nose weight

[seth1]

I would like to hear peoples honest opinion and thoughts on an issue ive struggled with,although im not new to caravaning we now run at 93% due to purchasing a new van which i know is ok,but what bothers me now,only after reading respected views of other posters is the nose weight issue,we tow with the wifes car a fiat stillo 1.9jtd 140 5 door hatch,which boasts a 60kg ball weight which is a pain.we,ve just returned from 10 days in the isle of wight,and went with a nose weight of just under 80kg,the car did feel very stable.is there anyroom for error,or iam i irresponcible?

seth.

 

[xtrailman]

Seth

If i read your post correctly, you are exceeding the design nose weight of the car, and possibly the towbar?

And not by a little but 30%.

I have towed at 60/65kg in the past with no problem, i suggest you load it to 60kg.

 

[Lutz]

If you continue to do what you have done, you (or rather your car and/or its towbar) may some day suffer from material failure, quite apart from jeopardizing insurance coverage because you are exceeding the manufacturer's limits.

 

[Gafferbill]

Seth........ There is no mystery of how to get your caravan nose weight down.

Go to this website and play around with the caravan loading game to find out how.

http://www.towingstabilitystudies.co.uk/stability_studies_game.htm

 

[mcghee]

seth, at 93% your 'van must be about 1220-1250kgs? correct me if thats not the case.

if i'm right that means that to get a noseweight of 60kgs your noseweight would be less than 5%. i would say that's borderline for inviting instability, and so i'd say your outfit's not such a good set up.

your 80kilo noseweight is undoubtedly better for your 'vans stability but is unfortunately illegal and will probably cripple your car.

 

[seth1]

Thanks for the replies,the van is 1200kg loaded,but i doubt whether its near that as most stuff goes in the boot,the funny thing is and im not saying this is a good indication,the rear of the car isnt low, i looked underneath it,to find its not on the bumpstops.But even so it wont help the towbar, yet it tows brillant,dead stable.

 

[Lutz]

I seriously recommend that you reduce the noseweight to the manufacturer's limit. The limit was set at 60kg for a reason - probably the car's underbody structure will not take a higher load without risk of sheet metal failure.