Anyone use an Anderson Weight Distribution Hitch

[simmo1]

https://www.titanbrakes.com.au/Produ...ribution-hitch

I completely understand that LR says NO to using a WDH system however apparently a few do. My interest is not about the levelling as the LR system achieves that but, in both distributing some of the rear axle load to the front steer wheels, as well as the anti sway that the Anderson system has. It seems to be a very good and basic system for use on all vehicles except LR, generally speaking of course. And the americans designed it so it must be good.

I don't need a lecture about not using a WDH system on a LR vehicle. I am just wondering if anyone has used an Anderson Hitch system and whether you are prepared to make a response on how you feel, or felt, it works both in a towing dynamics sense and a LR vehicle dynamic sense. Do they cause problems with the LR suspension ECU, is it an absolute no no, or is it doable and worthwhile.

With a caravan when you might have a ball load of say between 250 to 350kg. Application of physics says that this must reduce the axle load to the steer wheels. To me this is not the best thing. Hence the query, is there a way to help. Not sure how the dreaded Jeep air suspension works but apparently they can and do work well with a WDH.

Not wanting to start a war here, or wreck my car either.

Thanks, Simmo

[Tombie]

The system fights with the vehicle... EAS trying to comprehend why the load being felt doesn't add up.

With 350kg on the ball the vehicle steering is still very comfortable..

And the variable steering of the LR keeps it from feeling flighty...

The tow hitch is not designed for the "up" stresses of the WDH.

One must ask: Why do people still believe this "patch" for poor vehicle design / van design is acceptable?

Nobody thinks twice about shoving 400kg of gear in the boot and going for a drive, or loading 400kg in the boot, hitching a 6x4 full of wood or whatever (75kg extra on the ball) and towing without a WDH...


Put simply.. LR says no... And its not needed. Trailer Stability prevents sway (and you can tell when its working if you're attuned to your vehicle) and the law also says no.. I validate this by: If the manufacturer specifies do NOT use, then by law if you use one and something goes wrong you are at fault... And insurance companies, legal actions etc can be taken accordingly.

People keep quoting the Laws of Physics and I'm sure only have a rudimentary understanding of them...

Push tail down, nose goes up... Good...
Raise tail to level... Nose of a coil sprung vehicle unloads a little as the coil continues to lift the nose to free length of coil.
On a D4, the front then levels back down - adjusting the attitude of the vehicle... During this process some weight is shifted back to the front..

[winaje]

I can't find the popcorn smiley...

[simmo1]

Thanks Tombie for the response but that specifically is not what I was asking for. I understand what you are saying.
Thanks, Simmo

[Tombie]

Ok...In this context?

I've towed with coil sprung vehicles (other brands) and a WDH. Without which they were hopeless, and flighty.

I've towed with the D3 and D4 without a WDH (I have a big Catamaran that weights more than your van) and have had it comfortably to speeds well above what any caravaners would consider sensible..

So I have never considered the need for one nor would I bother to fit one on a LR with full TR suspension.

Towing is not magic, even my Xpedition has a high ball weight for its size (200kg) and we never had an issue in several thousand kilometres at speed on loose surfaces...

To validate that - just ask Alien, Sitek, Ho Hars, Muddy etc who were with us...

It's a waste...

And it's an absolute NO - it will mess with the Suspension ECU, making them fight each other, making the compressor work overtime, and the vehicle flighty...

[simmo1]

Well I guess the reason I ask is this. I have a 2014 RRS TDV6. My van is about 2500kg and it normally sits with a ball weight, measured, of around 180kg. This accords with the weight stated on the van plate but which is quite a lot lighter than the general 10% tow ball weight guideline. By placing load under the front bed, bottles of grog etc and taking care to keep as much as possible from the rear I can get the ball load up near 230kg. That helps.


In calm weather all is well. With side winds when travelling along passing things like tree plantations where the wind flow is suddenly interrupted it makes steering suddenly very interesting. Trucks passing cause mixed results but I can't relax when a truck is approaching. Sometimes no real affect. Other times the thing seems to want to step sideways a metre or so, at least that what it feels like. I haven't had a truck overtake me yet but I doubt that it would be a pleasant experience. With side winds that are not stable, such as where we live in western Victoria, it can feel quite unstable and relatively unpeaceful to travel in. The reality is that it doesn't move around that much, but it is moving around and requiring constant steering concentration. With no van or towing a 6 by 4 trailer and no issues at all. Tire pressures up at recommended, car and van all I good nic. I have towed all manner of things over time without any issues like this, but this has me concerned a bit now, hence my query, more about stability not load carrying.


My problems which aren't that uncommon seem largely to be addressed with a correctly set up WDH. The Anderson system to me looks to be a sound operational system.


So has anyone actually used one of the Anderson systems?


Thanks for your patience, Simmo

[Tombie]

Good context Simon...

And may be a factor of the RRS wheelbase vs a D4 ( being 13" longer).

I understand what you are saying - moving loads are not a relaxing way to motor! Been there in the past...

Can you get an Anti-sway system that does not have a WDH function?

Is this a new van to you? Or have you had it behind other vehicles in the past?

Also, does it have Alko DSC? If it does, may pay to disable it and take a cautious drive.. I have heard reports (and there was a thread on here at one stage) of it fighting the vehicle.

The LR system is very fast to respond, you can detect when it's doing its thing.

The fact the van is so light up front is a concern and is one of the overall industries biggest issues - poorly designed (in relation to towing stability).

Good luck..

[CSBrisie]

Can I ask a quick query as I'm new to towing caravans....I hadn't realised how much the van and car are affected by overtaking trucks. Is this something that can reduced (tow ball weights etc??) or is it a fact of life?

[Tombie]

You learn to read wind direction and adjust to suit...

If the wind is coming from you P/S for instance - passing trucks have less of an influence.

Quite the opposite if it's coming from the D/S as the oncoming truck pushes the wind, you get knocked/slight movement towards the truck as it goes by and then struck again by the wind as it finishes passing pushing you back away...

In this instance I find moving away gently as you meet and slight throttle if it's really windy.

[winaje]

Can you get an Anti-sway system that does not have a WDH function?

This works well, http://caravansplus.com.au/catalog/p...ducts_id=11260 and can be used without a WDH system. Needs the thick plate to be welded to the tow tongue. I'd also suggest welding the drawbar plate on too. I have first hand experience with this particular unit, and found that it helped a lot when driving in the crazy winds around the SA border near Casterton. I towed this:


And if you want some real fun, especially with "truck effect" try this one instead (yes I know I'm nuts):