phil and mike replied on 20/09/2018 10:53
Posted on 20/09/2018 10:53
I recently converted to towing a caravan after 40 yrs of motorhoming. After a lot of research we decided to buy a Coachman VIP 545 (2014 model) caravan and tow it with a Volvo XC60 AWD (2017), the towing match looked OK with the ability to take the correct nose weight and tow a van of that weight.
Obviously it felt very different towing for the first time but I did not expect it to feel so bouncy. The feeling was most unpleasant almost like being sea sick. I checked the nose weight, the tyre pressures on the van and car and all were OK. We do not carry and heavy items such as awnings etc and because of the van configuration i.e. rear double bed the only way to place any heavy items over the axel is to put them on the floor, which leaves them liable to movement and possible damage to the van. I had the van checked over by an approved service agent and was told everything was satisfactory. I asked if the ATC was OK and was told yes.
I found a discussion from 2016 with exactly the same problem but I could not find out if it was resolved. Short of trying a different tow car or towing a different (perhaps lighter) van I am not sure what to try next. Coachman suggested changing the front and rear friction pads on the hitch, but can two small plastic pads make that much difference ?
so load over the axle if possible,we have not had things "go forward" when travelling
phil and mike
Caravanner from West Glamorgan