So my optioned out base wagon came equipped with a U Haul tow bar and I have been looking into buying a small travel trailer for quite some time now...

My questions is, what is the largest trailer I can tow with the 2.4 N/A OBDII wagon? I do plan to beef up the rear suspension with stiffer shocks first, as well as improve on the brakes all around (stainless steel braided lines, etc).

Ideally I'd like to be able to buy a 16 foot trailer and tow that, would it be too much? I do plan to go with a 2" ball as well if possible for max towing capacity, as well as finding a trailer with electric brakes.

Can anyone put me on the right path here? Maybe point me in the direction of some brake upgrades, better tow bars, and suspension mods for towing?

Edit: A bit of info on the car, it is a 97 automatic. Estimated mileage is 140-160k, and it was a well maintained vehicle from what I can gather.

 

You aren't going to be towing an empty trailer, what do you plan to put into it ??

 

U-Haul recommends:

Trailers without brakes: 1,100 lbs
Trailers with brakes: 3,300 with a 2" ball, and 2,000 with a 1 7/8 inch ball.
Tongue weight varies between 110 and 265 lbs depending on the hitch class and trailer weight.

Curt recommends:

Trailer Hitch Size:
1-1/4 Inch Hitch Opening
Towing Capacity:
300 Pound Tongue Weight
3500 Pound Towing
Trailer Wiring:
1997 Volvo 850 Series Trailer Wiring
Recommended Ball Mount:
1997 Volvo 850 Series Ball Mount

More:

https://www.google.com/#fp=7ed7b4902...owing+capacity

 

Thanks much!

That seems to be about what I've come up with as well, but wanted to check with the more experienced people of the group (being a first time volvo owner and complete noob to towing). I am looking at buying a trailer with brakes, but the main thing is I don't want to overdo the load and put too much stress on the car. 2" ball is my plan, so it looks like 3300 lbs is my limit. Figuring on a 2700 lb travel trailer max with all my stuff loaded in it, I should come in about 3100-3200 lbs laden weight. Not sure what class my tow bar is to be honest, have to take a look. Worse case, I can axe the U Haul bar and get a genuine volvo one (and I would prefer/may well do this anyhow)...

As far as that goes, I think I have an idea of what to look for in a trailer then. I should be able to pull an ultralight trailer no problem, or a 16 foot travel trailer unladen (no water in tanks, no propane tanks, etc). Looking to basically use this as my home on the road and then park it once I get to where I need to be.

Not so worried about wiring harnesses for the trailer lighting, I work with a large supplier of Hella lighting that does custom length hand built wiring harnesses that'll never die

My biggest questions now are relating to upgrades on the car itself. Has anyone beefed up the brakes on a wagon with larger discs/heavier duty calipers? And what are my options for a stiffer rear suspension to handle the added weight from the trailer?

 

^???^

 

Owners manual info:

1997 Volvo 850

 

Got that Found the owners manual to my car. My biggest concerns now are the upgrades to brakes and suspension, specifically parts. If anyone can point me in the right direction, it'd be much appreciated

 

Bigger brake bolt on kit:
Volvo Performance Brake Kit w/Brackets 302MM - ATE 850ATEKIT302-1 | FCP Euro

I don't know of anything for the rear shocks as they have a cone shaped mount that I haven't seen on anything else. I never did any research on it because of that lower mount. I too would like to use air shocks or a load carrier coil over style shock but not the race car kind.

 

:thumbsup:

Awesome! Thanks for the link on the brakes Looks like it'll be a bit on that upgrade lol. Didnt expect it to be cheap though Although, the cheap *** in me wonders if it'd be possible to do this with off the shelf parts instead of ordering the kit...Main thing is, I don't see actual calipers in that kit either. Are the stock calipers dual/triple/quad etc piston already?

I agree with you on the coil over setup. Maybe I can come up with something that will swap over with (little to no) modification... :think:

 

Maybe think about an external transmission cooler as well if it doesn't already have one.

 

The following URL has more information on brake upgrades: https://volvoforums.com/forum/volvo-...de-t5-r-69862/

This is alot cheaper than purchasing a brake kit

 

Even better, exactly what I was looking for A+ to you brother

 

The big thing about towing is not to load the trailer wrong. You should NOT have to much weight on the front (tough). It should be somewhat balanced. A little weight to the front.

 

Loading trailers isn't my biggest issue. I do/did a lot of trade shows loading trucks etc and I tend to pack light with everything centered over the rear axle down low, to keep the center of gravity and balance in check. Realistically, I won't be carrying much more than clothing and daily living items. I have also towed small box trailers full of wood a few times, but I am still very new to towing (and hauling wood is completely different than hauling a camper ). I'd rather ere on the side of caution though and make sure the Volvo is safe enough to be up to the task, hence the want to upgrade rear shocks with something stiffer, as well as the brakes.

 

The main issue I would focus on is an additional transmission cooler.

 

Understood

So my list should be as follows if I am on the correct path here....

1. Transmission cooler upgrade
2. Rear suspension upgrade
3. Brake upgrade

Anything else anyone can think of?