Nose weight question

semedler
semedler Forum Participant Posts: 21
edited October 2016 in Caravans #1

Hi

After 7 years of caravaning I think it's time to get up to speed on the nose weight stuff.

My car and van docs state 100kg, should I be loading the van to get as near to this weight as possible or it's just the max weight?

I know it has to be balanced over the axle etc.

thanks 

Comments

  • hitchglitch
    hitchglitch Forum Participant Posts: 3,007
    1000 Comments
    edited October 2016 #2

    Well there are recommendations about what percentage of your MTPLM should be on the noseweight but the caravan hitch has a maximum allowable 100kg and I guess you are saying that the car maximum is 100kg. Many people have trouble getting DOWN to this weight so if you are some way below it then you have flexibility.

    You should load the van with heavy items low down and close to the axle then measure the noseweight.

    It is generally accepted that a heavy nose weight gives greater stability and that has been my experience but 100 kg is actually quite high and makes manoeuvring more difficult. 

    It would help to know what outfit you have and the maximum loaded weight (MTPLM).

  • EasyT
    EasyT Forum Participant Posts: 16,194
    1000 Comments
    edited October 2016 #3

    The general reccomendation is for noseweight to be between 5% and 7% of MPTLM

  • semedler
    semedler Forum Participant Posts: 21
    edited October 2016 #4

    er, MPTLM??

  • semedler
    semedler Forum Participant Posts: 21
    edited October 2016 #5

    Ok, van docs say MPTLM 1557kg/30.6cwt.

    Swift Challenger and X3 tow car.

  • Vicmallows
    Vicmallows Forum Participant Posts: 580
    500 Comments
    edited October 2016 #6

    Over 7 years, have you not experimented to find what's best for your combination ...while keeping within the various limits?

    In my case I very soon worked out that towing was best (with my Mondeo) with a noseweight as near as I could get it to the car limit of 70kg. (Unusually it seems, achieving  enough  noseweight  is often my problem!).

     

     

     

     

     

  • semedler
    semedler Forum Participant Posts: 21
    edited October 2016 #7

    We have just bought the current van, the previous was much lighter and towed nicely, as this one is heavier I want some confidence that it's setup right.

    We don't carry loads, awning, kids bike, cloths, a small table, 3 chairs and kettle etc.

  • semedler
    semedler Forum Participant Posts: 21
    edited October 2016 #8

    Using google I have found this really good doc: http://www.caravanclub.co.uk/media/12354614/noseweights-mo__2_.pdf

  • KjellNN
    KjellNN Club Member Posts: 8,673 ✭✭✭
    2,500 Likes 1000 Comments Name Dropper
    edited October 2016 #9

    I would aim for something around 95kg.  Once you have achieved that, if you always load in the same manner then you can be confident you have it correct.

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