Member Since: 04 Feb 2015
Location: Gloucester
Posts: 329
towing heavy trailer tips
Hi
I have to tow a trailer approx. 2 tons about 200 miles and I was wondering if anybody has any tips.
do I just leave it in auto or do I use sport mode or do I use manual.
I have heard its best to lock the torque converter but have no idea how to do this.
2005 auto se
27th Jun 2018 1:09 pm
Bardley
Member Since: 02 May 2018
Location: Hertfordshire
Posts: 441
Just leave it in auto unless you’re on particularly demanding hilly or winding roads. Common sense prevails here, where using the gear hold option eases the load and will hold you from running away. This will ease any long periods of braking.
Winding sections maybe easier in a lower gear.
2T trailer should be braked... so no need to overthink it too much. Just enjoy it!2011 MY D4 HSE
Previously 2001 D2 TD5, 1996 D1 300Tdi, 1985 90 2.2 petrol.
Bikes! KTM, BMW, British, Classics and others.
27th Jun 2018 1:36 pm
Rnclayton
Member Since: 13 Apr 2018
Location: Radstock, Bath
Posts: 564
Like he said.. MY07 Freelander2 SE Santorini Black - Gone
MY10 D4 XS Buckingham Blue
MY06 D3 HSE
27th Jun 2018 1:43 pm
Browny90
Member Since: 19 Jul 2016
Location: Ashbourne
Posts: 687
Take your time, don't get complacent, give other people plenty of space.
Take extra breaks, if you're not used to towing, especially heavier things, it can be tiring and stressful.
It can be tempting on a motorway when cruising along to get a heavy right foot.. all is well until something happens in front of you..
It's nice to have a little power spare under your right foot in case of snaking etc, obviously peoples reaction is to brake, when in fact pulling it straight is the answer.
Make sure you have a spare for the trailer, but also a wheel brace and jack for the trailer, Makes me laugh how many trailers you see with a spare and I bet not many of them have the equipment to change it..
Hilly sections, downhill, put it in Sport Mode, engine braking works, in standard mode you have very little if any engine braking, or use the flappy paddles downhill, other than that let it do its own thing.
27th Jun 2018 4:00 pm
Markhawkins
Member Since: 03 May 2015
Location: Banbury
Posts: 148
Loading of the trailer might be considered e.g. if moving a car, drive a front engined car forwards onto the trailer rather than winch it up backwards and then move backwards / forwards to get the right nose weight - possibly more critical when towing with a lighter vehicle?
27th Jun 2018 4:14 pm
djcleckie
Member Since: 08 Feb 2010
Location: Highlands
Posts: 189
Remember to use Low Ratio if you have to do a hill start on a steep incline.
I have a manual and tow a caravan and I always use Low Ratio for hill starts if its the least bit steep.
Saves the clutch though perhaps not as important in an auto.
Dave2005 SE Manual Cairns Blue
Faultmate MSV2
Series 2 - long gone
RR Classic long gone.
Disco1 believe its still going as a farm vehicle in France.
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