- pdes
- Member Since: 11 Oct 2016
- Location: Cambridge
- Posts: 233
Towing disappointment
This an important update. For me, the towing issues have been partially resolved so don't panic based on this post! See my post on the 30th March and all will become clear ☺. However, there are still suggestions that all is not right. If you tow a caravan, please post your experiences here
I have got a couple of nice shots of the D5 and the tin tent which I will post asap. However, having just towed the van for 150 miles, I have to say I am very disappointed.
I tow a new Swift Conqueror 650 twin axle, and it has the Alko stabilization system as well as the friction ball hitch. Everything is as new. I towed the van at the end of last year with my D4 and it was a dream. It was totally stable to the point at which you could almost forget the caravan was there!
As soon as we set off today, it was obvious that the ride was harder but I could accept that as a characteristic of the car. However, within a few miles, I realised that there was a swaying effect which I initially put down to the poor road surface and the various stability systems interacting. Even my wife commented on the "swaying".
I took it easy until I reached the motorway then got up to speed. I could still feel some gentle swaying but tried to convince myself that nothing was wrong but it wasn't anywhere near as stable and nice to drive as the D4.
Then, while overtaking in the middle lane, the snaking got worse to the point that I seriously thought we could be facing an "incident". After that, I kept the speed down to around 55 mph for the rest of the journey.
I am very worried that there is an inherent problem with the D5 so am keen to get any thoughts or feedback from any caravaners.
Cheers.
Last edited by pdes on 7th Apr 2017 8:33 am. Edited 3 times in total
D5 HSE SDi6, 2019, Santorini Black, privacy glass, HUD, loads of gizmos!! 😃😃😃
Series 1, 1953, 86"
- B16 KJR
- Member Since: 24 Jun 2016
- Location: Rosyth
- Posts: 62
That certainly doesn't sound very good, I take it all the tyre pressures etc were all OK ? Anyone else towed with it yet ?
- TheDoc
- Member Since: 22 Feb 2017
- Location: Cardiff
- Posts: 128
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I'm both sorry and relieved to read that. Took mine out on the weekend for a 30 mile test trip and I found the journey, for the most part, rather buttock clenching. I was going to go back to the caravan dealer for advice
When I'm not in the operating theatre, I'm mountain biking, spending time with my family, running and socialising. I have a Discovery 5 HSE Lux with pretty much every option ticked. This is my first ever Land Rover. Been a rocky road with regards to reliability but we're getting there.
- pdes
- Member Since: 11 Oct 2016
- Location: Cambridge
- Posts: 233
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Given that my van was perfect with the D4, I can only assume it's an issue with the new car. Did you experience the same swaying? What size van were you towing?
D5 HSE SDi6, 2019, Santorini Black, privacy glass, HUD, loads of gizmos!! 😃😃😃
Series 1, 1953, 86"
- B16 KJR
- Member Since: 24 Jun 2016
- Location: Rosyth
- Posts: 62
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TBH you shouldn't have to rely on a caravans stability system to ensure a stable tow, its nice to have as a back up, but not essential. Just wondering if there's any conflict between the cars DSC etc and the Alko system ? Has anyone towed a caravan that doesn't have any electronic stability system fitted ?
- pdes
- Member Since: 11 Oct 2016
- Location: Cambridge
- Posts: 233
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B16KJR, I totally agree and I also considered a conflict between the systems but either way, JLR need to get a handle on this PDQ. I can't believe that with all the hype and development, JLR haven't come across this. If I could find out how to disable one of the systems, then I could try things out on the return journey on Monday. (I don't want to start pulling fuses though)
D5 HSE SDi6, 2019, Santorini Black, privacy glass, HUD, loads of gizmos!! 😃😃😃
Series 1, 1953, 86"
- B16 KJR
- Member Since: 24 Jun 2016
- Location: Rosyth
- Posts: 62
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If the trailer stability assist on the car is actively monitoring the trailer for swaying and the Alko electronic system is doing the same on the caravan, then there is the potential for the two systems to be working against each other.
pdes, are you able to switch off the Alko system for your journey home ? that would either prove or disprove my theory.
- pdes
- Member Since: 11 Oct 2016
- Location: Cambridge
- Posts: 233
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I've mailed my dealer to try to get some traction with JLR with this as I see it as a serious safety issue. Imagine having the sway starting with a horse box, let alone a caravan.
I would strongly urge anyone else experiencing this to make sure your dealer is aware but judging by previous experiences, JLR will bury their heads in the sand until it becomes uncomfortable.
Cheers
D5 HSE SDi6, 2019, Santorini Black, privacy glass, HUD, loads of gizmos!! 😃😃😃
Series 1, 1953, 86"
- pdes
- Member Since: 11 Oct 2016
- Location: Cambridge
- Posts: 233
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B16 KJR wrote:
pdes, are you able to switch off the Alko system for your journey home ? that would either prove or disprove my theory.
If someone can tell me how, I'll try but as I said earlier, I really don't want to start pulling fuses. As I also said earlier, this van was perfect with my D4 which also had the stability controls working with the Alko trailer.
D5 HSE SDi6, 2019, Santorini Black, privacy glass, HUD, loads of gizmos!! 😃😃😃
Series 1, 1953, 86"
- Rstebbings
- Member Since: 05 Feb 2017
- Location: Northallerton
- Posts: 75
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Did you add the Tow Assit pack too ?
Got me worried as I tow horses every weekend
MY20 D5 HSE Lux - Carpathian Grey
MY17 RRS Dynamic - Corris Grey
- pdes
- Member Since: 11 Oct 2016
- Location: Cambridge
- Posts: 233
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Yep, Tow Assist is included. Haven't set it up yet though.
D5 HSE SDi6, 2019, Santorini Black, privacy glass, HUD, loads of gizmos!! 😃😃😃
Series 1, 1953, 86"
- Craigp
- Member Since: 09 Nov 2016
- Location: Hull
- Posts: 690
Pdes are you a member of camping club or caravan club maybe there technical departments are able to help or at least throw some weight behind your findings.
