D2 with SLS and Roof Tent

[Shakey]

Hi Everyone,

I've got a few questions about the SLS on my D2.

First up will the SLS level itself down when off (I think the answer to this is no, but wanted to check) - I was parked on a slight slope on our drive and was sat in the boot for 10 minutes today and the back dropped, likewise with the roof tent on it drops overnight. Does this suggest that I have a leak? It raises OK and I have never seen the back lower apart from when we slept in the roof tent (we've only used it once!)

Secondly, with the roof tent would it be worth getting the remote to lower the suspension to the bump stops when parking overnight, or if we do have a leak and I replace them would it be OK to just leave it at normal height?

Thanks

[twr7cx]

No, it shouldn't be dropping down. Mine definitely doesn't.

The compressor isn't running when the vehicle is off, so it will drop down as more weight is put on the back suspension. But if this weight is removed it should go back up.

The vehicle will continue to level itself if weight is taken off from the weight when it was originally stopped.

[simonmelb]

If the air springs are older than 8-10 years I would replace them either way as that is about the age they start to wear out and leak. They are very easy to replace, and inexpensive from the UK, eg from Paddocks. By LR, OEM (Contitech) or Dunlop brands. eg RKB101200 | RKB101200 Rear Air Spring - including 2x NTC9449 clips (http://www.paddockspares.com/rkb101200-rkb101200-rear-air-spring-including-2x-ntc9449-clips.html)

After replacing mine and doing a fully laden 9 month trip they never went down once.

Good luck,
Simon

[twr7cx]

If the air springs are older than 8-10 years I would replace them either way as that is about the age they start to wear out and leak. They are very easy to replace, and inexpensive from the UK, eg from Paddocks. By LR, OEM (Contitech) or Dunlop brands. eg RKB101200 | RKB101200 Rear Air Spring - including 2x NTC9449 clips (http://www.paddockspares.com/rkb101200-rkb101200-rear-air-spring-including-2x-ntc9449-clips.html)

Also worth adding that if they are leaking this will cause extra wear and tear on the compressor and the compressor is a lot more expensive to replace than the airbags, so worth considering changing out the airbags.

[Jeff]

Mine would drop down overnight with the roof top tent, I assumed it was normal, as I had no other SLS problems. On my trip to Perth, I would fit the trailer jockey wheel for overnight stops to prevent it from lowering overnight.

Jeff

:rocket:

[Shakey]

Thanks for all the feedback, I gave them a test with soapy water last night and no obvious leaks. Waiting to get a quote on the shipping and I'll add it to my list of todos!

[John W]

As said, your SLS is able to vent air out of your springs while the engine is off to level things if weight comes out of the vehicle but it can not put it back in with engine off. This could allow the car to look like it is loosing air while nothing is wrong just from juggling around weight in and out of the car

[It'sNotWorthComplaining!]

Mine sends out a small series of farts when I get out, its seems to vent after turn off.

[lewy]

mine never goes down,I think the self levelling only last for a certain amount of time after the engine is stopped,you could put a car stand under the tow bar if you are concerned

[Shakey]

Thanks Lewy - yeah I did think about a car stand, or a remote to lower the SLS when the tent is in use.

I'm going to have another proper test of the airbags and valves with some soapy water and a spray at the weekend - it does only seem to be an issue when the tent is in use, not standing for long periods hence why I don't think it's a leak.

[twr7cx]

mine never goes down,I think the self levelling only last for a certain amount of time after the engine is stopped

The SLS system is always active and will continue to level as required (only level down though when the engine is off). This is why you may find your battery flat if you leave your Disco sitting for a fortnight.

[simonl8353]

The SLS system is always active and will continue to level as required (only level down though when the engine is off). This is why you may find your battery flat if you leave your Disco sitting for a fortnight.

From RAVE
Self levelling is accomplished automatically when the engine is running.

And after parking with engine off... The sls is capable of lowering the rear suspension for up to 30 minutes after a door is opened so allows it to level when being unloaded of heavy camping gear. With this exception of the unload function, all other levelling functions are disabled.

I read this that after 30 minutes it should not sink any further. Don't know what happens if you shut then open the door again, does another 30min cycle start ?? :confused: Although it shouldn't vent (sink) any more 'cos there's nothing left to take out to make it lighter

[Chops]

We had a RTT on our D2 with SLS and it never dropped.
What was handy a couple of times was setting the back high to level the tent. You don't need a remote to do this, just start the car and make it happen.

[schuy1]

From RAVE
Self levelling is accomplished automatically when the engine is running.

And after parking with engine off... The sls is capable of lowering the rear suspension for up to 30 minutes after a door is opened so allows it to level when being unloaded of heavy camping gear. With this exception of the unload function, all other levelling functions are disabled.

I read this that after 30 minutes it should not sink any further. Don't know what happens if you shut then open the door again, does another 30min cycle start ?? :confused: Although it shouldn't vent (sink) any more 'cos there's nothing left to take out to make it lighter

Yes the cycle will start again! I remember when the D2 came out I was at a AG show and the local dealers(Bundy) had the Disco's on their stand, along with all the other models . and the dealer was at his wits end with flat batteries! Every time some1 opened doors it would go down, then they would shut them and it would go up again!
And being the flashest piece of gear around at that time,Compare the bells and whistles of same vintage 'Cruiser, and it was attracting a LOT of attention :)