Single axle or twin?
We currently own a 2005 Eldis Crusader which was previously towed without problem by our 2004 Lexus RX. The van has an MTPLM of over 1900. We recently changed the car for a 2013 Lexus RX and are worried it may not be a good match. We are considering changing
the van but are totally confused over nose-weights, MTPLMs, kerb-weights, etc., etc!
We like the stability of a twin-axle but then again we don't know anything else! Do we look for a lighter van - which usually means a single axle - and what is a "good match" for our new car?
Comments
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The CC service should only be used as a guide, it is not noted for accuracy..... I would obtain the vehicle weight from the car or V5 and do your own check, In law you are responsible and no one else. From a safety and duty of care aspect to your family
and other road users you need to check all data.0 -
What is the kerb weight of your new car? As you know the mtplm of your caravan it then becomes a simple calculation mtplm/kerbweight x 100. Anything under 100% is ok. Over 100% is not.
Your nose weight should be 5-7% of you mtplm but most caravan chassis have a maximum of 100kg.
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I would not tow st 100% as suggested by Simon100. That is just too high. It does depend on your experience and your tow cars ability but for even an experienced driver I would try for an upper figure of 90% and certainly over 95% is pushing your luck to
a dangerous extent.0 -
Practical caravan did a test drive of the Lexus RX and listed the kerb weight at 2280kg. That puts my match at 83%. Is that good or bad?
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Depending on which model rx you have your van in within the manufacturers towing limit.
The base rx 450 model can tow 2000kg but the difference between a 2000kg trailer and a caravan is quite a lot.
Wind affects a caravan differently from a trailer.
It all comes down to if you feel comfortable towing it, bearing in mind the twin axel will handle the wind better than a single axel.
Noseweight is another issue, again it depends on the manufacturers specifications some cars can only handle 50kg towhitch weight on the towball others 150kg.
A lot of new single axel caravans when empty at 7 meter long have an average 90kg noseweight.
Try a few short journeys in full caravanning mode and different weathers before you decide.
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Ok, so the 83% is a possibility that I might not need to change the van just yet! Confusion now about nose-weight because I think my new Lexus is maximum 80kg.
I have to admit that nose-weight was not something we gave any thought to at all with our old Lexus. We just made an effort to pack heavy items in the car boot or over the axle wheels. We once did the very stupid thing of hanging clothes straight in the
rear wardrobe! As soon as the van got on the motorway, we felt the effects of our stupidity as the van swayed around. We crawled along until the next junction and quickly exited - a little shook up!0 -
Ok, so the 83% is a possibility that I might not need to change the van just yet! Confusion now about nose-weight because I think my new Lexus is maximum 80kg.
I have to admit that nose-weight was not something we gave any thought to at all with our old Lexus. We just made an effort to pack heavy items in the car boot or over the axle wheels. We once did the very stupid thing of hanging clothes straight in the rear wardrobe! As soon as the van got on the motorway, we felt the effects of our stupidity as the van swayed around. We crawled along until the next junction and quickly exited - a little shook up!
Write your comments here... This is exactly my point with TAs - they can be very unstable and the common perception that they are more stable is dangerous. Ensure you load the car to the max load - rear seat loads, boot and tow bar limit to mitigate the risk of jackknife and yaw. NB a TA axles are not compensated so the more forward the load on the nose the more weight on the van front axle and the less on the rear - this is moving the van towards a single axle profile but with the extra axle weight doing less.
Stay safe
john
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