Volvo XC60 bumpy ride when towing

Posted on 30/09/2018 15:36 by phil and mike

Not quite sure what you mean by being compliant ?

Posted on 01/10/2018 10:23 by Jacko From Kent

Phil & Mike, My XC60 is running on Falken FK510 SUV  235/60R18/107W and have done about 10k miles. Was away over the weekend (80 miles each way)and knowing this thread was happening played with tyre pressures. Not very scientific I know but going loaded with Mrs J's groceries, a few tinnes etc I had the tyres at 40 psi, coming back dropped them back to 35psi, obviously checked van pressures both ways. There was most definitely a difference in the ride, coming home was much more comfortable, most of the journey was on A roads, the one bit of motorway was about 20 miles and probably because I was looking out for it but with the harder tyres I definitely felt the 'lorry suck' a lot more than with slightly softer tyres.

Hope this helps!!..

Shame your not a bit closer as you would be more than welcome to have a tow with mine before you go down the new tyres route.

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 02/10/2018 14:53 by phil and mike

Well posted on the Volvo Xc60 forum and have only had two replies so I am waiting in anticipation, we will see if anything constructive is posted but not holding out much hope!!

Posted on 02/10/2018 17:29 by asda160

I can't find your post on the Volvo forum?

Can you provide me a link to it  or what's the title ? I'll give a shout out on it asking for responses...

Posted on 03/10/2018 08:50 by asda160

Morning Phil and Mike...

 

found your post....you've already had a reply so I will leave it alone, we are already conversing on here.

Before you spend your money on tyres.... Paul on the Volvo forum is correct, it cannot be tyres alone but they will contribute to it.

A correctly balanced set up of carefully laden van, a balanced nose weight, tow car tyres with some give in them, tow car not overladen....

Something for you to consider/ experiment with is nose weight. You say you are at 90kg, maximum for the tow bar. How is that measured? Spring loaded nose weight gauge, bathroom scales with wooden spar or digital nose weight gauge?

I ask because I found my original sprung loaded gauge was indicating over 10kg too low when checked against bathroom scales so I borrowed a mates digital nose weight gauge which mirrored that of the bathroom scale.

If you are happy your method of weighing the nose weight is accurate then what about considering dropping 5kg off...you can afford to go down to 82kg and still remain in the recommended 5 to 7 % of caravans MTPLM.

Posted on 03/10/2018 11:04 by phil and mike

As far as the nose weight is concerned I am using a Milenco "calibrated" gauge. I keep the van in storage so when I bring it back for its pre winter clean I will experiment with the bathroom scales as well.

As far as the tyres are concerned I do find that they give an uncomfortable even when not towing (except on motorways) so I may well change them anyway.

Another thing I am considering is changing to Calor Lite 6kg bottles so I can at least get two in the front locker. I know there was an issue with these a couple of years ago but my local supplier still has them and says they are readily available on a straight swap for my mine when empty.

Thanks for all the advice.

Mike