Checks before towing long distances?

Don't forget to pump caravan tyres up as well

Thanks again guys will make sure I clean that towball up good and proper and I have a little compressor that I take everywhere with me so I will be ready for soft tyres.

mikey7985 said:

I will definitely do this fronts and back both up to 33 you think?

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Look in the handbook. Tyre pressures go up to 44PSi when towing.

sijwhite said:

Look in the handbook. Tyre pressures go up to 44PSi when towing.

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Will have a look at that tonight. Thanks.

mikey7985 said:

I will definitely do this fronts and back both up to 33 you think?

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Hi Mikey,

I have towed with my 06 FL TD4 from new and never had any problems. The tyre pressure should be increased to 40psi in the rear and normal 30psi in the front. You should aim for a nose weight around 75kg to 90kg although the FL is rated at 140kg the Alko hitch head is only rated at 100kg, so 75kg to 90kg will do you fine.

Have a look at www.caravanning4u.co.uk for more caravan info. Just say Graham Ponty sent you.

PS Also check the wheel nuts on the caravan, not sure what the torque setting is for the nuts but worth checking in the hand book before you tow.

Mikey,

Just another point, have you checked if the caravan has the 13 pin euro plug fitted some have some haven't. If you have the old 12N and 12S plugs fitted on the FL your going to need an adapter lead from 12N/12S to 13 pin euro plug if the caravan has one fitted.

Torque settings for caravan wheel nuts:

For alloy wheels: 110NM

For steel wheels: 88NM

Grayo said:

Hi Mikey,

I have towed with my 06 FL TD4 from new and never had any problems. The tyre pressure should be increased to 40psi in the rear and normal 30psi in the front. You should aim for a nose weight around 75kg to 90kg although the FL is rated at 140kg the Alko hitch head is only rated at 100kg, so 75kg to 90kg will do you fine.

Have a look at www.caravanning4u.co.uk for more caravan info. Just say Graham Ponty sent you.

PS Also check the wheel nuts on the caravan, not sure what the torque setting is for the nuts but worth checking in the hand book before you tow.

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Great stuff I will make sure I get all that right.

I have asked about the electrics and he said it is a normal plug which is what I have fitted luckily!!

mikey7985 said:

Great stuff I will make sure I get all that right.

I have asked about the electrics and he said it is a normal plug which is what I have fitted luckily!!

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What is normal?.......,

Nowadays 13 pin is normal......,

I have converted my electrics to 13 pin and would recommend everybody did. Much more reliable and secure. And not hard to change over either car or 'van.

Epicuser said:

What is normal?.......,

Nowadays 13 pin is normal......,

I have converted my electrics to 13 pin and would recommend everybody did. Much more reliable and secure. And not hard to change over either car or 'van.

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Yep agreed there I've changed my two 7 pin plugs for the 13 pin euro plug a lot better connection as well. I had to do it really as my new caravan has the 13 pin connection.

I best double check with him although I think by chance I have an adaptor somewhere that is a female 13 pin and has 2 of the "normal" connectors on the other end. Does that sound about right?

It's wind resistance that can be a slowing factor.

Modern caravans with decent aerodynamics are no problem for a Freelander - especially an auto.

The weight you're talking about is no problem either for a TD4

My trailer is plated at 2000Kg - but it's usually around no more than 1600Kg.

My difficulty is it's as aerodynamic as a brick.

You should be fine, mate - you sound like you've got your head screwed on the right way.

Some caravanners are right numpties.

Here's a couple of pics of my outfit - I've towed it as far as Greece on a couple of occasions, but usually it's a 350 mile run to Edinburgh and back.

Enjoy your trip, and let us know how you get on.

I hope the weather is OK for you.

Hi, that's a big old trailer!! And see what you mean about the aerodynamics!!!!

I am really looking forward to seeing how it pulls especially after the remap.

mikey7985 said:

Hi, that's a big old trailer!! And see what you mean about the aerodynamics!!!!

I am really looking forward to seeing how it pulls especially after the remap.

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Hi Mike,

Have you done the EGR blank yet!! if not your in for a supprise lol let us know and we'll talk you through it. Also do you know about putting 250ml of cheap mineral 2 stroke oil in with a full tank of diesel, works wonders as well.

Great to see you on the C4U forum last night.

All the best

Graham

Grayo said:

Hi Mike,

Have you done the EGR blank yet!! if not your in for a supprise lol let us know and we'll talk you through it. Also do you know about putting 250ml of cheap mineral 2 stroke oil in with a full tank of diesel, works wonders as well.

Great to see you on the C4U forum last night.

All the best

Graham

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Hi Graham,

No not done the blank yet wasn't sure how it would affect my remap to be honest.....ie. Would it need to be mapped again?

I heard something about 2 stroke but not in detail. I have been using Wynns injector cleaner in every tank.

Thanks for the invite to C4U I will have to get on there later..... Unless u happen to know the tyre size and stud arrangement of a Bailey Ranger..... This one I bought has no spare apparently!!

Mike

mikey7985 said:

Hi Graham,

Thanks for the invite to C4U I will have to get on there later..... Unless u happen to know the tyre size and stud arrangement of a Bailey Ranger..... This one I bought has no spare apparently!!

Mike

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I'll have a look for you.

Thanks Graham you are a superstar!!

Last thing I want is a blowout/flat an no spare!!

P.S don't tell Kalvin I am using my phone in duty!!!!!!! Ha ha ha ha :0)

Hi Mike,

Steel wheel rim size 51/2 J x 14 H2 ET30 112mm PCD 5 Stud.

Alloy wheel rim size 6J x 14 H2 ET30 112mm PCD 5 Stud.

Tyre size 185/65 R14 93N

Tyre pressure 29psi 2.0 bar

HTH

Graham

That's brilliant thank you so much.

I know I am off topic for the forum but one last thing Graham..... Van has alloys is a steel wheel ok as a spare?