New to towing - jerking / tugging trailer - transmission damage?

[corbijn]

Hi All,

I am recently new to towing. We have a camper trailer (under 750kg) that is a basic single axel box trailer. We have a 2008 D3 with the factory hitch.

When we first got it 6 months ago I noticed some degree of tugging/bouncing/jerking. Not massive amounts but enough to be noticeable. This seemed to increase as we increased speed.

My understanding this movement could be related to

a) drawbar pointing slightly down.
b) poorly weighted trailer
c) suspension on the car
d) just normal and I am over playing it.

Happy to put up with it and continue to tweak the setup but I am worried it could cause damage? Some online reading has indicated jerking trailers can cause damage to the transmission. Over the last 6 months we have had a shudder that gradually got worse. A transmission fluid change seems to have fixed this for now.

Was this just a coincidence or could a jerky trailer have caused the issue?

Thanks for your help

[101RRS]

On the towing bounce - there was a thread about this about 4 to 6 weeks back but unfortunately the search function nor google is picking it up. In thread I indicated I get the same pitching and bouncing but most other respondents did not have the issue - some put it down to shocks but I know mine are OK - hopefully someone will have a link. I think it is a characteristic of air suspension but there are dissenting views.

The problem with your gearbox sounds like a failing torque converter - delayed (and hopefully fixed) by your fluid change. Unlikely to be related to what you tow as it is light but again there are a few here have actual similar experiences and should comment.

Garry

[DiscoJeffster]

When I first towed a trailer on my D4 I was quite disturbed. It definitely makes the car feel quite different. The trailer does impart some movement back into the car as it hits bumps and things. I've gotten used to it but I had a similar experience when I started out.

[corbijn]

Thanks both for your feedback

The "feeling" is not horrendous and I am only really worried if it is causing damage. I will try a few tricks about balancing and get my ball height looked at (sounds awkward).

Thanks again

[Chops]

Bouncing when towing

I think this is it.

[corbijn]

Bouncing when towing

I think this is it.

Thanks! Will read through this

[DiscoMick]

Towing a weight will obviously make a difference, but it shouldn't cause a lot of tugging. Driving style can be a factor. Try to keep throttle and brake movements smooth and gentle and see if that makes any difference.
A transmission service was a good idea, as it can be neglected. As well as changing the oil, did they replace any filter in the gearbox? Some transmissions have an internal filter which can be neglected, block up and affect the operation.

[101RRS]

Bouncing when towing

I think this is it.

Yes that is it - I commented in that thread and yet when I do a search of my own posts by author, posts older than one month the "Bouncing when towing" does not come up - admins might want to look at that.

Garry

[vee8auto]

Independent Land Rover specialist in Perth told me to always use Sports Mode on the auto when towing. Always.

[corbijn]

Independent Land Rover specialist in Perth told me to always use Sports Mode on the auto when towing. Always.

That's interesting. Does keeping the revs up help?