Towing Archives

ECU tuning – a pro tuner’s honest view

Modern vehicles have lots and lots of computers controlling every part of the vehicle's systems and operation. And these computers have software which can be modified, and that changes the vehicle - power, efficiency, driveability and much more. Sounds good, right? Well,…

Blog Towing by Robert Pepper 16 February 2022

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Caravan aerodynamics with Kyle Forster of jfkaero.com

Caravan aerodyanmics isn't something that's talked about very often, if ever. So I was lucky that Kyle Forster of Kyle.Engineers joined me to discuss aero and vans, along with live questions. You can see the recording of the discussion below, but if…

Blog Towing by Robert Pepper 13 February 2022

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Does a suspension lift increase front axle load on your caravan?

Reader question: Hi Robert, I have had a number of conversations with people regarding rear suspension upgrades to reduce sag and improve stability when towing a caravan. I use a weight distribution hitch to restore front axle loading when towing. Many people…

Blog Towing by Robert Pepper 3 February 2022

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Does Trailer Stability Control interfere with anti-sway control?

Trailer sway is a big problem when towing and particuarly today when we have ever-larger caravans with relatively small, over-rated tow vehicles. So, there's a number of ways to mitigate sway and one is to fit a mechanical anti-sway system. That's basically…

Blog Towing by Robert Pepper 31 January 2022

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Why so many caravans and 4X4s are overweight

Many touring 4X4s and caravan rigs are over, or very close to their weight limits with all sorts of negative effects on performance, handling, insurance and warranty. Not a week goes by when someone contacts me with a weight question, and…

4X4 Blog Towing by Robert Pepper 21 January 2022

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Have you overloaded your towcar’s rear axle?

I know it's complex; GVM, GCM, ATM and more. But, limits are limits, and here's one that's overlooked. The axle limits. Each vehicle has a maximum load the front and rear axle can take, and it's often pretty low. And the thing…

4X4 Blog Recovery Towing by Robert Pepper 3 December 2021

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Checking out a mud bog on a 4×4 track – and de-bogging a caravan

Everyone bar novices and a few crazies hates mud. It's a real chore to clean, and damages all sorts of thing such as alternators, starter motors, wheel bearings...it's basically water and grit. Awful. But, you have to deal with it sometimes, and…

4X4 Blog Towing by Robert Pepper 5 November 2021

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Does a GVM upgrade increase your towing capacity?

On the face of it, no it doesn't. A GVM upgrade only increases the legal amount the vehicle can weigh, which has the effect of increasing how much it can carry. But one of the towing limits is in fact GVM, so…

Blog Towing by Robert Pepper 1 November 2021

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Simple ways to show how trailer weight distribution matters

Don't let anyone tell you different - trailer weights and dynamics are complex. But, unfortunately, if you tow heavy trailers you really need understand some of the basics about weight distribution, because it has a dramatic effect on trailer stability. Some…

4X4 Blog Stuff Explained Tech Towing by Robert Pepper 24 October 2021

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Why the ‘leave a location voicemail’ is a bad idea

This bit of advice is rapidly circulating the Internet, and it really shouldn't be: Why this advice is bad In brief; if you have phone signal, send a text message for help to your friends, or if dire, call 112. Don't…