Noseweight advice

DaveAldi replied on 22/10/2017 12:38

DaveAldi

Posted on 22/10/2017 12:38

I tow a 2013 Coachman Pastiche 560/4 with a MTPLM of 1630kgs. I've recently changed my towcar from a Hyundai Santa Fe (Kerbweight 1977kgs and max noseweight 100kgs) to a Skoda Kodiaq Edition 4x4 (Kerbweight 1798kgs and max noseweight 80kgs). Considering the Kodiaq is the current towcar of the year I have been very disappointed with the towing stability of my outfit and despite careful loading and checking of tyre pressures I've had a few episodes of snaking (between 50 and 60 mph in the absence of strong winds), including one event where the car's towing stability assist activated the ABS to bring it under control. The caravan is fitted with ATC and an Al-Ko stabiliser hitch.

I purchased a noseweight gauge and found that the noseweight of my Coachman when totally emptied for winter (apart from two standard gas bottles in the front locker) was over 100kgs.

Please can anyone offer advice, firstly on whether I'm expecting too much of my towcar at a 90% match (bearing in mind I have 30 years towing experience) and secondly whether it's normal to have to remove gas bottles and add "ballast" behind the axle of an empty caravan to reduce the noseweight to an acceptable level. If I remove the gas bottles from the front locker, where is the safest place to carry them?

Thanks in advance to anyone with useful advice.

167 replies

Cornersteady replied on 12/11/2017 09:39

Member

Cornersteady

Caravanner from Tyne & Wear

Posted on 12/11/2017 07:37 by Lutz

I have a feeling that Cornersteady is simply trying to prove my reasoning wrong rather than offering his own explanations for observations that were actually made (that the noseweight, or mass at the coupling point as the regulations call it, measurably reduces as you raise the front end of a trailer, for example). I will therefore refrain from further comment in this thread.

Posted on 12/11/2017 09:39

I think you will see that I said it did reduce/increase and said your reasoning was correct but that we view things in different ways.

But a quote from Hamlet, Act III, Scene II does spring to mind

Metheven replied on 12/11/2017 09:59

Member

Metheven

Caravanner

Posted on 12/11/2017 09:59

Cheers both for an interesting debate

I suppose I'm lucky in not having the OP's problem, I have a car that is heavy, with good noseweight capability as well as a caravan that is not inherently nose heavy so do not have to work it out to the nth degree.

Therefore, 'that'll do' will suit me fine and am happy to accept the Engineers way of thinking and expressing. But instead of 'here or overthere' I decided to go interplanetary I would bias myself to the mathematician

Cornersteady replied on 12/11/2017 10:14

Member

Cornersteady

Caravanner from Tyne & Wear

Posted on 12/11/2017 10:14

listen, I'm sorry if in my zeal (and Mrs C could really tell you more about this) for being pedantic or 'purity' I've given offense and yes I have probably made a idiot of myself in doing so.

replied on 12/11/2017 10:16

Posted on 12/11/2017 10:16

Don't take all the credit

Metheven replied on 12/11/2017 10:26

Member

Metheven

Caravanner

Posted on 12/11/2017 10:26

Not at all 'Corners', I really have found some points interesting and if nothing else it has made me 'Google' for explanations.

So it has educated me , as to whether I will remember is another matter

Thanks to you and Lutz

lornalou1 replied on 12/11/2017 15:28

lornalou1

Caravanner from Lancashire

Posted on 12/11/2017 09:36 by catherinef

We are a bit like you. We tow a Lunar Delta RI (the lowest ex-works noseweight layout in the Delta range) with an Audi Q3 that has an 80kg nose weight max. We've gone to great lengths, perhaps even to the point of being a bit anal on making sure the noseweight is right, even to the extent that the single mover went behind the rear axle not in front. It can be done and hopefully the original poster can get it sorted. I do think though that VAG have shot themselves in the foot with the nose weights on the Kodiaq. Some aren't even allowed to tow, whilst the rest of the range seems to have noseweights of 80 or 100kgs (the latter what I see as the minimum for a largish SUV.

Posted on 12/11/2017 15:28

you must be a very experienced tower as I take it from www.towcar/onfo the percentage match is well over 90%. but I am guessing what model of Q3 you have.