If you're hoping to bring your Volvo C30 on a road trip or just need to tow it across town, you may be tempted to flat tow it behind your vehicle. But is this really advisable? We've done the research and put together the information you need to know to tow your C30.
You should not flat tow the Volvo C30. The best option for towing the C30 is to use a flat-bed trailer that keeps all wheels off the ground. However, because the C30 is a front-wheel-drive vehicle, you can tow it using a dolly that elevates the front wheels off the ground securely.
Flat towing might not be a good choice for your C30, but we've got more information on the best way to tow yours or other Volvo models. We'll also cover information about the weights of these vehicles and Volvo's recommendations for towing. Read on to learn all about it!
How to Tow a Volvo C30
While you shouldn't flat tow your Volvo C30, that doesn't mean you'll have to leave it behind or find another driver for it.
The best option for towing your C30 is to use a flatbed trailer. Flatbed towing is the safest and most secure because the C30 is completely off the ground and secured in the trailer. This means it's less likely to get worn down or, worse, damaged by an unexpected pothole.
Flatbed towing does have its downsides. First is the price. Flatbed trailers are more expensive than dollies, especially when buying one with a weight rating that will accommodate your vehicle. The weight of the trailer is also an important factor. These trailers are heavier than the dolly, so you will need a powerful vehicle to pull the loaded trailer.
Because of this, some prefer dolly towing for their Volvo C30 and other front-wheel-drive vehicles. Dollies keep the front wheels suspended and secured, while the rear wheels stay on the road. These are lighter, cheaper, and faster to set up than flatbeds. However, they are less secure, and Volvo advises against driving any faster than 50 mph when dolly towing.
Does Volvo C30 Come in Automatic?
Volvo, like other European automakers, is famous for producing mostly manual transmission vehicles. While this trend has changed in recent years as vehicles get more and more computerized, manual transmissions are still the norm for some European brands.
While C30s with manual transmissions may be more ubiquitous, automatic transmissions were also available for all model years of the C30.
How Many Gears Does Volvo C30 Have?
C30s were available with a number of transmission options, including 5- and 6-speed transmissions for both manual and automatic. The Volvo M56 is their 5-speed manual transmission, while the M66 is a 6-speed manual transmission.
The Aisin AW55-50 is their 5-speed automatic transmission, while both the Aisin TF-80SC and the PowerShift transmissions were 6-speed automatics.
What is the Weight of Volvo C30?
When towing your Volvo C30, it is essential to know the weight. In the owner's manual, you will find two important weights: the curb weight and the gross vehicle weight.
The curb weight is how much the vehicle weighs with a full fuel tank and fluids, but no other cargo, including people. The gross vehicle weight is the maximum weight for your vehicle, including the driver, passengers, and cargo.
The curb weight of the 2013 Volvo C30 ranges from 3,115 to 3,210 lbs. The gross vehicle weight is 4,320 lbs for manual transmission and 4,340 lbs for automatic transmission. Weights for older model years are similar and can be found by consulting the owner's manuals, which are also available on Volvo's support website.
When towing a vehicle, it is best to use the gross vehicle weight as your weight estimate. Doing so helps protect you from underestimating the weight.
What Vehicles Can Tow the Volvo C30?
We've seen that the gross vehicle weight of the C30 goes all the way up to 4,340 lbs. That's only part of the picture when calculating the towing capacity you'll need to pull it.
You'll also need to factor in the weight of your dolly or flatbed. Curt, a major brand in towing accessories, has 600 lbs as their average dolly weight and an impressive 3,000 lbs average weight for flatbed trailers. You could easily end up looking at over 7,000 lbs to tow your Volvo C30 and its trailer.
If you are taking your C30 camping, this puts you over the towing capacity of some Class A motorhomes. Look for one that has a towing capacity of at least 10,000 lbs, such as the Thor Motor Coach Palazzo.
If you need to tow your car for another reason, many half-ton pickup trucks can tow at and over 10,000 lbs when properly equipped. You can learn more about towing with these pickups in our article, "Can You Pull a 5th Wheel with a Half-Ton Truck?"
Can you Tow Using a Volvo C30?
We've talked a lot about towing the C30, but what about the other way around? The 2013 Volvo C30 has a maximum towing capacity of 2,000 lbs with trailer brakes.
You might not be able to pull a luxury camper with your C30, but this is a decent towing capacity for a car in its class. These days, some companies are taking up the call for ultra-lightweight campers perfect for this style of towing.
The Happier Camper HC1 is just one example, weighing in at just 1,100 lbs. It might not be as roomy as a Winnebago, but it's a great way to get out and enjoy the outdoors without investing in a heavy-duty pickup. For a less retro aesthetic, you can also check out Polydrops ultra-lightweight campers, like the P17.
Be sure to check out our RV Buying Guide if you're interested in enjoying some more time away from the city.
Is Volvo C30 Coming Back?
The Volvo C30 was only available for a single generation, produced between 2006 and 2013. While this compact hatch coupe saw some positive attention in North American markets, its successor, the V40, didn't make it to the US.
Volvo hasn't announced any announced plans to bring back the Volvo C30 or V40. But, some of their spiritual successors are available in North America. These include their compact SUV, the XC40, and hybrid sedan, the S60.
Can Volvo XC40 be Flat Towed?
Much like the C30, the Volvo XC40 should not be flat towed. Flat towing can damage the transmission of your XC40. If your XC40 uses an all-wheel-drive system, you should only tow it on a flat-bed trailer or another rig that keeps all four wheels off the pavement.
If you opt for one of the T4 options, your XC40 will use front-wheel instead of all-wheel drive. In this case, you can tow the XC40 using a dolly that keeps the front wheels off the road.
The XC40 is also heavier than the C30, with gross vehicle weights between 4,760 and 4,895 lbs. Be sure to factor in this weight when choosing your towing vehicle and your trailer or dolly.
Can Volvo S60 be Flat Towed?
Similar to their XC40, Volvo's S60 has options for both front-wheel and all-wheel drive. The same advice that applies to the XC40 applies to the S60. You shouldn't flat tow either to protect the transmission and longevity of the vehicle. However, you can tow a front-wheel-drive S60 using a towing dolly.
The Volvo S60 is even heavier than the XC40, with gross vehicle weights from 4,915 to 5,070 lbs. At this weight, you'll need a vehicle with a decent towing capacity to haul it as well as a flatbed.
Final Thoughts
The Volvo C30 is a great car for getting around the city in style. That doesn't mean you have to leave it behind when you head out on a long haul. While flat towing might not be an option for this premium coupe, we've seen that flatbed towing and dolly towing are both viable ways to tow your C30 without an extra set of hands behind the wheel.
Whether you're taking your Volvo on a long, RV road trip or just need to tow it for service, following our advice, you'll know the best way to tow your Volvo.