Volvo XC60 towing

They are a handsome brute.
If manufacturers specs max is 150kgs and 2 tonne....that won't change with a different tow bar.
Based on European specs for trailers generally 5% of trailer gross mass, your specs work fine, but Aussie manufacturers insist on around 10%. If you have ever towed a European trailer side by side with an Aussie one you will enjoy how much more comfortable a European trailer is....no comparison.
120kgs is a good recommendation as load can increase depending on your packing, and it gives you a little safety margin.
You just need to shop within these specs....you will find some thing.
Enjoy your ride.
Brett....

Hi macy517,

There are a few things to check when looking at a total towing set-up.

From a vehicle perspective, ensure that the towbar/ball etc is rated to the weight of what you are towing. Just because your vehicle is rated to tow 2000kg, does not mean that your tow bar is. Dealer may have different options of the towbar weights that they offer (e.g. from memory, Commodores have a 1200, 1600 and 2100kg kits). Check to see if your vehicle is capable of using Weight Distribution Hitches. (Pathfinders void your Warranty if used, and have caused towbars to break away). I would highly recommend Weight Distribution Hitches if you can, as they level the vehicle and caravan out and make handling and more importantly steering response is better as your nose of your car isn't pointing to the sky. I also reduces the load on the rear suspension. Don't forget to install the electric brake controller in the vehicle if the caravan is equipped with electric brakes. In my opinion (some may disagree), electric brakes are much better than the older style over-run brakes that still are out on the market.

Double check your Vehicle/Engine/transmission weights. These can differ between set-ups. Having a quick look at the Volvo website, these range between 1600, 1800 and 2000kg for the current XC60. Be mindful of your GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass) for your vehicle. This is the total weight in which your vehicle can carry. This includes people, fuel, luggage etc. For the XC60 D5 Diesel, this is 2505kg, with a Tare Weight of 1805. This leaves you 700kg for Fuel, People etc.

Generally speaking, from a caravan perspective, most manufacturers aim for a Ball weigh of 10% of that of the weight of the Caravan. So assuming that your vehicle has a towball rating of 150kg, you would be looking up to a 1500kg van approx. The smaller Jayco Expandas have a Tare Ball weight of 130kg and 1363kg Tare Weight. Be mindful, when looking at your figures for Caravans, that these are Tare weights of an unloaded van. They will quickly increase when loaded. Jayco states that carrying capacity of 300kg is allowed, taking your weight up to 1663kg, and I am guessing a towball weight of around 160kg. Your Flamingo's are up around the 1200kg Tare weight also.

From a caravan, something that you may (or may not) wish to consider are the off road style camper trailers. I know that you mention that you are not looking at using them for off-road use, but plenty of people buy these and only use them in caravan parks. Some of these are pretty well setup these days, including hard floors, full kitchens etc. Some have both on-road and off-road models. I would recommend going to one of your local Caravan & Camping shows. This will give you plenty of different options to look at and think about. Will also give you a heap of ideas that you have never even thought of. Every time I go, I always find something new.

And finally, before buying one, Hire one for a weekend and decide if it suits. That small outlay may highlight something that may change your mind.

Plenty of generalisations here, but hopefully it is helpful, and hope you enjoy your Caravanning.

Thanks very much for your help. It is a whole new world for us so any advice is very much appreciated. We had looked at the Jayco eagle or flamingo outback. I just wasnt sure about the whole canvas sides thing. But it looks like we will be restricted to these because of the tow ball weight.

Thanks again. You give me some good thing to think about.

Hi Macy,

Have a look at Adria caravans. They are very light weight and can be towed with a car like a Camry. I have no idea how they would last on our rough roads as I think they are a European van. But they have been around for a few years now. Maybe see if an Adria's owners forum exists anywhere to read about owners experiences with them.

Another option is to get a van custom made to your own specifications and weight. In this regard try Gemhunter caravans (Queensland) as they build out of sandwich panel and are also very light weight (but strong)and build any size you require.

Cheers

Thanks for all the advice and tips. We have done a fair bit of hunting around and are limited by our tow ball weight. I was swayed towards some European vans, in particular Adria and Bailey. I wasnt totally sold on the finish of the Adria, the quality of the finish inside seemed a little average.

We have looked at the Bailey and was much more impressed. Not a pop top or expanda type as we were originally considering. However we love the layout and the finish of them. That, coupled with the low tow ball weight seems like the perfect one for us however they were a fair bit over our initial budget. I suppose getting the finish with shower toilet etc adds up. We have been talking to the manager at Canterbury caravans in Bayswater, Vic. A great bloke, very helpful and willing to do a good price.

Any last minute comments or advice before I make my decision? Any help appreciated.