VOLVO XC 70

[John_374224558]

I am thinking about either the XC70 (probably an 06 model) or a new Freelander 2. Can't make my mind up at the moment, has anyone run an XC70 D5 and how have they performed please. Both are capable of towing a 1490kg van I think.

Thanks.

 

[RichardS1]

Hi John, there was quite a detailed report on the XC70 in this months PC magazine by the editer who has used one for several months.

 

[John_374224558]

Thanks Richard,

Why on earth did I miss that..had too much going on to buy the mag..have just hinted I want a years subscription for XMAS!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[farmerdave21]

Hi John I would definately go for the Volvo far superior to the freelander. I have owned 2 Volvo V70's my current is a 04 Reg V70SE D5 AWD. This is basically the same as the XC70 but just less ground clearance. The AWD transmission etc is the same & 95% of the time drives the front wheels. The rear wheels kick in when a spin is detected. The KW of mine is 1685KG & i think the XC 70 is a bit heavier. I tow a twin axle Bailey Senator Montana MIRO 1388 MTPLM 1750KG & it tows suberbly. With Cruise Control set on motorways its a dream.

My opinion is go for the Volvo you will love it.

Good Luck & Merry Christmas

Dave

 

[John_374224558]

Thanks for that Dave, I have now got a couple of test drives organised, in fact one dealer has offered to lend me the motor for a few hours so I can really get the family involved.

I could enjoy this while everyone else is christmas shopping!!!!!

Merry Christmas

John

 

[Val & Frank]

Hi David.

The KW of mine is 1685KG & i think the XC 70 is a bit heavier. I tow a twin axle Bailey Senator Montana MIRO 1388 MTPLM 1750KG & it tows suberbly.

Not trying to be smart or anything is that not more than 100% ?? or have I got it wrong !!!.

Val & Frank

 

[farmerdave21]

Hello Frank,

*Sarcastic comment edited by Mod2*

Yes you are correct the KW of my car is lighter than the MTPLM of caravan it is 65KG short of the MTPLM.

We do not very often reach the total MTPLM of caravan only when we go to Cornwall for 2 weeks in the summer. I always load it carefully with heavy items over the axles etc. Also by the time me the wife 2 kids, 2 bikes on the roof of the car and other items loaded in the car, the car actually weighs then well over 1750KG. Before you comment back i do know you are only supposed to take the KW of the car which doesnt even include the driver??? I never understand this as a car fully loaded increases the weight & so makes the towcar heavier.

I have been towing for 16 years & this outfit is the most stable outfit i have had. Prior to this i always had single axle caravans.

I always drive sensible never exceeding 60MPH like some people.

Mostly around the 55 mark om motorways

Regards

David

 

[Guest]

There has been discussion on this Forum before regarding kerbweights, and the consensus was that the actual weight of the car is the important factor and that this is usually quite a bit heavier than the figures given by the manufacturer. In my own case my car weighs nearly 250 kg heavier than the listed kerbweight, using the standard criteria.

It is a bit irritating as it meant that I could have opted for a slightly higher MTPLM than I did.

If in doubt, use a weighbridge, on a calm day.

 

[farmerdave21]

Hello Moderator.

Yes it was a sarcastic comment because in my eyes a person making a smart comment like that is just as bad.

These forums are here to exchange ideas & for people to learn in a friendly manner not to be smart.

I was originally making a decent valid comment about my outfit & experience with the car in question but i dont like smart people.

Regards

David

 

[Moderator2_5083849]

David, may I suggest you follow your own advice, which is :

"These forums are here to exchange ideas & for people to learn in a friendly manner not to be smart."

Not everybody fully understands the weight ratio situation, and as it is mainly put over, towing at over 100% is not the recognised "norm", but rather the exception.

To assume Frank was being "smart" was not the wisest thing to make assumptions about.

Your post was edited because there is no need and no excuse to make derogatory comments at other forum users, and will not be tolerated.

 

[Val & Frank]

David,

My comment was due to the fact that YOU offered something that is so far from the norm, as something that is normal towing practice.When every recognised body seems to go against what you stated.

If I was wrong I would stand corrected BUT in this case !!!

Frank