Ok, so I'm getting a bit anal here about weight of car, van etc. etc. etc. - SORRY!!!
My towcar maximum nose weight is 75kg. I know not to exceed this but is better to get as close to 75kg (100%) or is there a guideline of say 85% of the maximum nose weight? What if you were to set the balance so the nose weight is virtually zero? (extreme I know, but you get my drift)
I have looked through various search results but can find no reference, so I'm assuming anything not exceeding the max is acceptable?
Don't claim to be an expert, but 7% of the caravan MTPLM seems to be the ideal noseweight, UNLESS that exceeds your car noseweight. In that case go with your cars maximum ie 75kg. Not sure how that figure came about, but that's what the CC reccomend to ensure correct stability. And if you opt for 0kg nose weight, expect your van to sway and become unstable. Don't forget the van's wheels are a fulcrum you will have half of your van's weight swinging up and down, with resultant momentum. Anyway I am sure a more knowledgable engineer/einstien will come along soon and explain
Yes go with your 75kg limit. As for the luggage, it should not be a problem, unless you have an old car then you may want to think about your rear shocks/springs. They wear over time and the extra weight of the caravan may make the car yaw back and forth, and bottom the rear springs. Also you will loose front traction/stability. You don't say what car you have? I am sure others with the same car will come along and give you their thoughts/wisdom on how it performs.
Check your noseweight and go and have a great time in the van.
Haven't got a van yet - just started looking and thanks to this site, I am only looking at vans that I know the car can tow (does it annoy anyone else that the forecourts only show the MRO weights and not the MTPLM weight?)
When we went looking I noticed that they all seem to list the MRO, but if you look on the plate, which should be visible on the bottom side of the van it will give you the MTPLM. But for ease, add about 200/250kg to the MRO and you won't be far off.
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Topic: Recommended percentage of nose weight?
