X axle weight distribution

Geraldbenicassim
Geraldbenicassim Forum Participant Posts: 1
edited August 2016 in Caravans #1

I have  2015 Lunar Stellar. I am concerned that too

much fixed weight is located on the off side.

   Battery, water heater and space heater, mover control,  electric distribution panel, fridge, wardrobe, the heaviest table ever, toilet and washroom and finally the greater part of the cooker - left of rear centre.

I have experienced no problems towing but I have concerns that this is not really wise design.

Comments

  • JillwithaJay
    JillwithaJay Club Member Posts: 2,485 ✭✭
    500 Likes 1000 Comments
    edited August 2016 #2

    We also have a Lunar - Quasar 462 - which is of a similar design, featuring most of the weight on the offside of the van. I have had concerns myself but, as it tows without any problems, I'm happy to tow at around 56 mph but I am conscious of how I stow
    the rest of my stuff.

    photo 78301b06-7bdd-45fe-8ae2-d4d2cae14135_zpssi5htrez.jpg

     

  • Simon100
    Simon100 Club Member Posts: 666 ✭
    500 Comments 100 Likes
    edited August 2016 #3

    You will find that most caravans have similar designs. The suspension is much harder on a caravan than a car and the tyre pressures are much higher as well. This will have the effect of mitigating any weight imbalance. Have you ever seen a lop sided caravan?
    I really would not worry about this. 

  • redface
    redface Forum Participant Posts: 1,701
    1000 Comments
    edited August 2016 #4

    If you are really not happy, why not take van along to a local weigh bridge and get the axle weight measured on each side.Then perhaps the club experts could comment for you and reassure you.  Apparently there is a device that will measure the pressure/weight
    on each wheel and the jockey wheel so that you know where you are at. I believe the club has such an instrument.

  • catherinef
    catherinef Forum Participant Posts: 647
    edited August 2016 #5

    Our Elite 560 has most of it's weight on the offside.  On the nearside there is just the tall fridge and the shower.  I believe I read that Swift vans ar never any more than 55/45 balanced. 

  • Wildwood
    Wildwood Club Member Posts: 3,585 ✭
    1000 Comments 250 Likes Photogenic
    edited August 2016 #6

    Our Lunar Quasar is also very much the same but it tows brilliantly. Most caravans do seem to be the same which makes me think side to side weight distribution is not as important as many people think.

  • Tigi
    Tigi Forum Participant Posts: 1,038
    500 Comments
    edited August 2016 #7

    The end kitchen model with weight tending on one side has been around for years without any particular issue.The spare wheel which is heavy is biased towards the nearside.

  • Lutz
    Lutz Forum Participant Posts: 1,564 ✭✭✭✭
    edited August 2016 #8

    A couple of years ago the German 'Caravaning' magazine ran a test to see if variances in cross axle loading in any way affect stability. Their conclusion was that stability does suffer appreciably once the difference exceeds about 70 to 80kg.

Categories