The electric vehicle (EV) revolution is here now and rapidly gathering pace. Today, EVs are absolutely a viable alternative to ICE (internal combustion engine, petrol/diesel) cars for daily-driving suburban duties. They're safe, low to almost zero maintenance, easy to drive, don't need…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…