Thread: Issues Towing large van

Good shocks make a massive difference when towing even on a air suspended D3/4.

When I had the original set of Koni's fitted, before they failed not only did it make the D3 handle extremely well it made towing our 2.5 ton van an absolute pleasure. When the shocks started to go off the D3 towed like a dog.

As for Simplicity suspension my van has it and it tows really well with no issues.

As others have said higher than standard pressure in the tyres also makes a big difference, as does having a level van when towing.

cheers,
Terry

I was sleepy last nite when I wrote my last response.

Lets see if I can be helpful today.

You have the same combo I have by the looks of it. McHitch, & Rapid Hitch

Are you still using the standard Land Rover hitch system?

With the Rapid Hitch and the standard Land Rover hitch you have a lot of moving parts that contribute to feedback issues between the D4 and the Van. Very minor movements can felt as as a very solid movement.

Issue 1. The Rapid Hitch can move around on the slider section.
Issue 2. The Rapid Hitch will rock on the locking pin in the Land Rover Reciever
Issue 3. The Land Rover Reciver dose move around a bit as well.

Put them all together and you have lots of movement in the hitch system.

Issue 1 no fix that I know of.
Issue 2 Shim the Land Rover reciver to stop the Rapid Hitch rocking on the pin.
Issue 3 Dump the Land Rover reciver and get a Mctichell brothers reciver.

If you do fix number 3 it should be pretty good.

If you were in QLD we could hook your van up to my D4 and see if the things I have done will solve your issues.

Originally Posted by TerryO

Good shocks make a massive difference when towing even on a air suspended D3/4.

When I had the original set of Koni's fitted, before they failed not only did it make the D3 handle extremely well it made towing our 2.5 ton van an absolute pleasure. When the shocks started to go off the D3 towed like a dog.

As for Simplicity suspension my van has it and it tows really well with no issues.

As others have said higher than standard pressure in the tyres also makes a big difference, as does having a level van when towing.

cheers,
Terry

It wasn't my intention to question the capabilities of the Simplicity suspension. But I have direct comparison experience with my Lotus. It went to Melbourne from Brisbane on the Simplicity. It then had control rider fitted. And back to Brisbane. The difference is just incredible.

I won't ever buy another van with simplicity suspension.

Hi Mowog,

Yep Control Rider suspension is excellent and I agree a better set up in general than Simplicity, but a number of van makers only offer either Simplicity or old school non independent leaf spring and straight axle. That being the case for off road vans where extra ground clearance and independent suspension is a good thing then Simplicity is often the choice, plus unlike control rider it is load sharing which offers its own advantages.

While you had issues with yours I have not had any with mine and I have towed our van to some very out of the way rough spots for over two years now without issue.

cheers,
Terry