We have a Land Rover Discovery 3 TDV6 SE. We currently live on the road pulling a caravan. We recently bought a new van which is 1 metre longer than the last and it sways severely when we are towing. With this model Land Rover the vehicle is self leveling and we were told that we cannot use load levelers (weight distribution bars), however, we have heard we can get an isolation switch to turn off this feature so load levelers can be used. Does anyone know anything of this. Any information would be appreciated.

Thank You
sprogy

 

Here's related pages from the LR3 shop manual set - I did not see any switch listed on drawings as optional, but perhaps you could remove a fuse (3E, 26E, in battery junction box; or 35P in central junction box) to just shut the system off, which might produce a code. Experiment on dry pavement away from other vehicles in an isolated stretch of road.

Things like this can produce unexpected results (and loss of vehicle control) if you are not careful. But on the other hand, one would think the vehicle would not crash and burn just because it had a blown fuse.

BTW, as far as the caravan life, post some pix.

 

There is a useful resource, which describes various troubleshooting, including relocating the ball and other methods to resolve sway problems. And other towing tips.

In addition, and conjunction with the other information, consider your tongue height. You may need something like a mitch hitch to get the tongue higher. It would be interest to see pictures of the trailer and hitch setup, the weight and so on.

I am investigating how to get these certified in the US, it is a pretty vague set of rules. Most advertised receivers claim "meets the standards" not "certified" nonetheless it looks like a good solution.

 

how fast are you driving when it starts to sway?

Cause there are posted speed limits to towing. Go too fast and you will flip regardless of vehicle. Seen it quite a few times in Germany. Germans who have to get somewhere fast traveling at 90 mph and lose the caravan in the process and flip over causing a ten mile backup on the autobahn. Don't exceed 60 mph when towing.

 

May seem like a basic question, but have you checked tongue weight on your new trailer? Should be - I think - somewhere between 8 - 15% of total trailer weight.
You should perhaps double check those numbers elsewhere, but if it's light, you'll get a sway up in no time.

 

heres a thread from another forum. google search lr3 towing capacity

LR3 towing w/Weight Distribution System - Land Rover and Range Rover Forums

Other options ...Take your trailer to the dealer and hook it up to a new LR4
and take a test drive. They have Trailer stability control...