Weight

• The towing limit of the Volvo is more than sufficient (check this in your vehicle documents).
• If you passed your driving test after 1 January 1997, you will need a B+E (or B96) driving license.
• Weight ratio between the laden caravan and the loaded car is 84%. Common in the UK: the weight ratio between the laden caravan and the kerbweight of the car is 94%.
• The risk of snaking at higher speeds, strong side winds and thoughtless driving exist. Even if the combination normally feels stable, the forces by deflection side to side are so great that it could be dangerous. Only if the driver has knowledge of and experience in driving a caravan it should be safe to drive. Proper and careful loading is essential! An electronic stability system in the car and / or on the caravan is recommended.
• Recommended noseweight is 85 kg.
• Safe speed up to 56 mph (90 km/h).
• Stability and safety score to compare is 121 points.

If the caravan starts to snake you should reduce your speed and slow down directly! Lift your feet off the accelerator and brake gradually. Hold the steering wheel into a fixed position.

Conclusion

• Performance is more than sufficient.
• Proper and careful loading is still important!
• It's a perfect match!

Influence of User Payload on stability

Weight distribution and noseweight are vital in obtaining a stable caravan.

Distribute the User Payload by yourself in the caravan and the car and then find out the stability rating of your loading configuration.

More information

More detailed information and specifically calculated top speeds and performance of this outfit.

Specifications

User Reviews

Dave reviewed a Volvo S80 2.4:

"I've towed this caravan Compass Rallye GTE 500/4 for the past 17 months, and have found it to be great until you hit 65 mph, then it fish tails, Now I've tried loading it in lots of different ways, done it empty, max limits each time hit 65 BANG its there. Apart from this, i would say the van and car are a perfect match. The S80 is just fab, mines a 2002 model, but I've done a canny few miles in her 148,320 miles to be exact, only thing replaced, apart from normal service parts, brake pads, and discs etc, was a new air con commpressor, and a top engine mount. Apparently the air comp is noted to go at 90,000miles, in almost 75% of all S80s.

I find the 5th gear can be a little to high ratioed (when towing), need to drop a gear often on hills, as the gear struggling to pull. however drop it into 4th and BANG of she goes again. I've had 350 miles out of her on a full tank, towing the van down from Fort William in Scotland to north yorks last year, she sat a 60mph all day, without missing a beat.
I was on my way home this afternoon from Scarbrough, when I had to stop on a hill just outside Whitby, (Rosewhip) the hill had temp lights on hit, but you couldnt see them untill ontop of them. I had to stop andwait for the green light I honestly thought she wouldnt get away the hill was 20% incline UPHILL. But she proved me wrong, mind you the cluch smelt a little hot until I managed to get it into 2nd. PEW!!!. was I pleased!!.
Would I recommend the S80 as a towcar =YES, would I recommend one as a family car= YES, would I buy another= YES YES Overall a brilliant motor and a pleasure to drive and own"

See more Volvo S80 reviews.

Review your Volvo

Tell other caravanners what you think of your Volvo S80 2.4 towing a Compass Rallye 524 (1527 kg).

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