Can 2015 Volvo XC60 T5 Front-Wheel-Drive Be Dolly Towed

Question:

I am getting mixed messages from other sources so time to ask you: I own a 2015 Volvo XC 60 T5 front wheel drive car and Volvo does not recommend dolly towing. Thats the answer I get from the national customer service team - but do they really know what they are talking about? I have also asked the dealer but I cant get a straight answer from them either. Is there something I am missing, or is Volvo just not wanting to give me a reasonable answer because they do not know, or are saying no just to play it safe? Appreciate your guidance

asked by: Ray G

Expert Reply:

Among the potential sources for information on a vehicle like your 2015 Volvo XC60 T5 - the local dealer, the Volvo customer service team and your owner's manual - I would suggest putting your trust in the printed manual. This printed manual should accurately reflect the equipment in and capabilities of your specific front-wheel-drive vehicle.

I was able to find the online edition of the manual for your car, and as you noted, Volvo chose not to directly address the entire matter of dolly towing. I refer to pages 302-3. They DO recommend using a flatbed truck for any emergency towing and this tends to suggest that the car would potentially suffer transmission damage if dolly-towed. Volvo does note that the all-wheel-drive models can be towed with the front wheels off the ground (as when a tow dolly is employed) but only up to a speed of 45-mph and only up to 30 miles.

I can tell you from having reviewed many auto manuals that few auto makers enthusiastically address the matter of flat towing or dolly towing their vehicles. This does not necessarily mean such cars will suffer transmission damage but this could be the case.

Unfortunately, sometimes the auto maker prefers to simply avoid the question. Since they are THE authority on their product and its use this means that if they are unwilling to address the matter then no one else has the same capacity to give you the right information. In this case I suggest erring on the side of caution and NOT dolly towing the car.

expert reply by: Adam R