Thread: Towing Prep

Do you have an electric brake controller? Will your tyres have decent tread? Is your tow hitch in good condition? If you get a service do it at least a week before leaving in case of something unforeseen. That's everything I'd consider.

Scott

If it's a new van/trailer you are towing, check the indicators too. LED style require an interface unit if you haven't already got one.

Car tyres good. Trailer tyres new. Old trailer. Non-LED lights but I have the gizmo already for LED lights. Car hitch is as new as far as I can tell (they have never given me alot of confidence!). Quality electric brake controller (I fitted new electric brakes to trailer recently).

The car had new disks and pads all round 12 months ago however in teh last 6 months I have had a shimmy under hard braking so presumably a front disk has warped. Probably a good idea to get that sorted before I go due to the additional load on the car brakes (even though Ihave the trailer brakes set reasonably high). I have never liked the D3 brake feel.

I really don't want to add a trans oil cooler. Not required?? LR obviously didn't think so.

How long since the wheel bearings were repacked? I'd guess you would have done it when the brakes were put on, but have to ask. That is the biggest single cause of trailer failure I have ever seen.

2000kg is nothing if it is the actual weight. Even with 3500kg you don't need to worry or do anything special.

Yes my thought are that 1200kg tools & car plus 700kg trailer ~ 2000kg isn't all that much. Just 12 hours of 100km/h might change the picture although a constant speed is probably much easier on the car that stop start stuff.

Trailer wheel bearings recently redone.

OK, sounds like I get the car serviced as usual and head off!

Originally Posted by Mk1_Oz

Yes my thought are that 1200kg tools & car plus 700kg trailer ~ 2000kg isn't all that much. Just 12 hours of 100km/h might change the picture although a constant speed is probably much easier on the car that stop start stuff.

Trailer wheel bearings recently redone.

OK, sounds like I get the car serviced as usual and head off!

If your towing a decent sized reasonably heavy trailer long distances then put the auto in sports mode, especially if the country is not flat, yes it will use a bit more fuel but the auto won't lock in sixth and then eventually over heat which they can do it left in drive.

If the auto over heats, which many have that tow long distances, you will be lucky to make it to your distination and even if you do the auto service cost and potential repair bill will make you wish you hadn't worried about the extra fuel usage.