Towing Questions.

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Forty Deuce

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So I’ve finally decided to buy a camping trailer for family trips and will be towing with my LR4.

I’m not sure if the towing assist software includes a braking control system, or I’ll need to buy a separate one. Any recommendations for one particular brand if that’s necessary? (Perhaps that’s the wrong term but essentially the device by which the brakes on a trailer activate in conjunction with the tow vehicle.) The dealer was unsure if it has brake control and I can’t find a definitive answer in the owners manual.

Also, even though it’s a very open ended question, is there any advice you would give for towing a 5,500 lb trailer with an LR4? I’ve heard debate over using weight distribution hitches and the consensus seems to be against them. Is there a compelling reason why I should use one despite the JLR recommendation that I do not?
 

DonC

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I use a tekonsha p3 brake controller with the ford wiring adapter. Install was very easy for the controller as it was basically just plug and play. My new RV is 4200lbs with a 390lbs tongue weight. I kept with the rule with keeping it under 80% of the towing ability and that being said i am happy with the way the 4 has been towing. I am seeing around 13.8 mpg and power to handle the hills and passing. I am also using the anderson WD hitch and the camper has been steady in winds. The only problem I ran into was having to install resistors on the trailer wiring so that the 4 would pick up it was connected due to the LED trailer lights. I found a great writeup on this issue here on the site. 2011 LR4

20190811_135129.jpg
 

Forty Deuce

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Good info. I wonder if I’ll have the same issue s with the LED lights on mine.
 

Jimmy Brooks

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Not very educated on the towing topic but I’ve read multiple articles including the owners manual and it clearly states not to use a weight distribution hitch because it interferes with the air suspension system and it could result in damage to the car, or a crash. I’ll try to link up the article if I can
 

cperez

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Not very educated on the towing topic but I’ve read multiple articles including the owners manual and it clearly states not to use a weight distribution hitch because it interferes with the air suspension system and it could result in damage to the car, or a crash. I’ll try to link up the article if I can

Correct. This has been discussed in several towing threads. The manual discourages WD hitches. Many owners use them anyway and with seemingly fine results, but it’s not officially recommended.
 

DonC

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Not very educated on the towing topic but I’ve read multiple articles including the owners manual and it clearly states not to use a weight distribution hitch because it interferes with the air suspension system and it could result in damage to the car, or a crash. I’ll try to link up the article if I can

That is the exact reason i went with the Anderson over others. I can adjust the WD (which is not really needed due to the air). The sway control part is nice but now that i have the resisters on the trailer and the towing option turned on via GAP I and testing the setup again next weekend.
 

Robbouchard

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DonC you wrote that you have the towing option selected via Gap1. Is this an option in all LR4’s? I have been towing for a couple of years with no problems but if their is an option to get even better towing performance I’d like to use it.
 

BznLR4

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Reviving an old(ish) thread...why not just plug the Redarc (or any other trailer brake controller) into the Ford spec plug intended for this that is above the brake pedal? Maybe the Aussie models don't have this plug?

It seems suspicious to add wiring when JLR provided a plug for this purpose...what am I missing?
 

DonC

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Reviving an old(ish) thread...why not just plug the Redarc (or any other trailer brake controller) into the Ford spec plug intended for this that is above the brake pedal? Maybe the Aussie models don't have this plug?

It seems suspicious to add wiring when JLR provided a plug for this purpose...what am I missing?
Redarch sells a adapter to plug into the Techonsha wiring. Techonsha sells the adapter to the ford plug in the back. Seems a bit much to use 2 adapters but would mean no splicing of wires and a simple install. I am planning on using the Redarch controller in a 130 if they ever are released.
 

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