Beds : Fixed Double vs Twin Single

Hi,

I have been reading the various letters in the mag regarding issues of fixed double beds and the possible "overloading" with these beds. 

If you measure a fixed double bed, it is generally about 4-feet wide and 6-ft long. Single beds normally measure about 2-ft wide and the same length. Therefore 2 single beds equals 1 double in loading capacity. The real problem lies where the double is offset to one side of the caravan. Here the load would unbalance the caravan (too much weight in one corner). But if the double were in the centre of the caravan (island bed), this should actually improve the stability because the load would be in the middle of the floor instead of on the sides, as per 2 singles. Of course, it goes without saying that heavier items such as the awning should still be placed above or slightly ahead of the axle line - if the island bed is at the rear of the floor. But what if it is in front? Does one still place the awning slightly ahead of the axle line? This would place too much nose-weight on the coupling. I think that one should make use of a scale, and correct the load accordingly.

See you down the road . . .

Roger