Tow bar Data Plate

[Gagakev]

Where exactly is it, just had a quick look to double check my nose weight to see if it states actual nose weight, couldnt find it.

Leading on from another post on here I decided out of curiosity to double check, and to be honest think I have got it totally wrong!

Please could someone help clarify:

Authorised weight of van 1250kg

User payload 225kg

Total 1475kg

Nose weight calculated @ 4% = 59kg ??

This seems really light to me and to be honest will really struggle to get down to that level unless there is more weight further behind the axle.

 

[Guest]

You should have a manufacturer's plate that gives the maximum noseweight. It may be hidden inside the gas locker if not on the A Frame. What is the make of van and someone with a similar one may be able to help.

The usual noseweight is around 75-80 kg

 

[James_374408700]

Hi,

Try 7% !

 

[Gagakev]

Scotch Lad,

1995 Abbey Stafford

will look in the locker tomorrow, thanks for that.

James,

I was actually with you, used that figure for last two years!!!

But if you look in towing Law, fed from the homepage on here it clearly states 4% and that is why I'm questioning it myself.

 

[antrimboy]

I think 4% is the very "minimum" recommended.

 

[Gagakev]

Just copied this from towing law and it states Should be 4%

Noseweight

It is a legal requirement that the noseweight should be 4% of the weight of the trailer or at least 25kg, whichever is the higher.. For safety you should aim for, but not exceed, the lower of the 2 figures specified for caravan and car respectively.

 

[James_374408700]

Well I wouldn't believe everything you read.

Didnt Bailey have a University do tests which concluded 7% was the optimum noseweight for stability

 

[James_374408700]

Caravan club book states "makes sure the caravan noseweight lies in the range of 5% to 7%."

 

[Lutz]

4% is the legal minimum. There should be a plate or a sticker on the chassis frame giving details of the maximum. Unless it is a big exception, all current caravans, except some really big twin axles, have a 100kg limit, although this may already be more than the limit specified for the towcar. If that is the case, it is the car's noseweight limit that counts.