Reich Weightguage

[VIP2006]

I have read a few letters on the above guage and wonder if any members have one, or have seen one, and where can you buy them.

In the quest to confidently satisfy weight ratios and noseweight I beleive there is a quite a big demand for such a device which would allow us to weigh with confidence and to allow us to move things around to get the best set up.

I am aware that the local public weighbridge offers a solution and gives ticketed evidence of your current weight etc. but it does not allow you plenty of time to experiment. Perhaps one or more of the contributors have information

 

[WatsonJohnG]

I seem to remember that Lutz had one or knowledge of one in previous postings

 

[Lutz]

One can mail order the Reich Weight Control through Caravanningworld.co.uk at a price of ₤119.94.

Alternatively, there are currently 4 units being offered via Ebay at a Buy-it-Now price of about ₤70 plus shipping:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Caravan-Waage-Weight-Control-Reich-
Angebot_W0QQitemZ8019724822QQcategoryZ76068QQss

PageNameZWD2VQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I'd be prepared to arrange shipment to the UK in case the seller isn't.

 

[VIP2006]

Hi Lutz - Thanks for the reply and information. I have looked at the site and it has quite a comprehensive catalogue.

as a caravanner of many years I have always felt that the correct loading of the van and car is very important when towing.

I, when towing always have concern regarding have I got the loading correct etc.

the mandatory requirements that we have to adhere to are well thought out and as such there is a need for a accurate piece of equipment which can buy and use in the loading of the van before towing. I realise that public weighbridges exist and when you go they will weigh and stamp you car and van for a cost. This method whilst being good can be expensive if you are having to experiment untill you get the correct loadings.

Lutz, if you have had personal experience of the Reich, I would appreciate you comments on whether this machine will do the job it says it does. I am not to worried about cost! and as "they" say what price safety.

Thanks in anticipation of your valued comments - FKG

 

[Lutz]

No, Shiraz, I don't have any personal experience with the Reich Weight Control. I would have thought it's something you'd use once and a soon as one has a feel for the weight of things that you load the caravan up with, you'd probably never use it again. Unless you really need to use one regularly, such as if you often change caravans, it doesn't seem to me to be worth the cost. It would be cheaper to put the caravan on a public weighbridge to establish an accurate kerbweight and then weigh items before they go into the caravan by putting them on the bathroom scales first.

The Reich Weight Control is probably a good piece of equipment but I wouldn't spend ₤120 on one.

 

[mike_5041102]

I've used one but only once. Gives a lot of confidence to know the accurate weight. Left wheel, right wheel, nose wheel, add together for the total. Because it is not very wide it is difficult to stop the caravan wheel directly on top of the scale, requies a person by the wheel to shout 'stop'. Also needs a wedge shaped wooden block so the wheel can run on to the scale instead of pushing it forwards. Agree with Lutz, it is only necessary with a new caravan or after a major re-distribution of the load. I would not buy one having a local weighbridge. Why dont caravan dealers have these things on the forecourt free for all to use. Also, I would like to see dealers required by law to give a weight statement with every new or secondhand caravan sold.

 

[joeby]

One can mail order the Reich Weight Control through Caravanningworld.co.uk at a price of ₤119.94.

Alternatively, there are currently 4 units being offered via Ebay at a Buy-it-Now price of about ₤70 plus shipping:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Caravan-Waage-Weight-Control-Reich-
Angebot_W0QQitemZ8019724822QQcategoryZ76068QQss

PageNameZWD2VQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I'd be prepared to arrange shipment to the UK in case the seller isn't.

or you can buy one from Riversway Leisure for

 

[TrevorM]

In a rather rash moment, I have just purchased one of these 'gizmos.' My concern was that with my 1998 Elddis Tornado Vogue, I have two gas bottles, battery, cooker and fridge all on the offside of the caravan, with only the heater, wardrobe and toilet (always empty for travelling) on the nearside.

I have not yet checked the weight distribution, but have checked the car's weight and the device seems reasonably accurate (within 3% according to the manufacturer.)

Mike, in relation to your comment, it is not necessary to stop with the wheel on the gauge, but merely to drive slowly over it; I did this when checking the car's weight and did not experience any problems with recording the weights or with the gauge 'sliding' on the ground.

Once I have checked the 'van's weight distribution, I will post the results here just in case anyone is interested.

Trevor M

 

[TrevorM]

Following on from my previous posting, I have now had time to check my 'van's weight distribution with the new toy; as I suspected, the offside wheel carries 100Kg more than the nearside (525Kg to 425Kg without holiday essentials included.) I may be able to move one gas bottle from the RHS to the LHS, and the spare wheel from the centre to the LHS, but this will still leave a difference of about 60Kg. I guess this is a design feature I shall have to live with!

Despite this quirk, I have to say I have never had stability problems towing the van with firstly a Cavalier 2.0 16V, or (much better) a Golf Estate TDI 130, both using a blade type stabiliser.

Enjoy your hols.

Trevor M

 

[Lela_5109060]

Hello,

You can purchase the Reich Weight Control from ourselves, and our contact details are as follows:

Telephone: 01732 - 743421.

E-mail: info@caravanmotormovers.co.uk

Kind Regards,

Lela and Richard Draper.

(R & L Draper, Professional Fitters of Reich Caravan Movers).