4x4 versus All wheel drive

Sunflowers
Sunflowers Forum Participant Posts: 1
edited May 2017 in Towcars & Towing #1

I had aTerrano ll and it was perfect to tow my caravan, very stable and wiggle free. Due to it's age and now lack of power I have traded it in for a Volvo XC70, however on my first trip out I was very dismayed at the sway on the van when overtaking and being overtaken. Is this normal for a saloon? Having only towed with the Terrano I'm not sure what is normal. It pulls really well but it feels out of control when in the middle of a vehicle sandwich. Any comments?

Comments

  • EJB986
    EJB986 Forum Participant Posts: 1,153
    1000 Comments
    edited May 2017 #2

    'Robust old-school 4x4.'

    Saw this on a review of the vehicle so I presume they have fairly rigid and uncompromising suspension systems.

    I would guess that moving to a softer set up would be quite noticeable?

  • Richardrjb
    Richardrjb Forum Participant Posts: 24
    edited June 2017 #3

    You may find that the XC70 length and most of the boot space overhangs the rear wheels. Balancing the van is critical to avoid the sway. I had an XC70 for 4years - lovely cars with loads of boots space. You miss it when you change to another car. 

  • dmiller555
    dmiller555 Forum Participant Posts: 717
    500 Comments
    edited June 2017 #4

    They all differ and take a while to get used too. 

    I'm about to find out who my Passat and Lunar Clubman behave in todays gusty winds. surprised

  • SteveL
    SteveL Club Member Posts: 12,303 ✭✭✭
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    edited June 2017 #5

    Our front wheel drive Mondeo estate was equally as stable a tow car with our old van as the 4 x 4 XTrail we replaced it with. However, they were both similar weights. When we changed the van for one 200 kg heavier, I certainly noticed overtaking vehicles passing more. Not a problem but I now feel them passing, where as with the lighter van I rarely did.

    Are the vehicles similar weights, or was the 4x4, a lot heavier?

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