Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) on the Range Rover

[Lutz]

I am surprised that LR doesn't capitalise more on the fact that the new Range Rover has DSC as standard. In fact, the road test of the Sport 2.7 TDV6 in the December issue of the Caravan Club magazine doesn't even mention one of the main advantages of DSC in that it provides a much better margin of safety with regard to towing stability. While DSC does not render a stabiliser on the caravan unnecessary, it certainly goes a long way.

 

[WatsonJohnG]

Perhaps they think that its only going to be academic to most of the CC members as the cost of the vehicle is out of many people's budget.

Still in the interest of a complete test it would be nice to read about the effects of DSC as it may become available for the masses in a few years time.

 

[Lutz]

Yes, it would be really interesting to see a test of the Range Rover (or any other vehicle with DSC) towing a suitable caravan and compare it with results using the same outfit when DSC is switched off. Perhaps PC could take this up.

 

[Pelyma1]

The Disco 3 has it as standard too as well as the Fl2. I have to say I never thought of it as a towing aid. Incidently although you can switch it off (I do off road) it is never actually off, if it thinks you are going to have a big one it can still take the reins.

 

[Lutz]

Are you sure it's also standard on the Disco 3, Paul? According to the Land Rover website DSC is not even standard on all Range Rovers (it's only mentioned in connection with the HSE and Vogue, not with any of the Sport models).

 

[Pelyma1]

Absolutley Lutz, there is a gyroscope sensor fitted into the roof that detects if a crash is likley and then backs off the power and from memory can apply the brakes. It can be a pain if you forget to disable it when driving offroad on slippery surfaces as it can back the power off when you need it most. Even the non EAS models have it.

 

[Pelyma1]

Look here http://www.landrover.com/gb/en/Vehicles/Discovery/Discovery_safety.htm for full details.

 

[Lutz]

Yes, you're right Paul, but only in the description of DSC for the Range Rover HSE and Vogue does it explictly state that it acts "selectively to individual wheels". Most DSC systems act on the front and rear axles but do not balance between left and right and I suspect that the Disco has that type. While still providing some anti-snake protection, it is obviously not as good as one which can apply brakes independently to each of the four wheels. It would figure that the HSE and Vogue have a more sophisticated (and therefore more expensive) version.

 

[Pelyma1]

Hi Lutz I've checked with my tame expert, the D3 has DSC that works individually on each wheel via the 4 channel ABS system. Many of the features that are appearing in FFRR are ones that have been on RRS or D3 since launch, such as TR and the Dynamic handling set up. Some things such as the pti system are most advanced in lower models (Fl2) The only technology that I can think of that is on FFRR and not on others are things like cooled seats, heated steering wheel, rear view camera and venture cam. Most your money goes on the quality of leather and fittings and very nice they are too!

 

[Lutz]

With apparently even more models being fitted with the sophisticated DSC than I thought, all the more reason for Practical Caravan to take up the suggestion to publish a test demonstrating the benefits of the system for us caravanners!