PHEV - Towing update

[Flatcoat]

Finally set off on a long tow of the caravan from home south of Huddersfield to Edinburgh and then to Foyers on Loch Ness. Total journey about 390 miles. Economy has ranged between 22 and 27 mpg (using E5 99 octane petrol) but typically 24-25 which is directly comparable with any of the 5 previous diesel tow cars we have had. Have kept as close to speed limits as possible including up some of the long ascents on the A9. Power is fine and stability from cross winds and passing HGV’s very good and easy to control. Towing a1500kg single axle 7.5m ‘van. The Achilles heel is the ride on anything but smoothest of roads. If I can sort the ride I will be very pleased. 

[ernieb]

Sounds pretty good s for the ride it might be a case of finessing the tyre pressures. Otherwise it might be looking at the rear springs/shocks, hopefully not.

[Flatcoat]

It is not tyre pressures. After extensive research I have concluded the shock absorbers need different calibration however there are no after market units available. 

[ernieb]

That’s a pain but surprising considering there are a lot of RAV’s on the road?

[Flatcoat]

the PHEV only went on sale a year ago. 

[APS]

5 hours ago, Flatcoat said:

It is not tyre pressures. After extensive research I have concluded the shock absorbers need different calibration however there are no after market units available. 

I was just about to say shocks - but you've clearly worked it out already 🙂 If the damping is a little too restrictive it gets rather fidgety. Wish Toyota would offer adaptive ones. As a second best option you could also try different tyres. I put Michelin Cross Climates on my little Lexus, which is normally quite stiffly sprung, and it did make a surprising difference compared to the original Yokohamas. It's better all round. I'm assuming softer sidewalls and tread pattern.

[Flatcoat]

I had to change the rear tyres following a puncture so have Goodyear Vector all seasons and run them at the lowest of the recommended pressures. I am not so sure it is too stiffly sprung given the drop in height when attaching the caravan (which is only 70kg nose weight). My nephew is a race engineer  so hoping he can put me in touch with a specialist who might be able to make new units or perhaps recalibrate the existing units in some way.