Is my weight distribution safe?

ScreenNameFCBA88951F replied on 21/06/2024 20:51

Posted on 21/06/2024 20:51

Hi, we will be setting off on our first caravan trip to the New Forest tomorrow morning and I'm a bit confused about nose wheel weight despite having read everything I can find and spending hours on YouTube.

My van is a Swift Corniche with a MTPLM of 1500kg. The minimum nose wheel weight should be at least 5% of the MTPLM which is 75kg.

I am really struggling to get the weight up to that minimum despite loading the front locker with 2 gas bottles and a Cadak bbq and moving all the bedding to the front of the van along with a 20kg gazebo, water drum and waste drum.

I am now at 75kg but was under the impression that the heavier weights should be over the wheels which would obviously reduce my nose wheel weight down to @40kg if I did that.

Is the weight distribution ok with all the added weight now at the front of the van?

How would I be able to reach the minimum nose weight if the van was empty and I didn't have any equipment to front load it up?

 

PeteCI replied on 15/07/2024 18:05

Posted on 15/07/2024 18:05

In answer to your first question, you should be fine with the weight shifted to the front of the caravan.

Regarding towing without any equipment, you would probably find it rather uncomfortable and possibly unstable with such a low nose weight.

Do you have any heavy items at the back?

eribaMotters replied on 15/07/2024 20:59

Posted on 15/07/2024 20:59

Are you measuring the weight at the jockey wheel or the hitch, as any reading at the hitch [the number that counts] will be lower than that at the jockey wheel. It is all to do with levers and force x distance from the axle.

Just move things forward. It is surprising how little you will have to move as the further you move things from the axle the greater effect it has on the nose weight.

The things to avoid are heavy weights at the tail of the van and anything heavy stored high up. 

 

Colin

 

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