What gear to tow a caravan in?

[Dahai]

Good morning
We have picked up our 2012 spec Discovery 4, and what a dream to drive. Comfortable and even after a 6 hour trip, no sore back or sore bum. Great vehicle and now travelled 850km.

My question is what is the recommended gear to tow a 9 metre caravan with a legal weight of 3500 kg. I asked the dealer, and his response was that there was some debate, some say tow in Drive, others say Sports mode. Nothing in the owner's manual.

In sports mode, there appears to be 4 gears. I forgot to really look at it when we were travelling (without the van), as I kept it in Drive.

Best wishes
Bruce

[sniegy]

Congratulations Bruce on the new vehicle.;)
The gearbox is a 6 speed no matter which of the 3 options you choose to drive in
Normal, Sport or Tiptronic/Manual mode.
Note that the 6th gear will only engage after 80Kmh is reached.
Sport will hold on to the lower gear as the revs are kept up to give you that "Sport" feel.

I have towed a lot of stuff over the years (albeit not that weight) & my opinion is for the D4 is leave it in drive on the flats & subtle hills, then shift to sport in the steeper, longer hills.
HTH.
Cheers.

[Dahai]

Thanks Pete. Hope you had a fantastic holiday and looking forward to next years break.
Best wishes
Bruce

[TerryO]

I tend to drive in Sport mode when towing our van, even when doing the speed limit so the gearbox doesn't labour.

Do I know for sure whether or not this is the best thing to do for the gearbox?
No but I would rather use a few more litres of fuel and put, what feels like anyway, less strain on the gearbox.

I do put it in drive though sometimes, usually in the country, when the road is less demanding and the speeds you can drive at are higher.

cheers,
Terry

[mowog]

Bruce

Good to see you have a post here. The one on the caravaners forum will be of limited value as the Toyota rednecks will arc up soon.

I just leave mine in drive the gearbox is pretty smart anyway and set its self to the right gear most of the time.

I sometimes go over to sport mode and then manual shift.

[Dahai]

Thanks guys,
Strange that there is no suggestion or recommendation in the owner's manual. Probably to counter any possible claim of "..but your book said...".

For Mowog,
I saw you reply as well on the Caravan Forum. Will just wait and see. I can just ignore any useless comments, as only those that drive or have driven the Discovery with a van would likely speak with experience, i.e the WDH post.
Best wishes
Bruce

[TerryO]

If you want to throw a cat in amongst the pidgeons on the other site just cut and paste my earlier emailed reply from the technical manager from Haymen Reese who said that D3/4's don't need a WDH and that should get them screaming the house down...:lol2:

cheers,
Terry

[mowog]

Someone over there will say I wouldn't tow with a.... because of the limitation..... blah blah blah...

[Disco4SE]

Terry, I have been told that the gearboxes are made for hard work ie towing etc.
The advice I was given is "stick it in drive and let the vehicle do the rest".
Cheers, Craig

[sniegy]

On a further note, the vehicle D4 is equipped with trailer assist as standard, so when you plug in your trailer & the vehicle recognizes that you are towing the gearbox will shift accordingly too.

[mowog]

On a further note, the vehicle D4 is equipped with trailer assist as standard, so when you plug in your trailer & the vehicle recognizes that you are towing the gearbox will shift accordingly too.

While we have your attention.

Is there any technical document from Land Rover on how the SLS system manages the tow ball weight.

[sniegy]

Hi Mowog,
At home today playing Nurse to my little munchkin,
I have the same info you have from Topix that says how the system works.
I will check my course info to see if I have anything extra to add & let you know
Cheers

[TerryO]

Terry, I have been told that the gearboxes are made for hard work ie towing etc.
The advice I was given is "stick it in drive and let the vehicle do the rest".
Cheers, Craig

That is fine but more than a few have failed and they often are the ones that have towed heavy vans etc. So I would rather limit the risk if I can especially on a older D3 with no warranty to fix the problems if the advice turns out to be wrong.

As for the WDH arguement on the van sites if someone wants to use it then below is the email I got from the tech manager at Haymen Reese regarding their use with D3/4's. Quite self explanatory that D3/4's don't need a WDH and what he says should shut them up, or they will have to say he is wrong and they know more then Haymen Reese which makes them and their arguement look daft.

By the way what site is it that is having this debate?

cheers,
Terry

Hello Terry,
Thank you for your enquiry regarding towing with the Discovery 3/4. We are lead to believe that the majority of vehicle manufacturers recommend that a WDH should not be used on their vehicles that have Self Leveling Suspension. This recommendation should be adhered to, if for nothing else other than for warranty reasons of the vehicle.
In the case of the Disco 3 and 4 I completely agree with the recommendation, these vehicles appear to tow better when the WDH is not installed, the SLS on these vehicle does a very good job at correctly distributing the ball load being applied across both axles.

I hope this information has been useful to you and if I can assist you any further please feel free to contact me.


Gary Gardiner
Towing Technical Support Rep. QLD

Cequent(tm), a division of TriMas Corporation Pty Ltd

E-Mail: ggardiner@trimas.com.au (ggardiner@trimas.com.au) Cequent
Mobile: PO Box 4050
Phone: Dandenong South VIC 3164
Fax: Australia

[Disco4SE]

That is fine but more than a few have failed and they often are the ones that have towed heavy vans etc. So I would rather limit the risk if I can especially on a older D3 with no warranty to fix the problems if the advice turns out to be wrong.
Terry, the person that gave me that advice knows that I have the D4 3.0Lt with the heavier transmission (probably should have mentioned that).,
Cheers, Craig

[101RRS]

The modern auto box (old ones too) take a range of inputs such as engine load, revs, speed etc and selects an appropriate gear. Towing a van is no different - the box effectively senses then load via the engine load and changes accordingly so I can so no reason to not leave it in drive or sport if you want.

As far as sport mode was concerned I thought it removed 6th gear but I was set straight on another forum and have tested it myself. As said it only engages above 80kph (but will stay then if slowing) but only after about 30secs above that speed. I drove on a freeway up to 100kph and it did not go into 6th but after about 1km of steady driving it then changed to 6th. However any actions to increase speed etc will delay it going into 6th.

Garry

[roamer]

2 things in on line manual,
Ambient temp warning over 40c when towing, which could be something to do with these "reduced performance" issues.
and low range under 30km\h

Cheers Ken

[NavyDiver]

Good morning
My question is what is the recommended gear to tow a 9 metre caravan with a legal weight of 3500 kg. I asked the dealer, and his response was that there was some debate, some say tow in Drive, others say Sports mode. Nothing in the owner's manual.

Best wishes
Bruce
Dear Bruce , have a great time. Now everyone has given the right advice my ten cents worth. Shorts and a nice short sleeved shirt. Bright print only if in northern climates. Sandles are a must for me. [bigrolf][bigrolf]

Sorry - cannot help myself some times. Enjoy the trip.

[NavyDiver]

2 things in on line manual,
Ambient temp warning over 40c when towing, which could be something to do with these "reduced performance" issues.
and low range under 30km\h

Cheers Ken

Hi Ken, while towing a nice hired Far and Wide camper trailer into Wonangatta last year I saw a high temp gear box warning which was over come by using command shift on very steep big long climbs. Not sure if that is the same warning?

[roamer]

Hi Ken, while towing a nice hired Far and Wide camper trailer into Wonangatta last year I saw a high temp gear box warning which was over come by using command shift on very steep big long climbs. Not sure if that is the same warning?

Maybe, but it goes on to mention ECT, and air cond may go into heat cycle to dissipate heat,

Ambient at 40c easily achievable at this time of year off a hot black road


Ken

[Dahai]

WOW! All this great advice and still I am not sure what to do. I might try it in Sports and see how I feel as time goes on.

Thank you one and all for all of your help. As usual, this forum is, at least for the vast majority of posters, a source of valuable information. The post on the WDH was most informative and I am sure that if it was posted on the caravaners forum it would ignite another round of dogmatic arguments for WDH. After all, they know more then the vehicle manufacturer.

Ok, another question.
Am I correct in assuming that I should have the caravan level, back the Discovery 4 up to the van and raise the car to meet the van tow attachment? I ask as the car with the genuine tow ball etc fitted is lower than the caravan.

Do you then tow with the car raised? If you lowered the suspension, wouldn't the van be nose down?

Best wishes
Bruce

[~Rich~]

Sorry guys but I thought it was pretty easy to answer this subject.












In Summer - Shorts & T/Shirt
In Winter - Jeans, shirt & Jumper.
:wasntme:

[Tombie]

Sorry guys but I thought it was pretty easy to answer this subject.












In Summer - Shorts & T/Shirt
In Winter - Jeans, shirt & Jumper.
:wasntme:


We're supposed to wear Shorts? :oops2:


https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/11/93.jpg

[mowog]

Bruce there are number of solutions.

My solution... I use a Rapid Hitch.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/11/90.jpg

My Rapid Hitch is now modified to use the hitch.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/11/91.jpg

[sniegy]

That is one of the most common issue with LR's hitch, albeit far better now than
Previously.
Bruce if the van sits above the D4 it will need to run level, this can be done it two ways. It needs to run level for safety.
As some have used there different methods it depends on how far out the trailer sits above the D4. If it is an inch or 2 then a raised tow all is you may require, from any local tow place & even Bursons/Repco. Cost about $30-40.
If there is a substantial height difference then maybe
something like Mowog has will be suffice.
All I can say is make sure it tows the weight you require &
some

Cheers

[Dahai]

Mowog and Pete thank you. I have no tried to connect both yet but just looking at it appears to be a difference or approx 3 inches.

The van is standard, the towbar etc is Land Rover, then why don't they meet, and why does the owner (me) need to spend some money in purchasing a non Land Rover part to make them meet?

Pete what is a "raised tow?"

For Mowog, could you please explain how/why you needed to modify your "Rapid Hitch", and approx how much are they and where do you purchase them?

Best wishes
Bruce

[Disco4SE]

I have no tried to connect both yet but just looking at it appears to be a difference or approx 3 inches

Bruce, I have a D4 with the standard hitch. I have 2 trailers and a boat. All three (including other trailers I have towed) are almost a perfect height and tow really well behind the vehicle.
Sounds like your van maybe the odd one out??
Cheers, Craig

[mowog]

Bruce

My guess is your trailer coupling is on top of the drawbar like mine is the photo I provided.

The ideal for a Rover is a recessed coupling I wish I thought of that when I ordered my van. I would have thought selling dealer would have raised the point as well.

The towball for a McHitch is different see link below. Joe from McHitch modified my Rapid Hitch so that now has a pin on one end and a ball on the other.

Chrome Towpin 3.5 Tonne [TPCH35] - $20.00AUD : McHitch.com.au - Uniglide Trailer Coupling, Shop (http://mchitch.com.au/shop/index.php'main_page=product_info&cPath=6&products_id=53)

Titan Trailer Brakes - Rapid Hitch (http://www.titanbrakes.com.au/rapid_hitch.php)

[Dahai]

Mowog yes trailer coupling is on top of the drawbar. I could not completely understand what was being shown on the links you provided, however, I believe something like what you showed in your first photo will solve the problem.

Your second photo had a different set up. Why did you change from the first? Any pluses or minuses with either? I will only be towing a 9 metre van 3500 kg rated.

Best wishes
Bruce

[mowog]

I went for the McHitch for a number of reasons.

The main one being it is impossible for the McHitch to come off the ball.
It offers a greater range of movement than a standard ball.
It is an off road rated hitch.

[Dahai]

Ah! I see the light (I think).

You went to a two stage process. First step, purchased the Rapid Hitch.

Step two. Purchased the McHitch and attached it to the caravan draw bar. No modifications were required for the step one rapid Hitch. Am I correct? Both are or could be separate purchases.

If above is correct, then it seems I need the rapid Hitch now.

Best wishes
Bruce

[mowog]

Yes the Rapid hitch comes with a 50mm tow ball. As seen in my photo.

You will need a slightly longer locking pin for where the hitch goes into the Land Rover receiver as the LR receiver is about 1mm to wide for the standard locking pin.

if you have skype I am ian.fraser20 feel free to make contact that way. Same goes for any forum member. Just make sure you say your from the forum.

[sniegy]

Bruce,
I assume that know that the tow tongue in the D4 can be mounted in the upward & downward position, i am hoping that the tongue is in the upward position.
The "raised towball" is what was supposed to be in the earlier post. It is just a towball that has an extra 2" in height & is one solid piece & still capable of towing 3500Kgs.

The difference in heights between manufacturers is because LR have to adhere to ADR's (Australian Design Rules), Caravan manufacturers do not have to adhere to the same rules & can build a chassis how ever high they like !!!!:mad:

[Dahai]

Pete thanks and yes I found that the ball could be mounted either way. Currently it is in the highest position. Just a little unnerving when looking at both the vehicle and the van, there appears to be a gap. Then he thought, what if they do no meet and we have wasted money on a van we can not tow.
Electrician coming after work today to change plug on van to round, from 12 pin flat, and the Electronic Brakes are being done this morning. By tomorrow afternoon all should be connected for a trial run.
Best wishes
Bruce

[TerryO]

Actually caravan builders do have their own ADR compliance restrictions for hitch heights. which from memory (meaning I'm not quite sure) is around 530 mm or so.
It is one of those subjects that gets lots of heated argueing back and forth on van sites about as the law it would seam is open to some interpretation in how it is written.

cheers,
Terry

[gghaggis]

Hayman Reece make one-piece tongues (important for maintaining the full 3500kg rating) that range from virtually flat to 150mm drop. I'm sure one of these would match your van to your car.

I have two different ones - one for my trailer and one for my caravan, as they differ by around 120mm.

Cheers,

Gordon

[Dahai]

Gordon hi
When you have a chance, could you post a picture of the Hayman Reece unit that you have for the caravan?
Best wishes
Bruce