Member Since: 02 Dec 2006
Location: Burnley
Posts: 88
I always use low range for manoeuvering, especially reversing, kinder on the vehicle and on my left leg
23rd Feb 2008 9:19 am
Discoed
Member Since: 16 Jun 2010
Location: Yorkshire
Posts: 1020
Towing a caravan
So we are towing our 13 foot Castleton for the first time this weekend with a manual D3. Towed with a 110 chipped TD5 before which was great - 5th all the way.
I am expecting to have to change down more with the D3 or at least spend most of my time in 5th rather than 6th. Hoping for a bit more MPG - 22/23 with the TD5. I will report back once the trip is done. What do others get? I tend to tow at 55 mph ish. (Generally I seem to be getting 28 on a run solo)
We used to tow a twin-axle 26+ foot Elddis (1900kg laden) and got between 19 and 21 mpg from our HSE auto. The engine is happiest at about 2000 rpm (=60mph in 5th) so car spent more time in 5th though it would also pull 6th gear on the flat if you forced it to with command shift.
We now tow a single axle, 24.5 ft Pegasus (1500kg laden) and now get around 21 to 23 mpg. Spends a lot longer in 6th gear now and will even pull 6th up slopes.
The car is Turbochipped though and that makes a big difference Now an ex-D3 owner after 7 happy years. Miss the car but not the big bills
1st Jul 2010 8:33 am
Discoed
Member Since: 16 Jun 2010
Location: Yorkshire
Posts: 1020
I will be visiting BAS soon for a re-map. I have only just got the D3 so plenty to do. Those mpg figures sound encouraging given our van is only 13 foot.
Don't forget to keep looking in your rear-view mirror to check that your van is still there
13 footer
The D3 won't know it's towing anything, especially after a BAS remap Now an ex-D3 owner after 7 happy years. Miss the car but not the big bills
1st Jul 2010 8:41 am
BarneyRubble
Member Since: 24 Nov 2009
Location: Naphill
Posts: 105
I seem to be going against the general consensus here, but at the moment, my D3 isn't as good either of my old Defenders.
I have a 1998 23 foot single axle Lunar, and although it is not the most stable of vans, since getting the D3 the stability is atrocious - pitching and swaying both affecting the D3, it is a nightmare overtaking lorries.
I have the detachable tow hitch which is 1 inch lower than it needs to be to keep the van level, and with the same noseweight as I had with my previous 90 & 110 it is not good at all.
Took it out last weekend with higher noseweight and this helped slightly, might look at renewing the snaker.
I can't deny that the acceleration is great, but so far, not impressed with the stability.
BarneyBarney
D4 - 2106 Graphite, Montalcino Red
Written Off - 2010 90 Hard Top, Stornoway Grey
1st Jul 2010 10:14 am
CHRISS
Member Since: 30 Jan 2010
Location: STOKE ON TRENT
Posts: 103
I seem to be having the same problem as Barneyrubble. The main problem is the wheel ruts on motor ways. I did not have the same problem when towing with my old Freelander 1.8 petrol even though the caravan is a large twin axle that was only just legal for the FL.
I am experimenting with the nose weights but cannot adjust the height as I have a detachable towbar.
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