Towing with an 2010my xc70

[BigMart]

Hello Chaps, first post of many,

I am thinking of buying a new xc70 d5 205 for towing my 1800kg caravan.
I have never owned a volvo of any kind and been a follower of the Landrover brand for many years with several discoverys and more recently a range rover sport.
The sport will have to go soon because I use it for business travelling and it's a bit too juicy.
My Questions....
Does any one on here tow a big twin axle van with an xc70 ?
What are the problems, if any?
Is it ok to spec an auto box?

I intend to run it to 200k miles.
And lastly...
Has anyone experience of stepping out of a more conventional 4x4/suv and stepping into an xc70/v70.
I am worried about missing the height and road presence apart from interior space.

Lots of questions I know.
Thanks in advance

Mart

[Westyman]

I have towed a 1500kg 'van with my 2005 V70 D5 (163 bhp) AWD Geartronic for years with no problem.
I have just taken delivery of a 2011MY V70 D5 AWD Geartronic (205 bhp) and later this year will be changing the 'van for a 1700kg one which is just everso slightly over the recommended 85% if it was laden to max capacity

[BigMart]

Thanks for the reply Westyman,

I'm surprised there arent more xc70 caravanners on here.
I suppose it's a low volume production car..

I'm more worried that I wont get on with a car like experience after 12 years of discoveries and range rovers.

I would be interested to know how you get on with your new xc70.

Mart

[Westyman]

It's not actually the XC70, but the normal V70 with the AWD. I'm not actually too keen on the body mouldings that are on the XC70 and I had no need of the increased ground clearance. I have posted a couple of pictures of the car here http://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=93814

I understand that in UK V70s outsell XC70s but in the States it's the other way round. Either way, fine towcars and I hope you'd be happy with an XC70 if you choose to go that way. From what I hear you may miss the frequent trips to the LR dealers.........:-)

First tow with the new car will be mid-August.

[Yellowbelly]

The XC70 and V70 AWD are both good towcars especially with the new 205ps D5 Engine. Geartronic works well - I tow 1700kgs on a single axle caravan, - just make sure you fit load compensating suspension. Factory towing max is 2100kgs for the XC70 and 2000kgs for the V70awd both with a 90kg noseweight limit.

[Westyman]

Now had first tow with new set-up and it was fine. I may play around a bit with tyre pressures. I tried the 38psi all round for economy as per h/b but have 34 all round at the moment as 38 was a bit harsh. May try a bit mor ein the back.