Land Rover Repair: 2000 Disco Rear Sagging, air shocks, lbs weight

Question
Hello John. I love this sight. I just purchased a 2000 Disco with 130kms on it. Despite it needing 2 front 02 sensors, I have noticed that when the vehicle is turned off and the rear door is open..the air suspension slowly lowers on the passenger side. Is this normal?? If the rear door is left closed...the suspension sits normally. I tried putting my extra body (220 lbs) weight on the DRIVERS side rear too..and it lowered a bit but not as much. I plan on towing a trailer in the spring with this puppy and was just wondering if the rear air shocks can handle a 3500 lb trailer. Please relieve my worries....Thank you Derek.  

Answer
Hi Derek,

the suspension problem you mention does not sound normal.  I took a look at the owners manual and NORMAL operation of the SLS does not engage when any door is opened.  Your description has me thinking that the SLS sensor for the door may be at fault.  It could also be the weight sensor that connects to the SLS system.  It automaticaly can sense the added weight of passengers in the rear and adjust for the new weight.  Perhaps this is having a fault.

As for your trailer, if it is an unbraked trailer, the max towing capicity is 1653lbs.  If your trailer has additional brakes then you can tow up to 7716lbs.

Your SLS system will compensate for the towing but if you are having strange behaviour with this system, I'd have it tested first before towing 3500lbs.

Best of luck,

JohnMc