Tramlining While towing

[richardbell556]

hi.i'm new had v70 2.5d 2000 model for about 5 mouth . got it to tow caravan (600-900kg) thinking about changing to larger van as van we have now is very small and light.
i have read the thread above with fears as the car is fitted with perrelli P6000 with thought of buying a caravan twice the size and weight what problems do these tyres couse while towing as it's been fine up to now at upto 900kg on tow?????

[JIM C]

I have an Eldiss Avante 556 on Hanook with a Winterhoff stabiliser towed by an S60 D5 on P6000 on 16" wheels with no problems. From what everyone says 17" wheels cause tramlining. I pulled the same caravan with a V70 on 16" wheels using P6000 and Dunlops without any problems.

[richardbell556]

what do you mean by tramlining... is it the snakes or what?

[JackT5]

Tramlining is the effect caused by the front wheels attempting to follow irregularities in the road surface, eg, white lines, wheel ruts etc..

[JIM C]

The term "tramlining" is being used to describe when directional control is disrupted by the vehicle's tendency to follow the longitudinal ruts and/or grooves in the road. It's name could be compared to the tram or trolley driver who does not steer because his vehicle follows the path established by the tracks.
Any vehicle can exhibit tramlining on certain areas of the highway because of uneven pavement or severe rutting. And all vehicles tramline to some degree rather than obediently following the driver's steering input. For example, there's usually at least a small change in steering resistance felt through the wheel when crossing an uneven expansion joint or asphalt junction during lane changes.
Noticeable increases in tramlining are frequently uncovered when drivers living in the snowbelt make the seasonal changeover from winter tires to summer tires, or when any driver upgrades the performance of their tires using either the same size or going to a "Plus Size" tire and wheel package. The reason that it becomes more pronounced then is because neither the typically narrower and softer handling winter tires nor the Original Equipment tires generate as much grip or responsiveness as the higher performance summer tires. Since the vehicle's suspension works as a complete package, a higher performance tire will also uncover any previously unnoticed looseness in the rest of the suspension.

[Madleee]

Suck eggs mode on/

1. Are the caravan tyres at the pressure recommended by the manufacturer?
I used to run at 35PSI until I read the tyres and found they should be 50
PSI.

2. Is you 'van properly loaded? A stabiliser is no aid for a poorly laden 'van.

3. Whats your nose weight, more of an issue for FWD cars.

4. Have you considered spring assisters on the rear? I too have a T5 and am
reluctant to affect my handling Solo for any benefit whilst towing.

5. What condition are your wishbone bushes? Consider polybushing, I am
because my rubber bushes are shot and I only want to change them once!

6. Tramlining is your friend! set cruise and then read the paper!!!

Suck eggs mode off/

Have an enjoyable season in 2008

Lee

Awning up...
Alcoholic beverage out
Relax.

[richardbell556]

the front tyers were nacked so changed .well got bigger van now could fel tramming a little without van on tow. now got avons on front has changed car seems better . have not towed with them yet just fitted last week..

[tonyvolvo]

Most of theproblems are caused by the poor surface and the lorries cause groves in the road. Your wheels will run in oneof the tracks affecting your steering. On 10 volvos towing i have tried all tyres.
Tony bevan