Tyre Pressures

[Catherine_4990484]

We had the towing bracket fitted to our 330D coupe today. Shortly afterwards we went down to the caravan and hooked it up.

Obviously the first nocticeable thing was that something was attatched as it wasn't as spritely as normal. Then as we were driving I could feel a very slight up/down motion, this was at around 40mph. The car has got the trailer stability program enabled and the caravan is fitted with an AKS stabelizer. Is what I am experiencing normal and just unusual because we are new to towing?

One thing I realised is that the car tyre pressures are set up for a car with limited luggage and no more than 2 people. Should I increase them to the 4 person option with luggage or should it be higher.

 

[Lutz]

When towing I would always raise the tyre pressures to those for maximum load.

The slight pitching which I presume you are referring to, is quite normal, even with an AKS stabiliser. It would be even more without, but you will get used to a different sensation when towing. One can't expect it to be quite the same as driving solo.

 

[Marcus_5113048]

I agree with Lutz, increase the tyre pressures. I don't know how BMW's stability program works, but saloons or coupes tend to have softer suspension than estates, MPV's and 4x4's so pitching will be greater. Also the distance between the rear axle and the tow ball can make a difference (the greater the distance the more evidence of pitch). As long as your van is loaded correctly, and you haven't got any snaking, then it's likeley that you just need to get used to the feel of your car with the van attached.

 

[Lutz]

BMW's trailer stability program, like everybody else's, only works in the horizontal mode so don't expect it to have any effect on vertical pitching or bouncing.