Thread: Weight Distribtution Bars on Disco 3

Ron,

Well I have a D3 air, and tow a caravan. The manual, LRA (I rang them) and the dealers ALL state NOT to use WDH with this vehicle. The Electronic Suspension Module re-programs itself when it detects a trailer/caravan attached. The WDH would work against the ECM in attempting to control the vehicle combination. As long as you keep within the weight/ball limits of the car, you should never need WDH.

I pulled 1.5 tonnes across the Docker River Rd, at speeds up to 110 kph (we were in a hurry - Laverton to Ayers Rock in 15 hrs!) over some pretty hard, corrugated dirt roads. The ECM controlled the van, even to the point of cutting power and redistributing drive to stop yawing, when I temporarily lost control around a bend. You cannot compare any other "air" system to that used in the D3/RRS, and unless you've actually driven one in these conditions, you have no idea what they do.

And personally, I've never had a problem with the tow hitch - it hangs a little low, but other than that?

Cheers,

Gordon

Originally Posted by RonMcGr

I rest my case!

I am not sure what that is in reference to. Could you please expand?

Originally Posted by Jamo

What gets me is that only those who have first hand knowledge of Defenders, Series vehicles, D1's & D2's tend to post technical things about those vehicles.

But everyone who doesn't own one (LR techs aside) is an expert on the D3. What gives?

I hope I count as an LR tech.

Originally Posted by gghaggis

Ron,

Well I have a D3 air, and tow a caravan. The manual, LRA (I rang them) and the dealers ALL state NOT to use WDH with this vehicle. The Electronic Suspension Module re-programs itself when it detects a trailer/caravan attached. The WDH would work against the ECM in attempting to control the vehicle combination. As long as you keep within the weight/ball limits of the car, you should never need WDH.

I pulled 1.5 tonnes across the Docker River Rd, at speeds up to 110 kph (we were in a hurry - Laverton to Ayers Rock in 15 hrs!) over some pretty hard, corrugated dirt roads. The ECM controlled the van, even to the point of cutting power and redistributing drive to stop yawing, when I temporarily lost control around a bend. You cannot compare any other "air" system to that used in the D3/RRS, and unless you've actually driven one in these conditions, you have no idea what they do.

And personally, I've never had a problem with the tow hitch - it hangs a little low, but other than that?

Cheers,

Gordon

Gordon,

Good to hear from some one who has one and towed a Caravan.
If it hangs a little low, that just goes to show the system was designed for UK and Euro vans.

Good luck and I hope you don't have problems with it.

Originally Posted by RonMcGr

Gordon,

Good to hear from some one who has one and towed a Caravan.
If it hangs a little low, that just goes to show the system was designed for UK and Euro vans.

Good luck and I hope you don't have problems with it.

Sorry, should have been more specific. The van (and the actual tregg hitch) don't hang low. It's just the lowest point of the attached arm that's a little close to the ground for real off-road work. But seems to be fine for gravel roads and above.

Cheers,

Gordon

Originally Posted by RonMcGr

.
If it hangs a little low, that just goes to show the system was designed for UK and Euro vans.
.

The Australian spec tow hitch is different to the UK / Europe one and is, I believe, unique to our country.

It complies with the ADRs pertaining to tow hitch height.

Here is an interesting article.
Tow Test: Part 1 - Large Wagons - Vehicle Tests - Overlander 4WD Magazine - Australia's leading four wheel drive magazine

The team at Jayco Sydney weighed in with two 'tow masses'. For the larger 4WDs, a 2050kg dual-axle Jayco Sterling (and a Hayman Reece hitch) came our way.

<snip>

The Hayman Reece hitch used for this test required a few minutes work with a grinder to fit the Disco, something to remember with new or borrowed hardware. The rear parking sensors seemed smart enough to work around the hitch and the mirrors dip when in reverse gear; a pain in the **** with a van or boat. Like the Patrol, the mirrors aren't quite large enough to allow complete vision of the van without craning your neck.

The performance
The diesel Disco was the first tested and immediately scored a big gold star due to the electric handbrake's ability to be 'driven over', eliminating any chance of rollback on steep starts. Typically diesel it was lazy out of the hole but after maybe one car length and 6kph the Disco oiler really gets on with the task at hand.

Evident within the first few kilometres was a quiet, cushion-soft ride and steering that offers the usually conflicting qualities of light control and plenty of feel. Unfortunately, also evident was a nervous gait that had me dropping the nose of the van just six kays up the road. With the hitch dropped two holes, it still wagged during another dozen kilometres of freeway; I lifted the chains one link each side.

Whoa, it made a hell of a difference. No more wiggle. It seems the Disco - due, no doubt, to its auto-levelling suspension - is very sensitive to ride height and load-distributing chain tension. Sorted, 100kph cruising was a doddle and it was difficult not to creep up to 110 where the Disco diesel, in fact, felt happier.

<snip>

The verdict
From the intelligence of its removable tow bar to its relaxed freeway cruising to exemplary rough-road behaviour - once the rig is set up right - both Discos stood hat, head, shoulders and chest above any other vehicle on test. The 4.4-litre petrol V8 was quicker than the two Japanese biggies and would possibly use less fuel when driven more gently. But the Disco diesel almost matched the Toyota and Nissan petrols for grunt - and their diesels for frugality - with far better towing ability. Combine that with a cavernous and versatile interior and the diesel Disco - here we go again - stacks up as the best on the planet.

Originally Posted by RonMcGr

I guess that is why it has 6 gears?


Obviously LR built the Freelander to compete with, Rav4, CRV, etc.

The Disco 3 has six forward gears in either auto or manual form and that has a transfer case with low range.

In Australia, the Freelander does not compete with Rav4, CRV, Xtrail, etc. It is at a much higher price point and is much better equipped. Not to mention vastly superior off road and available with a diesel.

Perhaps in Europe they are closer to being competitors.