I have been a proud owner of a 300tdi for about a year and can only talk very highly of the beast. Its done 120K, its an auto and I tow a large caravan, a Lunar Delta twin axle weighing in a healthy 1600 kgs. In that year I have put a new front propshaft on and 2 new tyres (my choice). I do have an oil leak from the steering box which I believe is a common problem so I keep topping it up monthly as it only require a small drop. Its the 7 seater model and fitted with SLS. I have just bought a TD5 auto 7 seater with SLS (air suspension) type. What is the mechanical differences between these two types of suspensions as I note that the TD5 caravan / trailer noseweight is limited to 250 kgs which I will struggle to achieve with the Lunar. I have had no problems with excessive nose weights on the 300tdi.
SLS 300tdi and TD5
- Thread starter oldzed
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thebiglad
Well-Known Member
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Hi there oldzed, for a start there is no sls on a TDi 300 as std, so IF it's got it, it's a modification.
Basically, the 300 has springs at the back and the TD5 has air bags, so it's the airbags that give the self levelling facillty.
On the caravan I'm amazed that you say you will struggle to achieve a towing hitch downforce of any less that 250kgs as that is extremely heavy !!!! You should be able to distribute the weight in the van to achieve a figure much lower than that.
Are you sure that the towball on the towing vehicle is at the correct height, to ensure the caravan runs level?
I tow an LMC 9mtr van and it's nose weight is nowhere 250kgs.
Philip0603
New Member
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My 300 TDI Handbook says 150Kg max. I tow A Bessacarr Cameo Twin axle which weighs in at 1750KG and I have trouble loading the 'van to achieve a nose weight of 100 Kg. I sometimes have to use the front internal water tank to add a bit of weight. I also use a Shocklink which takes all the bounce out and is the best thing since sliced bread when towing the twin axle.
The Lunars are famously 'nose heavy' and gets a mention in most caravan magazines / websites. The basic van without gas bottles and battery has a noseweight of 162 kgs.By the time you add 2 full gas bottles and a 110 amp hr battery, plus water containers which fit in the front compartment, the nose weight starts to rocket. Putting the awning etc., at the back of the van does counter balance this a bit but you still have to be very aware not to store items in the front part of the caravan. My towball height is 400 mm and when the caravan is coupled she sits dead level. She tows fine. I was concerned about the air suspension on the TD5 especially being a 7 seater as well, caravan plus rear passengers ?? seems a lot of weight all on the airbags. I am probably worrying unneccessarilly. 'Phillip0603' whats a Shocklink ?.
thebiglad
Well-Known Member
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Can't you put your gas bottles and other parafanalia towards the back of the 'van whilst in transit? That would adjust the nose weight?
