Towing with a convertible - Volvo C70

[Stephen_374475825]

Hi,

First post on what looks to be a very useful forum, and I'm looking for advice, please.

My wife and I are returning to touring caravanning after a number of years away. Because our other love is our classic Triumph sports car, and we're confirmed "top-downers", we'd like to at least be able to enjoy that feeling when not actually towing, so we've been looking at convertibles. Best bet we can see is the Volvo C70 coupe convertible - heavy enough to give a good range of vans at 85% of its weight, towing limit 1500kG, massive boot when the top's up and a steel roof. The T5 or D5 engine has tons of oomph as proved by the ratings of the more-conventional V70 as a towcar.

Did a forum search and only came up with one brief thread over a year old, so has anyone more current thoughts on/experience of the C70 as a towcar?

 

[Guest]

I share your enthusiasm for having a convertible car, although I have yet to actually own one. As you mention the Volvo D5 engine is very powerful and is excellent for towing, however.........the convertible is going to have drawbacks to either the S80 saloon or the V70 estate due to its less rigid bodyshell. I know it has been strengthened but there will still be greater forces exerted on it. The other more practical reason is that the hood takes up a lot of space so everything will have to go into the van. Once you realise all the 'clutter' you wish to carry that may be impractical, and illegal.

I would be tempted to suggest keep the convertible as a 'fun car' and get a normal saloon or estate for towing.

 

[chillidave]

I,ve only ever seen 3 convertibles towing caravans and the,ve all been SAABs.Just a thought!

 

[Stephen_374475825]

Thanks for the responses. I've also only seen Saabs and, much as I respect the brand, they don't do it for me visually.

I actually had the same thoughts as Scotch Lad about boot space and rigidity, but the truth of the matter is that with the top up, the boot is vast, so towing would always be top up and this should also increase stability and rigidity.

Anyway, heart overruled head yesterday, because we've taken the plunge and bought a T5 (06 reg). According to all of Volvo's figures, and the 85% rule and other "good practice", this should be a fine match with our on-order Lunar Quasar 524, 2010 model.

Guess this puts us in the frame as "test pilots" ;0)

We'll gladly report experiences, but won't have the outfit until early December so it'll take a little time to generate even early thoughts...

Regards, Steve

 

[Glenn_5132962]

You could have put a towbar on the Triumph & got a smaller caravan???? Years ago I towed the father in laws van with an MGB & it did a fine job.

 

[Stephen_374475825]

Hi Glenn,

Don't think the other half would have let me get away with that, although our 50-year-old TR3A still has a fair amount of grunt! We do have one or two friends who tow with the six-cylinder TR5s and TR6s pretty succesfully.

Suppose I'd have had to get a classic van as well... Hmmm, saw a lovely Airstream at the Caravan Show yesterday....... ;0)

Steve

 

[Ianofwilts]

Stephen,

I don't believe there to be an issue with stability as mentioned but you will experience all the bumps in the road to a greater degree as the suspension tends to be much firmer.

I'm a great advocate of BMW's a good looking little no. in the 3 series soft top. The pre 08 model has the vinyl roof and even when down leaves enough space in the boot for a good amount of luggage. You can also get a hard to as I had and a roof box to fit that. So plenty of options. If opting for an outo diesel model you'll find there is a great range of caravans well within the 85% rule. And I have to add having had many BM's stability even when towing is second to none. Try one and you'll forget the others.

Well thats my biased opinion.

Ian

 

[Darrall_374227822]

Hi

I previously towed with an 02 reg C70 2.0 LPT auto, fantastic tow car though a bit saggy at rear with roof down, biggest issue was MPG about 15 MPG towing.

 

[Chrissylizzie]

Hi Stephen

We have had several car and caravan matches over 30 years and for the last three years we towed with a 2.5 Audi A4 auto which was great, economical and well within the 85% rule as we tow a Quasar 524. HOWEVER, we have for a few years also dreamed of an Audi A4 convertible and after much debate as to suitability, economy etc. etc. earlier this year we took the plunge and bought an IMACCULATE A4 2.5 convertible, 52 plate. Unfortunately it was not diesel or automatic but it was too good to miss. Anyway, we were able to do a straight swap of tow-bar and it has proved to be very successful. We do not get quite the same economy as with the diesel, but it is more than acceptable. The huge plus which outweighs any of this is the sheer enjoyment when not towing and when the weather is suitable of just being in a lovely car in the fresh air. Even when towing, once on site, the pleasure of this car with the roof down makes any holiday even better. Listen to your heart, and enjoy your purchase.

 

[Stephen_374475825]

Hi all,

Thanks for the feedback - especially Chrissylizzie's "listen to your heart" comment. We've picked up the Volvo and have been driving it for a week or so, and consistently look for any excuse to drive it! It's stunning, top up or down, and the T5 engine is a delight.

We don't get the 'van for another month or so, but I expect the outfit to work well but, to be frank, any slight compromise will be totally and utterly offset by the pleasure of being able to explore new locations top down. Roll on spring!!

Steve

 

[Chrissylizzie]

Totally share your sentiments Stephen. Let us know how it goes when you get the van, but I think you will be fine. Let's hope we have a better summer next year as almost to the day we got the Audi, the weather changed. However, like you, any reasonable chance and the roof is down!

 

[Rick_374472769]

Totally share your sentiments Stephen. Let us know how it goes when you get the van, but I think you will be fine. Let's hope we have a better summer next year as almost to the day we got the Audi, the weather changed. However, like you, any reasonable chance and the roof is down!

Hi Stephen

I have to agree with everything that Chrissylizzie says.

I have a 2003 2.5 auto 3 series convertible. Its a sport model and I must admit I was a little concerned about ground clearance when we decided to start caravaning, again, last year. No probs.

It maybe a bit thirsty, 19mpg, but the pleasure the wife and I get from having the top down whilst away is well worth it and even when towing! Being a four seater? excess luggage can be put on the rear seats.

SO ENJOY

Rick