Nose weight too high

The ex-works noseweight, just like the MIRO, is specific to each and every caravan. It depends on the equipment fitted as standard and to a certain extent on material weight tolerances. The manufacturer would therefore actually have to check the noseweight on every caravan as it leaves the production line. Figures in brochures or other publications can therefore be nothing more than a rough guide.

I've just checked the nose-weight of my 'van loaded ready for the off. With the EHU cable at the back of the 'van the nose-weight is 95kg, at the front of the 'van it is 100kg so, yes, it does make an appreciable difference.

You forgot the smiley. 

Sorry Corners, I assumed a more elevated level of understanding than GCSE on CT. I’d have laid out the logic in smaller steps if I’d realised that some would find my explanation difficult to understand. Perhaps you should think in these simple, non mathematical terms - remove a unit of weight from the front of your van floor, and the nose weight will reduce. Now place it a similar distance behind the axle (fulcrum)  and the nose weight will further reduce by the same amount. I promise that it really does work for any item, cables, awnings, barrels whatever. I’ve been doing it since the late 1970s, and we have similar testimonies on this thread too.

The centre of mass or centre of gravity on caravans, is close to the axle and above the caravan floor, but well under a meter. In the case of our own caravan, that’s about 30 cwt or 1,500 Kg. If perfectly balanced ie with 0 Kg on the tow bar, that CofG would be perfectly poised, vertically above the fulcrum (axle). But in practice we don’t tow like that because we need +ve noseweight. So we load the caravan in such a way that the C of G is shifted ever so slightly in front of the axle. But the attitude of the caravan needs to remain the same, which is achieved by coupling it to the car’s hitch, which these days is more or less the same for all cars. Shifting small items inside the van will affect the position of the C of G, but by a very very small amount because 5Kg, for example, is a tiny percentage of 1,500Kg overall van weight. And as long as that CofG remains very close to vertically above the axle and the van remains horizontal then we only need to consider the mass of the item moved. To gain an idea of how finely balanced a van is when towing measure your van’s weight with a proper nose weight gauge, which is manufactured to replicate the height of a standard hitch. Now raise the hitch by placing a 4” block under the gauge. Raising the hitch has the effect of rotating the van so that the CofG moves very, very slightly backwards. You’ll find that you’ve reduced the nose weight by about 5Kg by using a 4” block. Which is why nose weight gauge manufacturers tell you to measure on a level surface. To look at things slightly differently, think of an athlete tossing the caber. It’s controllable while it’s CofG is close to vertical over his hands, but as it starts to fall, the CofG moves far enough that it’s no longer possible to balance it, but while close to vertical he can maintain that balance by small adjustments of his hands. So, in conclusion, the centre of mass has most effect when the hitch is raised or lowered. The nose weight is most affected by shifting the load on a level caravan.

Don't blame you,👍

Would not wish to encourage you in any form. It becomes boring.😎

Thanks Hitch, that’s the same sort of result that I calculate. But corners also tells us that the point of zero influence on nose weight is the centre of mass, while a little consideration tells us that weight in front of the fulcrum/ axle will add downforce to the hitch, while any weight behind the fulcrum will create an upward force on the hitch. Both regardless of where the centre of mass is. I think that, while my earlier posts were meant to assist the OP. corners embarked on an unfortunate series of put downs, which has clouded his logic.

I think that it’s difficult on CT to balance unfounded opinion with substantive fact. Does it matter that one post told us that aluminium burns? Or that another fears dogs puncturing air awnings through bites? Maybe not, but when misconceptions are published, they can all to easily be taken as fact. Whether correct or not.

Thanks again.

Scales & lump of wood, wood from hitch to scales, ensure it’s less than the max weight allowed. . . .Jobs a good un👍🏻. No peeing contests & no spats. . . .Sweet😊

You mean, those that can ..... do. Those that can't  ......