be towed by my  2013 V40 SE  Lux Nav. and fulfilled all the weights etc. to match my caravan perfectly. Since then I had the chance to upgrade to a XC60 SE Lux Nav. which in my experience has proved to be an even better combination. However, On checking the Clubs Online Matching Service, I'm informed that it would be ILLEGAL to tow my 'van ( 2019 Swift Exclusive 4 ) with the XC60. 

    I'm assuming this is due to the Club not having the details of the XC60 to hand  as other Matching services say that this is a Great tow car and  is more than capable of towing my  Caravan safely. The car is listed in the Matching service but no weights were available.  Hence  the Illegal status. 

    The car in question is a 2014 Volvo XC60 D4 AWD. with the 2.4 litre Ford Diesel Engine and 6 speed Manual Gearbox. Kerb weight is approx 1900 kg and towing limit (as per manufacturers ) 2000 kg. It is aimed more at heavier 'vans than my current unit, but as I have come back to Caravaning after a long a delay. I find it an ideal combination to get me back into the swing. I feel confident in towing it and know that it will not misbehave in adverse conditions.

    On my latest trip out I got approx 29.3 mpg towing and driving at the limit of 60 mph showed only a slight increase in consumption, (28.6 mpg) but at 55 it's enough to enjoy the  drive and be relaxed and stress-free at the wheel. Hope this helps  fellow Volvo lovers.

Categories