Hi all,
I'm really hoping for some good solid advice here.
I have an old cotswold windrush 112 and tow it with a peugeot 406 estate.
I'm not sure if I need a stabiliser or not and as I'm planning a long trip at the end of May I want to make sure I'm safe.
The car tows the van fine at 50-55 mph at 60 mph it doesn't feel so steady until I drop my speed, then when Large lorries go past me it feels a little unsteady.
I have spoken to long time experienced caravaners and caravan dealers who all seem to think I shouldn't need one as it's a heavy van for it's size.
So the question is do I need a stabiliser or is there something I'm doing wrong?
------------- 1st stop Brands Hatch
2nd stop Thruxton
Last Stop Brands Hatch
Next Stop Bournemouth Air Show
Have you measured the noseweight of the caravan?
If the noseweight is too light it will have an affect when the wind pushes against the front of the caravan and if it's too heavy it could make the car steering lighter thus less traction.
According to the towbar vertical load for the Peugeot 406 you should be aiming for around 80 kgs. caravan noseweight.
Thanks, i'll take a look into that.
I probably should have also stated the 406 is the 2.0 hdi (gutless) 90 hp model, I don't know it that makes any difference to the nose weight.
I did have a brief look into the nose weight for the car last night but the figures i found came out at 65kg, what website did you find that figure on? because there are so many out there, but no I haven't checked it before.
If I get the nose weight right does that mean I don't need a stabiliser? Our next trip isn't until the end of May when we will travel from the south coast up to Oulton Park in cheshire for the BTCC so I really want to get it right before then.
How I wish it was the Mazda 6 with the tow bar instead of the peugeot
------------- 1st stop Brands Hatch
2nd stop Thruxton
Last Stop Brands Hatch
Next Stop Bournemouth Air Show
The 80 kgs. towball vertical load is for all models and both the estate and saloon models as well.
Have a look at Tow-Trust Towbars website and click on the towbars tab at the top. It will take you to all the models of vehicles which you will click on Peugeot then the model.
If the noseweight is correct and the caravan loaded correctly you shouldn't need a stabiliser but if it makes you feel more confident then so be it.
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Topic: Stabiliser
