Volvo XC60 bumpy ride when towing

Posted on 28/09/2018 09:50 by phil and mike

Thanks for the comprehensive reply, I have already carried out some of the recommendations and will experiment with weights etc.

From your first reply when you mentioned changing tyres did you think the Conti's had stiff side walls and the Pirelli's were more flexible ?

As mentioned my current tyres are rated at 103 but I am considering changing to 107 XL's will this mean a stiffer tyre and a harder ride ? I will probably have to have this conversation with my tyre fitter.

 

 

 

Posted on 20/09/2018 13:13 by

Some of the A Roads in the West Glamorgan area are not exactly smooth though. 

Posted on 28/09/2018 14:43 by TonyBurton

There must be some engineers on the forum that have a good understanding of the dynamics of car suspension. It's a very long time since I was studying engineering science but I vaguely remember something called simple harmonic motion. You could try putting a couple of paving slabs in the car boot and see if that dampens the effect. You may find you need to get a heavier dog!

Posted on 28/09/2018 11:23 by asda160

Yes my personal opinion is that the Pirelli are softer which in turn lessens the effects on the suspension whereas the stiffer Conti's transferred the vertical load directly to the vehicle suspension. That's why I suggest trying a lower solo tyre pressure to see what effect it has.

Posted on 29/09/2018 18:38 by phil and mike

OK this is the problem. If I do change the tyres do I go for Pirelli Scorpion Verde's, Michelin All season or the Goodyear 4 Season has anyone out there got experience of running with them on. Secondly what difference will it make if I go for the standard 103 rating or upgrade to 107 XL's will these have stiffer walls or are they just uprated for load capacity ?

Will be most interested if anyone has the answer. 

Posted on 29/09/2018 20:51 by asda160

Regardless of what tyre you decide on ( if that is indeed the issue) going up to 107 XL means you have a stiffer side wall hence the ability to carry more load.

So with that in mind, if whilst on your existing tyres you experiment with lower and higher tyre pressures you should get an indication of which way you need to go which will save wasting money on tyres if pressure changes do not change/cure it for you and it is model specific foible.

One thing you may have have to consider is that it is a relatively short wheel base vehicle.

I reckon you might get a XC60 definitive answer by registering and posting in the towing section of the Volvo forum as opposed to on here where you are hoping someone else with an XC60 spots your post.

I get the impression you suspect the tyres are not stiff enough giving you excessive pitching?

Out of curiosity:

what model XC60 have you got?

what size wheel and tyre profile is it fitted with?

what suspension is it fitted with? Standard or Nivomat self levelling or 4C active?

....and then some questions in relation into TonyB's thought pattern which is to preload the suspension to prevent excessive oscillations:

Does the sensation increase or decrease during a journey as your fuel load lessens?

Is the rear of the car laden with the heavy items such as awning etc.?

             

 

Posted on 30/09/2018 10:15 by phil and mike

The car is a D4 AWD automatic with standard suspension and 235/60 R18 103V tyres.

Posted on 30/09/2018 12:41 by asda160

103 V rated 18R tyres have never been compliant and you have standard suspension which is bearing the full weight hence the motion you described.

Ball is in your court now...experiment and/or ask other XC60 owners or swap your vehicle.