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So for completeness of this query, Pedders didn't find much. Front lower ball joint and lower control arm bushes need replacing (I'd already had this done but will follow that up) and nothing for the rear end. They said due to the airbags they couldn't visually check the shocks so couldn't assess them but subjectively didn't find anything. I am going to follow this up with my usual service agent (Ricks) for a second opinion, needs a service anyway.
So now to experimenting with caravan weight distribution and tyre pressures. I thought I had it right and about even but Im going to try putting more weight forward. Thoughts behind this is maybe the air suspension needs that extra weight - dont know but just a thought. Then again, as I said, it could just be in my head.
Thanks for all the responses and ideas, if anything definative pops up I'll keep the forum informed.
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A very stiff/hard caravan suspension can cause the bouncing you are feeling. Some of the up & down movement of the van will be transferred to the hitch & onto the D4.
What pressures are you running the van tyres at & is the suspension in good condition?
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Good thought - I have been running them around 50psi I think but I will drop them back. Suspension is fairly new - 18month old van with independent dual axles.
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Check the tyre's info,,
after watching lots ( as you do) other vans travelling I reckon most of the sway/bounce in modern vans is the tyre wall flexing,,
this is in comparison to an old school 14X75 LT tyre,, the off road tyres are designed to flex.
and anyway, your caravan tyre pressures will be dictated by their temp rise,,
took me 12months of record keeping to decide 50psi was just right,,
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Stunned at running 50psi in a van? We run 44psi in our Q+ at 2500kg and not a problem. As well weight distribution can be a major contributor to poor towing experiences. Lots of web based information on this issue and your manufacturer should also be able to provide some specific guidance on CofG and weight distribution. Also recommend you get your down ball weight checked and if you can do the same when playing around with load distribution
Rob
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Just wondering if you solved your problem.
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I haven't had the van out so I can't comment much. I've had Ricks 4WD on the Gold Coast have a look & they cant find anything.
So I'll try redistributing the weight and also tyre pressures. But only one change at a time to work it out.
The van compliance plate is approx 1850kg where the van is 2400kg, so using the 10% rule I can drop some more on the front end. From readings the van compliance ball weight is not legally binding but the insurance companies look at this should an accident occur. So I'll aim for just over the 2000kg mark I think.
As for pressures, I was pretty comfortable that 50psi was right from readings and on road. We did have it at lower pressures once and it felt as though we had more sway. I'll drop them down to 45psi and see if that makes a difference. I do run my car rear tyre pressures & the van (dual axles) all at the same pressure. And I aim for a 10psi difference between front and back when towing.
Thanks for the interest and follow up.
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I've seen others comment on similar so I thought I'd post a follow up.
After much procrastination I installed a hi-rise hitch. And it made a world of difference. Cant recommend this highly enough.
I procrastinated due to price and the thought that how much can a few inches of higher tow ball height make. Just couldn't get my head around the value of bang for buck. I was wrong and it did make a significant difference so i would strongly recommend anyone towing a van or similar to consider this option.
One thing that I didn't realise, the tow ball sticks out a long way - just a heads up. Does make for easier reversing/hitching up.
