1995 Landrover discovery td5

[jinty0_0]

can anyone help us?

we have towed 2 different caravans with this vehicle and both caravans have been horrific behind it. Our first caravan was a swift allouette and our new van is a sterling Cruach culmor. We tried loading the first van in many different ways but had no joy in stoping the van snaking, We have only had the short weekend away with our new van but again the van was snaking. We also tow trailers (without stabilisers)with various weights on them and never seem to have any problems with them.

thanks in advance to anyone who replys to post.

 

[Garfield]

I have towed a 1600 kg boat behind a 970 kg Golf GTI, a 1050 KG peugeot 405, a 1400kg ducato van, a 1750 kg VW Sharan, a 1500 kg BMW 530 and a Discovery (2000kg+???) and the Discovery was the most unstable of the lot, soft suspension, high profile tyres and a high centre of gravity contributed to its poor stability. it seems that everyone on this forum is utterly obsessed with weight matching but ignore the driving dynamics of the towing vehicle which are just as important as weight, I would rather tow with 1 ton of brick rather than two tons of jelly.

 

[mcghee]

I would have to agree with you there Gary. Of all the vehicles I've towed with I'd have to rate the Discovery as one of the worst. Interestingly I found that the caravan remained fairly solid while the LR weaved about all over the road. It actually didn't behave much better solo. There is a rear suspension uprate involving better antiroll bars and bushes I think, but from memory its about

 

[sparkes]

Jane

I have to disagree with the others. We tow a 1800Kg van behind our 2002 TD5 with no stability issues at all. In fact it is more stable than our old MG ZT-T was.

Get it checked out by a dealer and see if there is any problem with the suspension

Steve

 

[mcghee]

Steve, I'm I not right in saying that your 2002 Discovery will have the uprated antiroll system as standard? I think it was changed in about '98.

 

[cris_408518]

Age of car could well be a factor, changing rubber type suspension bushes for new POLYURETHANE ones is a favourite with some LR users.

Try "Powerflex"

 

[Lutz]

Before spending money on any possible modifications, try tyre pressures right at the top limit, as specified for maximum load.

 

[sparkes]

mcghee, you may have somthing there. Also, ours is fitted with ACE (cornering with no leaning)

Lutz, we always put the pressure up as per the manual, maybe thats the answer

 

[MalcolmL]

I had a year 2000 TD5 Disco and had no problems while towing. It, too, had the ACE (Active Cornering Enhancement, I think) and it was so much better than earlier Discos which used to lean very badly, even in mild corners.

 

[Lol1]

Does anyone know where the center of gravity is on a car? Are normal saloons any better than a 4x4? Do some research, you will be surprised. Really, you are better off looking at chassis makeup and tyres, than blaming the center of gravity for any misgivings in road behavior.

 

[sparkes]

Chassis wear makup? LOL, you are just being silly.

As for cog, as long as it is inside the vehicle then its OK. If you are in a situation that causes it to go outside, then follow it, its probably safer.

 

[Lol1]

Sorry Steve, I promised myself I would lay off the Brandy tonight.

There's only one person to blame, I know......

 

[sparkes]

Yep I agree, we'll blame Lolly! Bad influence

 

[lolly_5087162]

Heeeyyyyyy...

You cheeky buggers, what have I done now?!!!

Lolly x

 

[Mac2]

Hi Jane,

Is your TD5 fitted with air suspension?

If so I could bet you a pound to a penny you have the wrong towbar fitted. I had the same problem.

The only towbar that will cure this problem is the Land Rover height adjustable towbar (specific for air suspension vehicles)which enables you to set the towball at the correct height for towing. The problem is that non height adjustable towbars are too high, and when the caravan is hooked up, the air suspension always levels the vehicle when driving. ie. vechicle does not sink down as it does with springs fitted. If you've got ACE you have air suspension.

Hope this helps.

 

[sparkes]

Sorry Mac you are incorrect. Ours is springs and it has ACE

Steve

 

[Wendy-Norfolk]

If Janes' Landrover is 1995 model, surely it's a TDI!

The Series 11 TD5 came out in 1998-2004!!

 

[Mac2]

Sorry Mac you are incorrect. Ours is springs and it has ACE

Steve

Steve,

I stand corrected - you are absolutly right.