Trailer Hitch Recommendation for a 2013 Volvo S80

Question:

I am considering buying a Volvo S80 and was wondering if there is a class III hitch available? I have a small travel trailer that weighs 2500lbs with a tongue weight of 290lbs. If not a class III, then would a class II hitch with a 1 1/4inch draw bar instead if a 2 be adequate for this combination? Or should I consider a different vehicle altogether?

asked by: Dave

Expert Reply:

At this time there are no Class III trailer hitches available for the 2013 Volvo S80 but the Class II hitches, see link, are all rated high enough for the trailer you plan to tow. You also have to consider the vehicle capacity as indicated in the owners manual. Whichever is lower, the hitch or the vehicle, is the capacity you need to go by.

Curt trailer hitch # C12287 has the highest tongue weight capacity of the hitches that will fit. It is rated for 350 pounds tongue weight and 3,500 pounds gross trailer weight.

If the weights you indicated are the loaded and ready to tow weights AND the vehicle capacity is the same as or higher than what the hitch is rated for then this combination will work just fine for you. You would need to add the ball mount # C45520, pin and clip # F-4, and a properly sized ball. Use # 19256 for a 1-7/8 inch ball or # 19258 for a 2 inch ball.

But if those are the empty or dry weights then chances are when loaded and ready to tow it will be very close or exceed the capacity of the tongue weight capacity, gross trailer weight capacity, or both. If you think it will be close or the vehicle itself is not rated high enough you will want to look into a different vehicle.

If the Volvo works out for you then you will also need trailer wiring, # 118454. I have included links to the instructions for the hitch and wiring for you.