Checking the nose weight on a slight incline

MaxHeadroom
MaxHeadroom Forum Participant Posts: 110
edited February 2020 in Caravans #1

Hi, before we embark on any trips I bring my caravan out of storage and on to the drive. The drive has a slight incline which I've measured at around 3 degrees. I know this doesn't sound much but you can notice it if you look down the drive. Taking this into account is there some sort of allowance you can make when checking the nose weight as there is nowhere else to check (as the road has an incline and could cause and obstruction too). I would normally be checking the nose weight on the down slope.

Should I be overly concerned about checking the weight  on the drive? We've just bought a new twin axle caravan and want to set off on the right foot.

Andy.

Comments

  • Putt Family
    Putt Family Forum Participant Posts: 14
    edited February 2020 #2

    Hi There will be an increase because the centre of gravity (CofG) of the caravan will have moved according to the drive slope angle.  When the van is on the level lets say the CofG is at 0.3 m forward of the axial this will mean that the force on the hitch will be at a level.

    When on a slope the CofG will pivot forward slightly so the force at the hitch will increase.

    Maybe measure the van on your drive on the slope with the van parallel to the drive surface, then take the van out to a level road or car park and repeat the measurements with the van parallel to the road, the nose weight should be less.

    Hope this helps

    Graeme 

  • Putt Family
    Putt Family Forum Participant Posts: 14
    edited February 2020 #3

    A pictures says a 1000 words found this pic shows the CofG moving due to the angle.

     

     

  • Rayrowe35
    Rayrowe35 Forum Participant Posts: 112
    edited February 2020 #4

    A van is more often than not about 5 degrees nose down, so there will be no problem in using your measurement. Assuming your centre of gravity is about a metre above ground level, the cog will be move forward 1cm. If you are really bothered take a measurement, turn the van around and measure again. You will need a better gauge than most to see any difference.

    Regards,

    Ray

  • lornalou1
    lornalou1 Forum Participant Posts: 2,169
    1000 Comments
    edited February 2020 #5

    surely if the van is levelled first using a spirit level then shouldn't make much difference in nose weight as cog will still be the same as on level ground.  

  • EasyT
    EasyT Forum Participant Posts: 16,194
    1000 Comments
    edited February 2020 #6

    Not really LL. The correct way is to measure nose weight on level ground with the hitch a the same height as when towing which often means nose down slightly. I would not worr one moment however on such a slight slope.

  • Tigi
    Tigi Forum Participant Posts: 1,038
    500 Comments
    edited February 2020 #7

    Seems logical to me, I weigh a new van on a slope and just ensure the van is reasonably level with the assistance of a spirit level. I have to admit I rarely get within 20kgs of max noseweight so its not really an issue.

  • MaxHeadroom
    MaxHeadroom Forum Participant Posts: 110
    edited February 2020 #8

    Thanks for all your help.

    I've been looking into what the nose weight should be and it appears to be between 90-126kg (5-7%) of an MPTLM of 1803kg. It looks like the maximum weight on the detachable tow bar is 100kg so that now gives me a maximum between 90-100kg.

    I guess weighing in at around 90-95kg should be a prudent choice.

    cheers,

    Andy.

  • lornalou1
    lornalou1 Forum Participant Posts: 2,169
    1000 Comments
    edited February 2020 #9

    Don't forget that the Alko tow hitch is 100kg max. What I did was put one strip of red insulating tape with the top edge on the 100kg mark so when I weight the nose if I cannot see the tape I am overweight, If I see all the tape I'm under weight a little as I like it at about 95kg. Easier than kneeling down to see where marks are.

  • MaxHeadroom
    MaxHeadroom Forum Participant Posts: 110
    edited February 2020 #10

    Thanks - a good idea. To save kneeling in the muck I've just bought a Reich digital nose weight gauge so that should also save my weary knees too! wink

    Thanks again, Andy.

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