Hi everyone
We have a 2018 430GT 60th edition which we absolutely love.
We have access to 2 towing vehicles, our sons 2wd VW Transporter (which tows like dream) and our steel sprung VW Touareg (which is unpleasant to tow with). It’s as if the Touareg and the caravan are “fighting” each other, creating a fidgety and very unpleasant experience. I’ve tried all sorts of combinations of weight distribution, nose weight and tyre pressure, all to no avail.
In conversation with a fellow Eriba owner with a 420GT, he said that it was a known phenomenon with 4x4’s and lightweight caravans. Indeed, he quoted his dealer, who claimed to be able to tell if an Eriba had been used extensively by a 4x4 because of micro ripples in the side panels caused by the stressful combination.
Is there any documentary evidence for this, rather than hearsay?
Do I need to change my car? I’m happy to do so, but want to make sure that I’m doing the right thing before I do. Thanks very much in advance. Steve.

Hi

We towed a Triton 418 for 12 years with a LR Discovery and the only ripples on the side of our van were the Cernay Wave it was manufactured with.

Haven't heard of this particular phenomenon before maybe someone else has.

Denise & Phil

I've been 'involved' with Eriba Tourings for more than a decade and I too have never heard that theory before.

As Colin says it is a good idea to have the car rear suspension checked just in case.

If, somehow, you could get a third vehicle to tow the van, loaded as per trips that had the issue that might clarify whether it's van or towcar that are the issue.

Strange, I would have thought the VW Touareg would be an excellent tugger. I have used a Dacia Duster and Suzuki Vitara 4x4s with no issues. If anything they are more stable and sure footed than their 2 wheel drive counterparts.

I have towed Eriba for 6yrs with 4x4s and only have issues if I don’t check my nose weight each time and 70Kg is the optimum weight I aim for if not as you say it can be a tiring drive.

Another consideration is wheel alignment (on the tow car). When I recently had new tyres, I got a wheel alignment check and the backs were way out on one side. After adjustment I felt the Eriba did tow better, although we don't do enough miles to really know for sure.