How can I check the noseweight?

[Len_Cuff]

Returning to caravaning after many years, I have the chance to borrow a Lunar Mercury from my brother-in-law. Van handbook indicates that it's within overall weight for my 306HDi but I suspect the noseweight is well over the seemingly very low 56Kgs for my car. Once it coupled up, the tail of the car goes down considerably although towing it for a short test drive didn't show any noticeable problems. I know the 306 has 'soft' suspension so maybe a set of rear spring assisters would help with that part?

What I really want to do is check the noseweight so any tips in this direction would be extremely helpful.

 

[Lutz]

Before considering doing anything to the car, it would be advisable to check the noseweight. The most popular method is to use bathroom scales and a stick which ensures that the coupling is at the same height as when the caravan is hitched up to the car. (Ensuring that the outfit is standing on level ground first. This does not, however, mean that the caravan need necessarily be standing level). Although purpose-built noseweight scales are available, bathroom scales are perfectly acceptable if used properly.

 

[Len_Cuff]

Thanks for the very quick reply. Just checked it using an old pair of bathroom scales and it's coming out at 99Kgs !! Van is completely empty at the front - awning is stored at the back behind the wheels. There is a spare wheel and full gas bottle in the front locker. How on earth can I halve the noseweight? Apart from a neighbour's suggestion of putting sandbags in the back !!

 

[Lutz]

A number of caravans from various UK manufacturers seem to be afflicted with abnormally high noseweights in the unladen condition. Of course, you could put sandbags in the back, as your neighbour has suggested, but that is unnnecessary deadweight which would cost you fuel consumption. The most obvious solution in your case, as you say the spare wheel is in the front locker, is to fit a spare wheel carrier under the caravan behind the axle.

 

[Len_Cuff]

Well unbelievably, I moved the gas and the spare wheel to the rear of the van and the noseweight dropped to 54Kgs !!

 

[Lutz]

It is not advisable to move the gas out of its dedicated storage compartment. Don't forget that you're dealing with a container of hazardous material that requires proper anchorage in the event of an accident or emergency stop.

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello Len,

No I am not surprised at the change in nose weight you found. Don't forget that by removing 25Kg from the front will reduce the load by about 25Kg, but then by replacing it behind the main axle you get a see-saw effect, and you further reduce the nose weight.

I totally concur with Lutz, though, the gas bottle must stay strapped in its cradle in the front locker.

 

[KeithJ]

Hi Len,

If there are only going to be two of you in the car I would fold the back seat down and put all the heavy stuff in the middle of the car, i.e behind the front seats. I would include the caravan spare wheel and awning, ground sheets etc and any other heavy items, and secure them with webbing straps....but leave the gas where it is, as Lutz said.

You don't say what size the gas cylinder is but, depending on usage you could look at downsizing in this department.

I would be careful about moving heavy items to the rear of the caravan axle, but things like empty water containers could be stored there.

Then re-check the caravan noseweight and see where you stand. The rear end of the car should not drop appreciably if loaded correcly.

Regards

Keith

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello again Len,

Keith points out that it is not advisable to put heavy objects behind the caravan axle. The ideal situation is to keep the nose weight just below the available limit, and to keep heavy objects away from the extremities of the caravan.

However, sometimes it is necessary to load the rear of the caravan to get the nose weight into limit. Whilst the practice certainly will increase the yawing inertia, it is not guaranteed to cause instability if moderation is practiced. So don't be too afraid about it.

The proof is in the pulling, and having got you nose weight right, take it for a test drive to see if there a problem. Always be prepared to slow down if you get a stability problem. The chances are it will be alright.

 

[Len_Cuff]

Decided in the end to change the car! Found a Vectra 2.0DTi which

should no problems with either noseweight or pulling it.