Twin axle noseweights

[JK1]

Whilst understanding the definition and safety implications of correct noseweights i am struggling to get an accurate measure on our twin axle avondale,i have used recognised gauges and seem to be getting a variety of readings could any body tell me the most accurate way to achieve a satisfactory reading.(i know how to load correctly) cheers jk

 

[Lutz]

You don't say how big the variations are in your readings and whether this would pose an actual problem.

To measure properly, the caravan must be standing on level ground and the coupling at the same height as if the caravan were hitched up to the car.

 

[JK1]

Thanks lutz,should i measure the towball height or is a by eye measurement accurate enough also what position should the jockey wheel be at? i'd rather sound stupid than get it wrong

 

[Lutz]

I would say that so long as your eye can judge the correct height to within 1" or so either way, that should be good enough. Otherwise use a tape measure.

 

[Lutz]

I would say that so long as your eye can judge the correct height to within 1" or so either way, that should be good enough. Otherwise use a tape measure.

ps. If you're going to measure the towball height, don't forget that it will go down slightly as the noseweight is applied when the caravan is hitched. Perhaps it would therefore be better to hitch up first, measure the height of the coupling or some other part of the caravan A-frame nearby, unhitch and then measure the noseweight at the same height and to the same point as you did just before.

 

[JK1]

I would say that so long as your eye can judge the correct height to within 1" or so either way, that should be good enough. Otherwise use a tape measure.

Thanks for the help everyday is a school day as they say!

 

[paulktnichols]

Getting the noseweight on twins is difficult. It is very important to pay a great attention to detail.

As a amateur scientist I measure the noseweight variation on day in the drive.

It can vary by upto 40kg or more - depending on hitch height.

If your interested try it your self! Easily done by resting hitch on top of a jack placed on the scales as see how it varies as you raise the jack

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello JK

I am not surprised that you are having some difficulty with a twin axel. The problem is compounded by the interactions of the suspensions of both axles, which depending on the angle of the caravan can add or detract from the nose weight figure

Despite this the same basic approach is required for both single and twin axle units:

To get an accurate reading of the nose weight, the caravan must be on level ground, the wheels chocked (so it doesn't roll away) and the hand brake off.

The tow hitch must be set to the same height as when it is attached to the car, (so the caravan its self may not be level) as changing the height actually does change the nose load.

The jockey wheel must not be in contact with any surface as this reduce the nose load at the hitch.

A stick (cut to length) and bathroom scales is a reasonable solution. The stick must be vertical and under the hitch when making the measurement.