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Hi,

I'm new to towing caravans and have got a Peugeot 407 SW. The noseweight limit for the car is 60kg, which I believe is quite low, although the car itself has a kerbweight of 1650kg and should be able to tow my Sterling Eccles Topaz (loaded weight 1385kg) quite happily.

I've managed to get the noseweight of the caravan down to 60kg and have played about with the loading of the van with awnings, etc on the axle (nothing heavy at the back of the van), but the ride still feels quite jolty, even on good road surfaces. I had the brakes checked on the van and this was ok.

I am now wondering if 'spring assistors' would help improve the comfort of the ride. Does anyone have any experience of this ... or any other tips? Hoping to travel round Morocco with the caravan next Spring and I'm very keen to get this problem sorted!!

are you sure its only 60kg it seems abit low to me, as my 406 has a weight of 80kgs.

mike

the spring assistors will make the ride alittle harder which might help, have you adjusted the tyre pressures to allow for van on the back,

does it bounce along, or is it a clunky jolt ?

mike

I've checked the tyre pressures. Guess it's more of a clunky jolt. Forgot to mention that the springs/shock absorbers (not sure which) at the back of the car make quite a noise when towing. Overall, it's just an uncomfortable ride, but not one that feels dangerous.

Richard

it sounds like this could be a car fault in the rear suspension, maybe something is worn or loose in the back, maybe the towbar has a loose bolt

there is always the chance your tow hitch or ball is worn.

mike

Hi,

I fitted spring assisters to my car as the back end was way down.  So much so every time I went over a speed bump the jocky wheel (which was fully up) would hit the bump.  With the spring assisters fitted I don't have the problem the car looks and feels level.

The ride when not towing is a little firmer but not too bad really.

I think the reason for the difference in nose weght is due to the distance from the cars rear axel and the towball.  On an SW the towball is further away from the axel which make the towball nosewieght change.  If you imagine holding a bag of sugar close to your chest it doesn't hurt and you can probably hold it there all day.  If you take the same bag and hold it at arm length your arm starts to hurt after a whlie and you probably can't hold it there all day. I hope this makes sence.

Anyway.. My advise is to fit the assisters, they only cast £20 a set and they can't make it any worse.(although I'm sure that someone will tell me otherwise)

Cheers

Richard

hello Slowlane

 I have a 407 SW and tow a Pennine folding camper, unfortunately the car is fully loaded (when camping)and was sitting right down on the springs with little travel. I checked out the web and went for the spring assisters, they do make a difference and change the ride.I am more confident about not catching the underside . I think maybe some modern cars are set up for comfort and not full loading?

Regards David

Hi

   i have a vectra sri 1.9 diesel 150 bhp because i am close to my caravan m.t.p.l.m i have to put most of the gear in the car awning in roof box the car sits low anyway as the sri has the sports suspension,I was considering putting spring assisters on and wondered if anyone has fitted them to this car

  Regards Dave