C306 Top Highway speed RPMs and towing capacity

[Jordan Boston]

I am really interested in getting a c306 radio truck and making it into a camper. I have seen in a book that the top speed is 48MPH @ 4000 RPM?
Is that as fast as it can go? I know it is geared differently than the C303.
Also what is the towing capacity. I am thinking of towing a Range Rover classis behind. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

[lindenengineering]

Jordan
The c306 is a big beast and in short the Volvo engine needs those low ratios to preserve gradeability.

To achieve some power to give adequate road speed and performance for towing you would probably need to increase available power by installing a diesel engine perhaps and a transmission upgrade. This is poinant with impending global rises particularly for gasoline (petrol).
Not for the faint hearted or cash strapped, a satisfactory conversion can amount to some staggering figures if persued to a satisfactory conclusion.
The maxim must be think before you leap.
Dennis

[Roy Gardiner]

Agree with Dennis - amazing how much money a diesel conversion can suck up, especially since you would require a modern high-revving unit to maintain a decent cruising speed; that means direct injection. electronically controlled pump, turbo-diesel - i.e. a big bucks motor.

For towing ability you need effortless torque - that means cubic inches,
so the choice of power unit becomes further restricted. Try checking the
power (and at what revs) and torque figures for the engines available in your part of the world.

Do you have engineering facilities to make an adaptor plate (/flywheel) to mate up with the Vovlo bellhousing? You will need to source a clutch pressure plate/release bearing combo to suit your new unit's flywheel too, along with fabricating engine mountings to suit the new unit into Volvo chassis - see where the time and money go!

My own conclusion is 'Stick with the standard C306 engine/drivetrain and fit tyres as big as possible to gear it up for highway use' (will then cruise at 60 according to Richard Dover here in UK) George 'TiredIron' can you confirm for US conditions please?

Acceleration (what acceleration?!) will suffer from gearing up, but towing should be fine with Rangey - on a trailer or A-frame?

An A-frame will reduce fuel consumption owing to weight saving of course.

Good luck

Roy

[TiredIronGRB]

Yes, about 60 mph is top (comfortable) speed with 38" tires. Remember these vehicles were made for (slow) extreme off road use. If you need a tow rig I would suggest a Dually Chevy or Ford pick up.