Hello.
I currently have a D4 SE which I occasionally use to tow a small twin axle car trailer that will be approximately 1000kg loaded. Basically the D4 does not know it has the trailer attached and is extremely stable at speed. I also have a much larger triple axle Brian James trailer that I very occasionally use to transport vintage cars. With this trailer the D4 obviously does see the weight increase but is still very stable and a competent tow vehicle.
I have read the other threads relating to towing and have started a new thread as I did not wish to hijack that one. I am considering swapping to a D5 but I am very concerned about the reports of people having trouble towing caravans. None of my trailers have anti snake attachments but still tow incredibly well with the D4. Before swapping I really need to establish if the D5 is up to my requirements, if not its simply a non starter for me.
So does anyone have any user experience with a D5 towing larger loaded trailers?
Thanks.
Can't help you with that, but have you considered approaching you dealer to do a extended test with demo vehicles. That way you will experience it yourself. I've one on order was due sometime ago and got it to tow both a caravan and a boat. Like you the boat dosnt have and anti snake equipment.
If I were you, I really wouldn't make a decision until you have actually tried it for yourself as I did, following which, I decided that unfortunately, the D5 wasn't the towcar for me. I got a 2 day extended test drive from Lloyds in Kelso, but I had to arrange my own insurance to cover me for towing.
My wife was out with our car and the horse trailer today.
Combination of motorway, dual carriageway, fast A roads and even a bit of country lanes. She has reported back that the car was just as sure footed and safe as our old D4, if anything it was a little sharper accelerating and braking.
Trailer and 2 horses weighs around 2.2 - 2.5 Tonnes (Ifor Williams), no AlKo hitch or other stability device fitted.
Next week we will be out with the caravan, only weighs 1.6 Tonnes but has a AlKo Hitch and ATS electronic stability control system so a different set-up.
Spent the last 16 hours with the D5 towing the twin axle trailer. Had various loads on different roads.
The car never missed a beat no issues at all.
IMO Its better than the D3/4 as the brakes are vastly improved and the engine is more powerful.
Hi, picked the car up yesterday morning managed to put about 70 miles on it solo before hitching up caravan its a twin axle, approx 2 ton for a 300 mile trip to Scotland (1st leg) caravan towed ok no dramas. Only thing I did notice is when a big truck went past it did suck me in, never really noticed it with the D4 I have experienced this with other cars I've had but not the D4. So yes maybe a little more twitchy. However I should point out that I changed my caravan in November so not used it that much and whilst I thought this caravan a little more unsteady then my last one I can't remember it getting sucked in like experienced today. But it's really not a problem just have to watch what's coming. I was perhaps also getting overtaken more often than usual as keeping around 50mph did take it up to 60 no snaking experienced at any speed.
Currently towing a 6m long twin axle and car is rock solid regardless of speed. Its empty at the moment. Will report back when loaded.
Crucially though, as it's a trailer and not a caravan, the centre of gravity is as low as possible and therefore will be much more stable. Personally though, I would still be interested in how the trailer performs with weight distribution.
D5 HSE SDi6, 2019, Santorini Black, privacy glass, HUD, loads of gizmos!! 😃😃😃
Series 1, 1953, 86"
Out of interest, does Tow Assist (not Advanced) change any of the car characteristics when towing? My car does not show that a trailer has been attached other than the fact that the trailer flasher lights up when indicating.
D5 HSE SDi6, 2019, Santorini Black, privacy glass, HUD, loads of gizmos!! 😃😃😃
Series 1, 1953, 86"
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