how to use a nose weight guage

[busman1]

I am sure that I read on this forum that when measuring the nose wt. that the caravan should be at the angle that it would be when hitched to the car?

according to the cc hand book the van should be level on level ground,

Does this mean level before the the pressure goes on to the guage or when the the guage is taking he weight of the van

I hope someone can help.

Will

 

[Lutz]

Noseweight should be measured with the caravan standing at the same angle as when hitched up to the car on level ground. Obviously, the easiest way this can be done is to park car and caravan on level ground first, hitch up and measure how high the coupling is off the ground, unhitch and measure noseweight at that same height. I hope that's clear.

 

[rob_jax]

Hi Will,

Measuring the nose-weight at the same angle that the caravan makes when attached to the car would be the most accurate assessment.

However, measuring on a firm, level base is probably the only option for most of us.

And depending on the type of gauge, the precision at which you will be able to measure the nose-weight will vary.

For instance, I have a small yellow plastics nose-weight gauge that fits on top of the car tow ball - and then you lower the caravan coupling onto the dummy tow ball on top of the gauge. This gauge has marks for 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 kg. And I guess you could read the gauge with a precision of 5 kg - and from it's manufacture I wouldn't like to make any assessment of it's accuracy. So if you use that gauge, it wouldn't matter how you set up the van - they would all give the same reading.

If you are using a set of bathroom scales - then these should have a precision of 1 kg - but bathroom scales are notoriously inaccurate - often differing by several kg from machine to machine.

Accurate and Precise - jump on the same bathroom scales many times - and they are precise if they record the same weight - but if there is an offset in the balance (a bit of friction - or you jumped on the scales and damaged them or they weren't manufactured correctly) then that reading may not be an accurate representation of your weight.

So nose-weight measurement - unless you have access to accurate, precise, and recently calibrated (probably electronic) scales - then you should impose a tolerance of 5 kg on your readings.

Robert

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello Will,

The reason that you should set the caravan hitch to the same level as when it is attached to the car, is that the nose weight changes with the angle of the caravan. You can prove this yourself by changing the angle or the height of the nose when measuring.

 

[Steve L]

Speaking from a shocking experience, first of all, I'd get a nose weight guage that clips on the tow ball and locates in the hitch of the caravan. This will also give as close to normal weight indication as it is directly in line with the hitch.

The guys have the right methodigy already.

I made the point about the specific type of guage as that one seems to be the safest one to use.

Last year I had the tubular type that looks like a mini pogo stick. While measuring the weight, it slipped out from under the hitch and gave me a 90Kg smack in the mouth. (ouch!!) After spitting out the teeth, I was left with a hole right through my lower lip. Fortunately for me I had "her in doors"(a first aider), her sister (a nurse) and the brother-in-law (ex paramedic)on hand to patch me up. When I came too, I had my mouth packed with pads to stop the bleeding and support the loose teeth. Once I'd got back home I had the lip stitched up with five stitches done WITHOUT anesthetic, boy oh boy what an "experience"!!

On looking at the design of the guage, there was no limit stop to prevent it firing off like a mortar rocket, other than the plastic guide bung pushed in the end of the tube.

I was one lucky chap, had that of happened to a child or a less well built adult then there could of been far worse consequences. As it is, I have no feeling in my lower lip and will soon be comming to the end of a very expensive dental treatment.

At least I can live to tell the tale and wish we had got the vidieo running, the cash would of come in handy to pay the dentist.

 

[MikeP]

I've said this before, and Lutz agreed with me. Put the caravan on level ground. If you can lift the front easily, it's too light. If you can lift it a couple of inches and it takes some effort, that's about right - approx 60-70 kg. If you slip a disc it's too heavy. Rough and ready, but it works. Check it a couple of times with a gauge, and you'll soon get the feel of how heavy it should be.

Obviously don't do this if you've got a dodgy back or if you are a laydee.

 

[LMH]

I've said this before, and Lutz agreed with me. Put the caravan on level ground. If you can lift the front easily, it's too light. If you can lift it a couple of inches and it takes some effort, that's about right - approx 60-70 kg. If you slip a disc it's too heavy. Rough and ready, but it works. Check it a couple of times with a gauge, and you'll soon get the feel of how heavy it should be.

Obviously don't do this if you've got a dodgy back or if you are a laydee.

That's a bit sexist Mike (smiley icon thingy.

I bought one last week and was planning on trying it this weekend.

Lisa

 

[MikeP]

That's a bit sexist Mike (smiley icon thingy.

I bought one last week and was planning on trying it this weekend.

Lisa

No, I'm just being caring!

 

[LMH]

That's a bit sexist Mike (smiley icon thingy.

I bought one last week and was planning on trying it this weekend.

Lisa

Ok thanks! Jockey wheel down?