Nose weight and spare tyre Adria 542dk

[Newtonian]

I'm a season into caravanning and still can't figure out the spare tyre situation.

I have an Adria 542dk which has a specific holder for the spare tyre in the front locker.

However if I have that in the nose the nose weight is about 110kg. Without any clever balancing of other items.


I can have a maximum of 100kg on nose.

So far I have stuck it in the caravan which works but marked the cupboard as it moved a little.

I have also stuck it under the bunk beds which is a perfect spot but it moved a little too much for my liking and ended up close to the boiler and conscious about damage.

What is everyone else doing with the spare..
I'd like to avoid having to keep moving it around and be a set and forget....or do people take spares nowadays with the availability of tyres and tyre companies

 

[otherclive]

Why do you have to move it. It should be possible to reduce from 110kg to 100kg by either moving somethings rearward towards or after the axle. At times I would just put my tool bag at the back or add some fluid to flush tank. Tins of dog food etc.

My last van had spare wheel in the locker and ones before that had underslung spares. In both cases I carried the spare in the door portal. It was safer when travelling abroad, moved weight rearwards and I never had a problem with it moving about.

 

[borderbilly]

My spare is under the fixed 🛌.

 

[Newtonian]

Why do you have to move it. It should be possible to reduce from 110kg to 100kg by either moving somethings rearward towards or after the axle. At times I would just put my tool bag at the back or add some fluid to flush tank. Tins of dog food etc.

My last van had spare wheel in the locker and ones before that had underslung spares. In both cases I carried the spare in the door portal. It was safer when travelling abroad, moved weight rearwards and I never had a problem with it moving about.

I don't think I'm knowledgeable enough despite reading loads about how much weight I can add at the back of the van.

All I see is don't add too much at the back to avoid snaking, so I'm too worried to put stuff in the back lockers apart from duvets and pillows

 

[Newtonian]

My spare is under the fixed 🛌.

How far back is the bed? I could stick mine under the bunk bed which is just slightly back of axl but nothing to fix it down

 

[otherclive]

I don't think I'm knowledgeable enough despite reading loads about how much weight I can add at the back of the van.

All I see is don't add too much at the back to avoid snaking, so I'm too worried to put stuff in the back lockers apart from duvets and pillows

My last van had most of its load behind the axle because Swift had kindly placed spare wheel, hot water tank, battery compartment, kitchen unit,fridge and lounge heater all in front of the axle to varying degrees. Most if it on the off side too except for the lounge heater. So I had little alternative but to load some stuff at the rear then at times to use water and tool bag etc.

It towed very well as a had a good weight ratio between the car and caravan. Two early 2 berths had rear kitchens and washrooms rear of the axle.

Some extra water in the flush tank if it’s a rear toilet would balance out your difference. And don’t let anyone say the free surface effect will be a problem. That’s baloney.

Try your van with some extra load just behind the axle to get your 100kg and see how it feels. But practically speaking unless your van and outfit is on the limits of stability 10kg is not going to affect it.

 

[Newtonian]

My last van had most of its load behind the axle because Swift had kindly placed spare wheel, hot water tank, battery compartment, kitchen unit,fridge and lounge heater all in front of the axle to varying degrees. Most if it on the off side too except for the lounge heater. So I had little alternative but to load some stuff at the rear then at times to use water and tool bag etc.

It towed very well as a had a good weight ratio between the car and caravan. Two early 2 berths had rear kitchens and washrooms rear of the axle.

Some extra water in the flush tank if it’s a rear toilet would balance out your difference. And don’t let anyone say the free surface effect will be a problem. That’s baloney.

Try your van with some extra load just behind the axle to get your 100kg and see how it feels. But practically speaking unless your van and outfit is on the limits of stability 10kg is not going to affect it.

The van is very stable it's an Adria which I believe has longer A frame and alko chassis as well as alko hitch stabiliser so no concerns maybe I'll experiment with it

 

[otherclive]

The van is very stable it's an Adria which I believe has longer A frame and alko chassis as well as alko hitch stabiliser so no concerns maybe I'll experiment with it

Now you are used to towing the caravan you will have gained a feel for how your outfit behaves. There are so many other things that affect stability that if you’ve got those right giving some extra kilos at the rear will allow you to judge its effect. I doubt you will notice any difference.
Welcome your feedback on how it goes.