Air suspension and WDH

[crdv6]

I was led to believe that Jeep ( or FCA) advise or at least recommend using a WDH for towing over 2.2 tonnes. For this reason I am using one as my van's ATM is nearly 2.8t.
I have read two independent tow tests where they used a WK2 with air towing off road vans of around 3.2t and neither used a WDH. One test stated the reason being they couldn't get it set up in time for the test and the other claimed that Jeep specifically advised them against using one. Both tests were very positive of the virtues of the Jeep with no issues.
I have tried towing with and without and can't really tell any difference. The WDH is a PITA to put on and extra weight, seems to put an incredible strain on the towbar and probably the chassis or body of the vehicle.
I would love to ditch the WDH, but fear repercussions if something untoward was to happen. So is it just advice, or a definite specification that shouldn't be broken?

[cwcchap]

I am in the exact same situation ...... only reason I fitted a WDH is for as you say "fear repercussions if something untoward was to happen".

Jeep (FCA) owe us an explanation/statement on our model if it includes air suspension. The wording in the generic manual around recommended use of a WDH above 2267kg is not good enough.

[SouthernComfort]

I've had the same quandary about the wording, there's a lot of difference between a recommendation and a requirement. My current ATM is just under 2200kg, the rig handles well and level without the WDH (non-air suspension) so I don't use it. Not only a pita to fit, but heavy, my WDH adds 27kg to payload. If I was pulling over 2268kg with any suspension type, I would fit it as you guys are doing until FCA can clarify in writing if not required for air suspension.

[crdv6]

I have sent an enquiry to FCA for clarification. Don't hold your breath while waiting for a response though!

[cwcchap]

Thanks ..... please keep us posted.

[JnK]

Way back in 2012 when we got our first WK2 with the Quadralift air suspension there was no information around on whether the air would be compatible with a WDH - and lots of people saying the air suspension would negate the necessity for a WDH. I hassled my dealer heaps over it (and yes, I know what a WDH does…)
After a fair bit of chasing around FCA issued a service bulletin in late 2012 stating that their recommendation to use a WDH when towing over 2268kg applied to ALL available suspension systems on Australian vehicles.
I then enquired of my insurance company what would be their attitude should a claim arise from a towing incident, and their response was that they would expect me to have complied with all recommendations made by the vehicle or caravan manufacturer.
That was enough to convince me to continue to use the WDH and cop the weight penalty.
FCA have since changed their manual wording from "recommended" to "mandatory".
We towed about 70,000k with our first WK2 and have clocked about 40,000K towing with our 2015 with QL - with no issues ever with the suspension on either vehicle. Lots of rough dirt road towing in all those km.
The WDH is still heavy, and I still use it.
John

[Chuck2]

Interesting discussion

The Landrover Discovery 4 with air suspension manufacturers recommendation is specifically not to use WDH.

Reckons the WDH fights the air suspension.

I have towed heavy trailer not caravan & have no problems at all without wdh.