Thread: Tow assist

Originally Posted by rufusking

Let's not confuse "Tow Assist" with "Trailer Stability Assist". One helps you drive the trailer backwards the other stops the trailer driving the car. Now which one is which?

* Tow Assist - Trailer reversing.
* Trailer Stability Assist - Stops snaking.

Although the title says 'Tow Assist', the OP is talking about 'Trailer Stability Assist'.

M

Yes, and it's trailer stability assist that is switched on by the Disco when it senses a van/trailer is draining current to run its lights (and if there are LEDs on the van it won't detect it 98% of the time).

Why, oh why have Land Rover not simply allowed the driver to switch this function on? I guess the sub-standard vans they have in the UK don't yet have LEDs......

Originally Posted by swordfish805

Yes, and it's trailer stability assist that is switched on by the Disco when it senses a van/trailer is draining current to run its lights (and if there are LEDs on the van it won't detect it 98% of the time).

Why, oh why have Land Rover not simply allowed the driver to switch this function on? I guess the sub-standard vans they have in the UK don't yet have LEDs......

Nope... Other way around.

Tow Assist is activated by plugging in the electrics.

Trailer Stability Assist (Anti-snaking) will work even without the electrics connected. Check the vid at 0:40.

M

That half meshes with what the dealership told me - Trailer Stability operates all the time (basically it is just the ESC function) but when it detects a trailer is attached it moves up a notch - it applies the brakes in a different fashion.

Also, they explained to me, that some other related functions are dependent on the trailer being detected - for example, the Disco won't raise or lower the suspension if travelling at speed with a trailer connected.

In any case, I still think a better implementation would be a switch or setting the user activates to switch on the trailer functions rather than this hit or miss automatic trailer detection.

Originally Posted by swordfish805

In any case, I still think a better implementation would be a switch or setting the user activates to switch on the trailer functions rather than this hit or miss automatic trailer detection.

You can argue that the other way too... Better to have an auto function than to have a numpty driver forget.

It really is very simple to make it an auto function. It also makes for less clutter on the dash.

As for your comment about the changing height at speed... You have to be doing over 150kph for that to happen anyway!!

M

With respect, you're missing the point. LR have tried to make this an auto function but the implementation is clearly a fail - not just for me (had the car for 7 months have spent hundreds of dollars and cannot get the trailer functions to work properly with a caravan that meets all Australian standards) but also for others - witness all the posts on here with people querying how to get the Discos to work properly with towing, brake lights, indicators etc.

Yes, having an auto-function does mean that it isn't left to the driver, but the reverse is also patently true - the car frequently "forgets" about it as well (eg my case).

A really good implementation would be an automatic function that can also be switched on by the user if required/desired and which is switched off each time the ignition is turned off.

This is definitely costing LR market share amongst the caravan fraternity - particularly when coupled with the Disco's air suspension and confusion about weight distribution hitches (a piece of kit that may toyota owners are absolutely wedded to, rightly or wrongly).

What functions cant you make work?

The Trailer stability assist will work even if the trailer electrics are not connected, so there is no requirement to have it switchable in anyway. The Tow Assist only apply's to D4's with multiple cameras so if you only have a single camera it wont be on your D4 again connection to the trailer electrics is irrelevant because this feature is used to help you hitch up.

If you are having issues making LED tail lights work well there are simple fixes for that as well. This LED light issue isn't limited to the D4 either.

Originally Posted by swordfish805

This is definitely costing LR market share amongst the caravan fraternity - particularly when coupled with the Disco's air suspension and confusion about weight distribution hitches (a piece of kit that may toyota owners are absolutely wedded to, rightly or wrongly).

Yes some people wont look at a Discovery 4 because of the WDH thing honestly if that is the reason they use for rejecting it as a tug then they are welcome to the tractor like LC200 series.

I have towed a van for around 30000klm with my D4 a lot of those with a van that is 3500kg and a ball weight of 300ish kg... The whole rig is absolutely stable and a joy to drive.

Land Rover I believe can sell every car they import so the market share thing doesn't really matter. People are welcome to their second rate choice in tow vehicle, There is NO better 3500 rated 4WD on the planet.