Great feedback, I really appreciate it. I'll take your advice and make sure it's loaded properly (should't de difficult) and go on a few test runs. I use the Curt brake controller and works well.

Thank you again

 

I'm suprise no one mention this already. If you have the tow package and air suspension it has a built in sway monitor. It is constantly monitoring the trailer and will add micro braking and slight adjustment to the air suspension.

 

What is your tongue weight? I am looking at a trailer that has a dry weight of about 5500 but the tongue weight is about 900. The 110 has a stated tongue max of 820 but I am wondering if that is a hard number or something to balance with the overall vehicle payload. Will the extra tongue weight compromise the air suspension?

 

good morning,
Hitch 378
UVW 3,594
GVWR 4,795

we have a Grand Design 15RB now, but used it to tow a 22MLE which is about 1000 lbs heavier. fyi, if you have the tow package on your defender... you don't need a brake controller (per the dealer).

 

The dealer is wrong. You need the brake controller. All the tow package does is get you the receiver and the 7pin and 4pin connectors to hook up to the trailer. It also adds some software items to PIVI screen. You absolutely need the brake controller if you are towing anything that has a 7 pin connector and/or electric trailer brakes as that is the only way the car will be able to activate the brakes on the trailer. The brake controller is easy to hook up as there is a plug under the steering wheel on the left hand side, just plug your chosen brake controller into it and then adjust the controller as needed for your trailer.

 

This is correct. Tow package gets you the harness so you don't have to wire a controller separately but you absolutely need a controller.

Dealer staff are not necessarily well informed about all of the nuances and options.

 

Several manufactures sell sway control systems that are independent of weight distribution systems. Though an electronic system is integrated into the Defender, I prefer an external system. I use eaz-lift and depending on your needs, you can get one or two devices. (https://www.eaz-lift.com/collections...d-driver-side_

 

I apologize if this has been asked. I have searched. How do you manage the trailer while going down/up steep grades on mountain highways? Driving 2023 Defender p400, towing Rockwood UltraLite travel trailer. Brake controller? Cruise control? Any other useful functions?

 

Most if not all states require a brakes on trailers over a certain weight - usually around 3,000 lbs. I tow a 6,700 lb trailer and simply put it into "S" mode which automatically downshifts to use engine braking. (Note, if in eco mode, it will not automatically downshift.) And then use brakes as needed.

 

A few options exist. As mentioned by @Shesh already - a trailer brake controller is virtually a legal requirement and that can be used independently of the vehicle brakes for minor braking adjustments on down hills. I find that method particularly useful Offroad downhill. Other options include shifting the Defender into sport mode and basically downshift for braking. I find that method very useful on our Colorado steep grade roadways. Another method is to adjust the electronic brake controller to apply more trailer brake on the downhills when the vehicle brakes are applied. Essentially I avoid having the trailer push the rig downhill and use all those methods interchangeably.