malcolm1sim Posted April 30, 2012 Share Posted April 30, 2012 Morning all, I have a new BJ trailer and on first use noticed what I can only describe as a constant push/pull feeling. A tad uncomfortable to say the least. Currently awaiting a response from BJ as to their views so thought I would ask here as well. Cheers and thanks in advance. Tow car is an Audi A6 3.00 Diesel with dual clutch auto box. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stationary M25 Traveller Posted April 30, 2012 Share Posted April 30, 2012 Is it the auto box fighting the trailer ? Single or twin axle trailer ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
malcolm1sim Posted April 30, 2012 Author Share Posted April 30, 2012 Hi Ian, Twin axle. No I do not think box is "fighting", gear changes seem OK and holds its gears fine. There is an automatic adjustment to gearbox software when trailer is fitted. So I am told. Got to pop out now but will return to thread later today. Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craigyb Posted April 30, 2012 Share Posted April 30, 2012 I tow mine with a seat leon FR 2.0 diesel, and dsg. None of the push/pull as you describe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peterg Posted April 30, 2012 Share Posted April 30, 2012 I've towed a racecar and a boat behind a VW Golf 2.0TDi with dsg and never had a problem. Is the trailer 'new' or just new to you? it maybe the brakes are grabbing. Also, did you get the nose weight correct as it may not be pushing and pulling but porpoising due to inadequate weight on the towball? - it needs to be 50-75kg (depending on car model, look in handbook) measured at the height of the towball - use a bit of wood and a set of bathroom scales to check it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stationary M25 Traveller Posted April 30, 2012 Share Posted April 30, 2012 There is an automatic adjustment to gearbox software when trailer is fitted. So I am told.How does it know when the trailer is fitted - maybe a contact in the plug socket ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mav Posted April 30, 2012 Share Posted April 30, 2012 Quoting peterg: Also, did you get the nose weight correct as it may not be pushing and pulling but porpoising due to inadequate weight on the towball? - it needs to be 50-75kg (depending on car model, look in handbook) measured at the height of the towball - use a bit of wood and a set of bathroom scales to check it I'd put a pint on that being the cause. Check your nose weight. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
catastrada Posted April 30, 2012 Share Posted April 30, 2012 My tow car is an A6 3.0 auto too (Avant - Adaptative Air Suepension - Perfect tow car). The auto gearbox cannot be faulty. Yes the plug socket is telling the car that there is a trailer. The ESP rules are then adjusted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stijn LUYCK 1 Posted May 1, 2012 Share Posted May 1, 2012 If you have adjustable shock absorbers on the Seven then set them to soft. I feel a distinct difference in little shakes of my Tiguan when towing between the Caterham set to rock hard or not. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elie boone Posted May 1, 2012 Share Posted May 1, 2012 Don't shoot me but is it correctly strapped ? maybe it's mouving on the trailer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
malcolm1sim Posted May 1, 2012 Author Share Posted May 1, 2012 Did not get back yesterday after all. A big thank you to all, for your views. It seems I have a few things to consider, nose weight first I think. I am sure that the 7 is strapped down OK and I do not have adjustable dampers. One thing I forgot to do and it may be quite relevant is the car tyre pressures. I did not increase them to max load settings. Given the porpoising comments that may be quite important? Softer walls and all that. Anyway thanks again to all, I shall try and remember to post when I solve it. Still awaitng a reply from BJT, pretty poor after sales service I would say. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peterg Posted May 1, 2012 Share Posted May 1, 2012 I never altered the tyre pressures or shock settings on either my Westie or my single seater (which only ran 10psi front and 12psi rear) and never had a problem so I wouldn't worry about them. Get the nose weight right first and mark where the car sits so you can repeat it without having to measure it again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James_Russell Posted May 2, 2012 Share Posted May 2, 2012 I agree peterg- but I'm pretty sure the previous posters were referring to the tyre pressures of the towing vehicle i.e. increasing the tyres to the 'fully laden' recommended pressures. I agree with most of the above, check that the trailer is level or slightly nose-down, and then ensure that the nose weight is around 60-100kg at the height of the towball. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peterg Posted May 2, 2012 Share Posted May 2, 2012 but I'm pretty sure the previous posters were referring to the tyre pressures of the towing vehicle i.e. increasing the tyres to the 'fully laden' recommended pressures. D'oh yeah quite right James... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4ster Posted May 2, 2012 Share Posted May 2, 2012 Interesting thread because my trailer does exactly this and I assumed that it was because it has a foldable tow pole. I don’t suppose that yours is this type Malcolm? Sorry for the hijack but maybe the solution is the same for both of us. Checked the nose weight (as best I can) and it is maybe a bit low at 50kg-ish but it is difficult to get the car further forward because the tow pole would hit the nosecone when folded up – if you see what I mean. However, if this really is the answer I might have to find a way round that problem. Very interested to see if yours is fixed by these suggestions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peterg Posted May 2, 2012 Share Posted May 2, 2012 > 4* Check your car's handbook, some towcars need a fair bit more than 50kg, my Passat required 75kgs, incorrect noseweight is one of the most frequent reasons for towing problems and it's always better to be 'slightly heavier' than too light oh, and surely the towpole can't hit the nosecone when you're towing the trailer so reposition it and strap it down for towing then move the se7en back for storage (which presumably is the only time you fold the pole up?) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4ster Posted May 4, 2012 Share Posted May 4, 2012 surely the towpole can't hit the nosecone when you're towing the trailer so reposition it and strap it down for towing then move the se7en back for storage (which presumably is the only time you fold the pole up?) You are, of course right Peter – just don’t fancy even more faffing about when coming home after a long drive back But if that will fix it …. Edited by - 4* on 4 May 2012 09:50:52 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drumster Posted May 4, 2012 Share Posted May 4, 2012 Paul, just stick a heavier engine in the 7 that should cure your nose weight problem without having to reposition the car. It might even slow you down a bit on track (hopefully) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
malcolm1sim Posted May 4, 2012 Author Share Posted May 4, 2012 4* and all. Yes, my trailer has folding draw bar. Have had a reply from BJT now and they wish to check the trailers brakes by doing an early first service. I aked if I should check nose weights etc before doing this and thay said no. Happy it seems with the fact that the car dropped sat down a tad when trailer connected. I shall, of course check my nose weight more carefully in future. Will post again as matters proceed, in partic when resolved. Thanks all for your interest and adviceso far. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grubbster Posted May 4, 2012 Share Posted May 4, 2012 I find a high level rack with 8 spare wheels on helps to increase the nose weight Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4ster Posted May 4, 2012 Share Posted May 4, 2012 just stick a heavier engine in Thanks for the advice Chris – maybe if I paint my cam covers it will get heavier Malcolm Is it just a coincidence that we both have foldable tow poles and have the same problem? Maybe the nose weight on these is lower or is it just the nature of the beast? I have towed it like this for 5 years so it isn’t a showstopper but I would prefer it to be better. As Grubbster suggests, maybe a tyre rack would help. It would be good to hear how you get on. Edited by - 4* on 4 May 2012 22:15:51 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
malcolm1sim Posted May 5, 2012 Author Share Posted May 5, 2012 4* I have a tyre rack - only 4 wheels on it at present. BJT have arranged for me to have the trailer brakes checked on Friday of next week and also to get some towing advice. I hope that the problem lies with me rather than the trailer and that it is just a question of getting tow car tyre pressures, nose weight and possibly trailer brakes right all at the same time. Will certainly post developments on here. Catastrada - if you return to this post, what tyre pressures do you run on the A6 when towing. Thank you. Cheers for now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
catastrada Posted May 5, 2012 Share Posted May 5, 2012 My summer tyres are 245/40/18 Y97. If I remenber correctly I have 3.2 front and 3.0 rear. I usually put a bit more (0.2) than what Audi says. I don't change the tyres pressure when I tow (I just check them). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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