Help please TowBar

[Jean_374241141]

Hi

Sorry for posting this again but I think I may have posted in the wrong place before

our problem is we have recently changed our caravan to a twin wheel Bailey Senator Montana. Our towing vehicle is a Mercedes Ambiant as the caravan dips slightly to the front it has been suggested the towball be lifted approx three inches which would level the caravan.Does any one know of a way this can be done safely ?

Jean

 

[emmerson2]

Sorry jean, can't help, but whateve3r you do, do not use a drop plate upside down, if you see what I mean. Btw, what is a merc Ambiant? I've never heard of it.

 

[Lutz]

The correct height of the towbar when the car is fully laden is 350 to 420mm from the ground to the centre of the ball. If it's within this tolerance, there is no need to do anything. If it's outside, something is wrong somwhere. Perhaps the wrong towbar has been fitted.

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello Jean,

It is normal for any car to dip when a loaded caravan is attached. The question is, 'is it dipping too much'?

Both the car and the caravan will individually state a maximum nose load capacity. You must abide by the LOWEST of the two figures as an absolute maximum. You should adjust the loading of the caravan to achieve this figure to remain legal.

You should also be aware that some cars have a lower boot loading limit when towing, as both the boot load and the caravan nose load will significantly affect the depression of the rear suspension.

Having the caravan level when towing is not essential, what is more important is that you have enough nose load to maximise the stability of the outfit.

Using a raising plate (if available) for the tow ball will not accrue benefit in the stability of the outfit.

There are some spring assisters which can be fitted to some cars which can reduce spring depression, but such fittings should be checked with the vehicle manufacturer for any safety implications.

 

[Jean_374241141]

Hello Jean,

It is normal for any car to dip when a loaded caravan is attached. The question is, 'is it dipping too much'?

Both the car and the caravan will individually state a maximum nose load capacity. You must abide by the LOWEST of the two figures as an absolute maximum. You should adjust the loading of the caravan to achieve this figure to remain legal.

You should also be aware that some cars have a lower boot loading limit when towing, as both the boot load and the caravan nose load will significantly affect the depression of the rear suspension.

Having the caravan level when towing is not essential, what is more important is that you have enough nose load to maximise the stability of the outfit.

Using a raising plate (if available) for the tow ball will not accrue benefit in the stability of the outfit.

There are some spring assisters which can be fitted to some cars which can reduce spring depression, but such fittings should be checked with the vehicle manufacturer for any safety implications.

Hi Thankyou every one for your helpful information.

We will check the towbar tomorrow,

The vehicle does rise when weight is put in the boot.

Unfortunatly we cannot alter the weight in the boot any more

as we travel with a dog cage containing two medium sized dogs.

we have had to remove the back two seats and the small table

out of the boot to accomodate the cage & dogs

But we have taken on board about weight distribution.

A Merc Ambient is a V class mpv .Like a vito van but with 7

leather seats, and windows,

Once again thanks, your comments are appreciated

regards Jean

 

[Jean_374241141]

Sorry jean, can't help, but whateve3r you do, do not use a drop plate upside down, if you see what I mean. Btw, what is a merc Ambiant? I've never heard of it.

Okay just noticed you caught me having a senior moment

the correct spelling is Mercedes Ambiente Sorry