Big question Gforce, so many different reasons for snaking. Not an issue to be underestimated, and yet it should never be a problem if you get the basics right.
Questions you need to address:
1)Weight - is your van too heavy for your car? Is the weight distributed sensibly with the correct nose weight, and heavier items over the axle (not high, and not at the far rear)?
2)Mechanics - is everything set up and operating correctly, particularly van brakes and wheels?
3)Tyres - correct pressures (and good condition) for both van and car are absolutely essential.
4)Even if you get that right, it's no guarantee against a snake. Driving technique is paramount and you need to take into account your speed (faster you are travelling, the more likely you'll hit a problem and the harder to get out of it); wind conditions (cross winds and fore and aft gusts), turbulence caused by bigger vehicles, particularly juggernauts and even worse if you are between, two or more; and road surface cambers (can throw your outfit out of line)
5)In all the aforementioned cases, experience is worth a lot, but if don't have that, use plain common sense, which equates to reading the signals and slowing down when you face such likely hazards.
6)Do NOT plough on regardless, think ahead, and brake smoothly - there is no divine right for an outfit to remain stable - it's down to your driving! It's easy to get into a "race" to overtake on motorways - don't do it, hold back until it's safer, particularly going downhill when the temptation to go faster is greater. Ditto if you find yourself battling with juggernauts. Ditto with winds, particularly cross winds.
7)You ask how to check noseweight. In simple terms, best way is to lower your caravan jockey wheel on to a set of bathroom scales (jock wheel facing forward) on level ground and with the hitch at the same height as your towball. The reading you will get will be slightly higher than the actual hitch weight, but will be close enough to give you a good idea of the correct figure. Distribute your load to give you the correct noseweight, bearing in mind that the heavier the better,so long as you do not exceed the stated max limits of either the van or the car. I'll bet that your first reading (particularly if you carry gas, battery, spare wheel etc, at the front) will ASTOUND you because it will be so high - there's no alternative but to redistribute!
So that's off the top of my head, and I am sure others with more experience can add further points. But if it all sounds daunting, it isn't - just follow the guidance and use common sense and you will be fine. Best wishes for your towing future.
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