Feels more stable - Why?

[Ian_5040589]

Picked up new Swift Challenger a couple of weeks ago having part exchanged Pageant Provence.

Both vehicles towed by VW Passat 4 Motion (kerbweight 1694kg, max tow 1700kg). 88% match on Challenger 78% on Provence.

Both noseweighted to 85kg as per towbar limit.

Challenger feels much more stable on back - not complaining but why does it feel more stable?

Challenger is approx 4 inches shorter.

Challenger axle is probably more to centre of chassis - Provence seemed to be set much further back.

Do Swifts just tow better than Baileys? As I say no complaints, just trying to understand why van feels more stable.

Never had any problems with Provence (not towing wise anyway).

Is it all in my head?

 

[rob_jax]

Ian,

"Is it all in my head" - probably, so just book yourself in for a check-up

Seriously, why do they feel different?

1. Do both caravans use the same AL-KO axle, with the same load rating, tyres (especially aspect ratio) and running gear?

2. Any detailed differences like shock absorbers? These will make a difference to control and rebound damping - and sway reduction.

3. From your description of where the axle is fitted to the Challenger vs. the Provence - maybe the Challenger is "more balanced" to side winds forces, and the Provence wasn't - it would need some wind-tunnel experiments to confirm this - but it sounds likely.

4. I'm pretty sure that you're not seeing the "German effect" - the longer A-frame beyond the front of the caravan (about 0,5m) increases stability - and I don't think you've described that in your notes.

5. And now we start looking at the interior layout - is there much difference in the location of heavy loads, kitchen, toilet, etc?

6. And finally aerodynamics - it could be down to subtle differences in the shape of the front panel - or how the air leaves the rear of the caravan. Wind-tunnel time again.

Or as you say, you've imagined it...

Robert

 

[nick_374224697]

One factor could be the front panels and the angles they are set at. A Bailey front panel is very upright compared to a Swift and thus the Bailey will create more drag amplifying any stability issues. With the more aerodynamic Swift any stability issues may not be as apparent, indeed it may well increase stability as it slips through the air better.

You can probably tell I'm no scientist but it makes sense to me.

 

[colin-yorkshire]

hi Ian

funny you should post this a couple of weeks ago I towed the brother-in laws van up to the storage yard for him while his car was in the garage and it definitly towed differently than mine.

his is an ace and about the same weight and size as my bailey but has a different internal layout not that there is anything wrong with the stability of the bailey it tows great but I did notice a differance it was only a short journey of about 10miles with a short m/way stretch so it is not conclusive.

so no I dont think you have imagined it

colin

 

[JeremyClarksson]

With so many different factors influencing the handling I doubt that two identical vans would feel the same just because of the way two different users might load it let alone two different vans.