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I have an Abbey spectrum 535 and I was using a BMW X3 to tow, but as I was a little worried about the weight and did not want to harm the BMW I have purchased a 1995 Discovery to tow.

However when towing with the Discovery I experienced some nerve racking swaying at times that I never experienced with the BMW.

The van is a 2006 and is fitted with a Alko stabiliser.

This was not constant it happened 3 times in 300 miles but it was as if the van was pulling the car to one side and was not when being passed by an Artic although I could feel when they passed, one instance was when a number or cars overtook at high speed in quick succession.

Can anyone help?

True, the towball sphere itself has to be slightly higher in relation to the horizontal part of the neck.

But, from the comments, I would also check for the possibility of a brake binding on one side of the caravan.

Bertie.

I had the same problem with mine, before I got shot of it.

The problem is well documented on one of the Disco owner forums.

Something to do with the aerodynamics of putting a caravan behind it.  Disco's are great at towing heavy things not bulky things.

Quote: Originally posted by pinkfloyd on 12/4/2007

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Toyota Landcruiser VX and Coachman Laser 590....Simply perfect stability and power in abundance ....Fuel consumption very acceptable too ......Very impressive Towing Vehicle....

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Have just returned from a week away to sunny Lincolnshire. En route, the journey felt less than confidence inspiring. I was towing a twin axle Carolina with a 110" Defender. Any vehicle that overtook me (and there were plenty that did) drew a sway from the rear of our Landie.

I found that moving over to the left-hand side of the lane, where possible, and dropping the speed down to 50mph helped greatly.

Whilst on hoiliday, I treated myself to a new set of springs and dampers all round. (It seemed silly to do the back and not the front at the same time). The original springs and dampers, that had covered some 148,000 miles were replaced and what a difference it made. The return journey was an absolute delight with only one very slight 'pull' as an HGV passed very quickly and very close.

May I suggest that you have at least the rear suspension looked at?

Defender

Thanks for all your advice, I have been to the caravan dealers and the Discovery did have the wrong type of ball and they fitted an Alko ball to the car (Celia you are not just a mere female), I will also take the advice of having the suspension looked at.

Terry, I will also measure the tow ball height, any suggestions if they are different?

Regards

Tony