noseweight

[1226chris]

hi

i tow a swift charisma 555 with a vauxhall vectra sri 1.9cdti.How do i get my noseweight down to 75kgs.Measured my noseweight with the front locker virtually empty and front end with very little in it and it was over 90kgs.Also enquired about spring assistors for my suspension and was told it would not be possible for this car has anyone any ideas.

thanks

chris

 

[RogerL]

The Vectra noseweight limit is usually 78kg - fitting spring assisters never alters the maximum noseweight.

You need to continue questioning every single item you put in the caravan as that's the only way you'll get the noseweight down to 78kg.

 

[Robin_374241585]

A caravan is like a see-saw, you can make the noseweight as light as you like by offsetting it with heavier weights in the back of the 'van. Of course, if you just add weight inside at the back of the 'van, you will increase the tow vehicle/ caravan weight ratio. I would move existing weight inside the 'van from front to back, which doesn't alter the overall weight.

 

[colin-yorkshire]

hi chris

it must be something to do with the van layout as I have the opposite problem getting enough nose weight, on the bailey all the heavy equipment is behind the wheels.

with the van compleatly empty and two full gas bottles on the nose weight is around 15kg only, and just about every thing has to be stored up front it's a matter of moving all the kit about realy till you get it right

 

[antrimboy]

Ghris, I've got the same problem with my Swift Challenger.Be very careful about how you load weight at the back end, as you could end up with a very unstable outfit, and the rear weight could create a pendulum effect which would be detrimental if a snake started.To help your noseweight problem,try and put your heaviest items low down just behind the axle-the further back you put them, the greater the pendulum effect.If you have an onboard tank near the front, as in my 'van, make sure you empty it each time before setting off.Consider removing the jockey-wheel when travelling, as it weighs around 5kg. Additionally, if you have a 110 amp battery up front, as in mine, consider swoping or changing to an 85 amp, as there's 10 kg. of difference.

 

[1226chris]

The Vectra noseweight limit is usually 78kg - fitting spring assisters never alters the maximum noseweight.

You need to continue questioning every single item you put in the caravan as that's the only way you'll get the noseweight down to 78kg.

hi roger

the spring assistors were to raise the suspension slightly not to improve my noseweight,when i hitch up the car looks lower on the back end.The suspension on an sri is lower than other vectras.

thanks

chris

 

[1226chris]

Ghris, I've got the same problem with my Swift Challenger.Be very careful about how you load weight at the back end, as you could end up with a very unstable outfit, and the rear weight could create a pendulum effect which would be detrimental if a snake started.To help your noseweight problem,try and put your heaviest items low down just behind the axle-the further back you put them, the greater the pendulum effect.If you have an onboard tank near the front, as in my 'van, make sure you empty it each time before setting off.Consider removing the jockey-wheel when travelling, as it weighs around 5kg. Additionally, if you have a 110 amp battery up front, as in mine, consider swoping or changing to an 85 amp, as there's 10 kg. of difference.

hi

eddie

Went away at the weekend for my first time with this van.Put my heavy items over the axle as recommended,front locker was virtually empty apart from a 7kg gas bottle.Top lockers had hardly anything in them as i was only going for a few days.I put the water bottles in the toilet which is at the back of the van.While travelling down the A50 i had a slight snaking motion so we pulled over and moved the bottles forward to the front.We didn't have the snaking again but wasn't totally happy with the way it was towing.The water heater is at the front and i always drain this and the toilet before setting out.All this is a bit worrying as we are going to france in august,i will probably have to change the car.Will look into what sort of battery i have.

thanks

chris