Weight Distribution System for Use on 2015 Volvo XC60 for Pulling 3300-lb Trailer

Question:

Looking at weight distribution hitch solutions for a Volvo XC60. The max tongue weight from Volvo is 162#. I have a 1840# empty weight trailer with 300# max tongue weight. Wondering if weight distribution hitches are a solution in this application. Max trailer weight is expected to stay under 2500#, with the vehicles towing capacity in the 3300# range.

asked by: Ross Y

Expert Reply:

My research on your vehicle indicates that suitably-equipped versions can tow as much as 3500-lbs, but I was not able to verify the XC60's quoted 162-lb tongue weight rating. If this is the figure that is indicated in your owner's manual (or confirmed by your dealership) then you will not be able to tow your 2500-lb trailer even with weight distribution.

Weight distribution can be used in instances where the tow vehicle's hitch receiver is specifically rated for use with such systems (not all hitches are so rated). Your hitch's safety/warning sticker will indicate if it is rated for use with weight distribution. We do offer one hitch for your 2015 Volvo XC60, a 2-inch Class III hitch from Curt, part # 13268. This hitch carries a maximum tongue weight rating of 400-lbs, which increases to 450-lbs when weight distribution is added.

When the different components in a system carry varying weight ratings, in this case the vehicle and hitch, you must abide by the limit of the lowest-rated item. If your XC60 does have a 162-lb tongue weight limit then it will not be able to pull a trailer with a tongue weight of nearly double that.

expert reply by: Adam R

Jens

6/6/2020

We have a 2015 Volvo V60XC T5 AWD. It does not have a hitch. Looking at the online manual it states a max towing capacity of 3300 lbs and a max tongue weight of 165 lbs. Is this max tongue weight for the car or would it depend on the type of hitch I chose to put on? If I chose the Curt class 3 would it be 400 lbs without WD and 450 lbs with WD?

Chris R.

6/10/2020

Regardless of the type of hitch you install, the tongue weight capacity of your Volvo will always be limited to 165 pounds. I'm not quite sure how Volvo expects a trailer of up to 3,300 pounds to have a tongue weight that low, but unfortunately this is the number you'll have to adhere to and exceeding it could lead to damage and will void any warranties on the vehicle.