Suggested nose weight 90kg car only 80kg
Hi guys, i have been caravaning for three years and now i seem to have the same problem. I have a chance to have a compass Casita 560 twin axle at a very good deal as i already have a compass rally but with optional extras damp two years on the trot and lost all trust in the van.
My question is i am running at 84% with the awning in the car (ssangyoung karando 2.2) which is a good weight however towsure and one other say good match with a 90kg nose weight, but the car is only 80kg so loading the van on the rear slightly would do it but would it affect my stability.
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I doubt if adding weight to the rear would affect stability. A twin axle van is inherently more stable than a single axle.
Twin axle vans manage their weight differently than a single axle. A single axle acts as a fulcrum; a bit like trying to balance a kitchen scales. With a twin axle extra weight sort of squashes the suspension so you don't get the same balancing effect when you distribute weight around the van.
However l am sure that there are better explanations than mine available on line!! Do a Google search.
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loading the back of a caravan can compromise stability weather single or twin axle. if the nose weight is on the heavy side try moving heavy items above the axle or just behind on the floor of better still put it in the car. sorry but I cannot find any info on a casita 560, have you got the model right.
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I am currently facing the same challenge with a 90 kgs vehicle nose weight maximum and unless loaded with weight at the back (in the bathroom) - the nose weight at the hitch is over 100 kgs. With weight behind the wheels and to the rear of the caravan, I achieve the correct weight at the hitch and have no challenges in respect of stability even though it is a single axle unit. ATC or equivalent will surely assist if you have it - if not consider as an afterfit. Hope this helps.
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I have an 1800kg single axle and a 80kg noseweight limit, but I'm perfectly happy with the way the outfit handles. It depends a lot on the various parameters of the particular combination, not just the overall weight of the caravan and that of the car and the noseweight. Some may be more sensitive to noseweight setting than others. It's impossible to generalise. Factors like rear overhang of the towbar, lateral compliance of the car's suspension and its tyres are just as important.
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Sorry Lornalou1 you are right it is a Casita 860, think i fell asleep sitting up right. Looking at it again the 90kg nose weight comes into play because its 5% of the mtplm @ 1800kg. So the car at 80kg is probably a bit light and that could be why its not the perfect match, all to much for me. lol
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I can't see 10Kg making any noticeable difference. the 5% suggestion is just that, a suggestion.
Personally I'd go a bit lower, particularly with a TA.
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The 5% is a suggestion and has no legal force. The manufacturers nose weight is the most you can legally reach and if exceeded you are open to prosecution and a warranty voided and possibly even a claim turned down. As the others say 80 kg should not be a problem given your weight ratio in my opinion.
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Don't vans have to have a default minimum of 4% nose weight ex works?
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You might be ok at 80kg, but if not then there is no capacity to increase NW.
My present car with a 88kg limit is happy taking all that on the bar, I tow 1700kg so I am inside the 5-7% recommended NW range. And its stable at 80 to 88 nw.
My next car will have a 100kg limit so I will have the opportunity to increase NW if required.
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My Caravelle handbook sys that I have a 100 kg maximum vertical weight on the tow ball, and that this must not be exceeded. It also recommends, for best stability, that the caravan nose weight should be very close to the 100 kg maximum, with out going over it. If anything such a bike rack is fitted between the tow ball and towbar, this and the bikes must be included as part of the nose weight on the tow ball.
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My vehicle's maximum towing capacity is 2500 kg. The maximum permitted nose weight on the tow ball is given in the handbook as 100 kg, which just happens to be spot on 4%. It also recommends towing close to this maximum for stability.
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The S (static load) value of the tow ball on my vehicle is 150 kg. This value is for certification purposes and the vehicle's specified 100 kg is the legal value, and should not be exceeded.
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