VDC while towing

travism · 04-11-2005, 05:33 AM

This is a quote from another thread:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toolslinger

I've also learned to shut off the VDC when towing. Came into a curve a little fast and it turned on making heart stopping noises as it tried to apply breaks to one of the tires. Didn't actually really do anything but the noise was so scary I felt much safer with it off. A big thanks to Nissan for the ability to turn it off.

I was towing the boat this weekend and when applying the brakes going around a corner I got a LOUD rumbling coming from the back. I thought that it was the trailer's brakes since I hadn't towed very far this year after the boat sat over the winter. No real vibrations, just a lot of noise. BTW, I'm towing a 7,500lb boat and trailer with surge drum brakes on the trailer if that matters.

Does this sound like it's the VDC to anyone else? Even with the noise, is it still better to tow with the VDC on? I'd prefer to eliminate the rumble noise, but not if the VDC is really keeping me in control. Since I wouldn't have VDC if I would have gotten the offroad package I'm thinking VDC isn't critical to towing, but I'd like other's opinions. Thanks.

BigSkiff · 04-11-2005, 05:37 AM

Since VDC is designed to keep your vehicle under control, I would think that keeping it on would be the way to go!

HavockWK · 04-11-2005, 06:21 AM

VDC was originally part of the Big Tow package on the '04 models. It is a safety feature to help you keep your towed load under control when the trailer starts to push the truck in any direction other then perfectly straight.

travism · 04-11-2005, 08:13 AM

Okay, I did a search before I originally posted, but I just tried another search with some different terms. The way others talk about it sounding like somethings falling apart when ABLS/slip comes on sounds about right. But my noise is definately in the back whereas everyone else was talking about it being in the front. Probably just different tires being tweaked by the system or something. Anyway, the noise will scare the mess out of you. If anyone thinks it could be anything other than the ABLS/VDC system then please let me know. Thanks.

HavockWK · 04-11-2005, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by travism

Okay, I did a search before I originally posted, but I just tried another search with some different terms. The way others talk about it sounding like somethings falling apart when ABLS/slip comes on sounds about right. But my noise is definately in the back whereas everyone else was talking about it being in the front. Probably just different tires being tweaked by the system or something. Anyway, the noise will scare the mess out of you. If anyone thinks it could be anything other than the ABLS/VDC system then please let me know. Thanks.

Sorry, it is the VDC. I first heard it from the rear when I fishtailed around a corner. And yes, I went home and changed my drawers afterward.

milleniamarv · 04-11-2005, 05:06 PM

First time I heard the VDC engage it scared the crap out of me also. But afterwards I realized that without any audible warning, the VDC might be saving my bacon, preventing a skid or slide that I could not recover from, and here I am unaware of what just took place.

So then I merrily go on pushing the limits of traction and cornering adhesion until the VDC cannot overcome my mistakes concerning keeping the truck and/or trailer on the straight and narrow. Then yon borrow pit beckons me.

Do I wish that Nissan was able to substitute a warning chime, bell, or whistle, or some other less scary noise when the VDC kicks in rather than the grinding, crunching noise we get? You bet!

But until that happens, I accept the grind/crunch noise as a reminder that my driving style needs to better compensate for the conditions at hand.
Marv

travism · 04-11-2005, 05:13 PM

Good way to look at it, Marv.