which noseweight limit?

[Lisa_5106889]

Hi,

We are going away at the weekend for our first proper holiday in the van. We want to be sure that we are doing everything right with all the checks and everything to make our journey as safe as possible.

We tow an avondale dart/arrow 556-6 which in the manual states a noseweight of 50 kg.

we tow with a Kia Sedona which has a towball limit of 80kg.

Can you tell us which is the figure we should be aiming for.

Thankyou!

Lisa

 

[WatsonJohnG]

Is the stated noseweight the ex works weight or the max permitted by the manufacturer?

It seems low for a max weight.

You will have to go with the lower weight if that is the weight set by Avondale

 

[Lisa_5106889]

the handbook says;

towing noseweight should be a minimum of 50kg or slightly heavier for single or twin-axle models.

we thought that sounded a bit weedy too.

But if thats a minimum of 50kg, what weight would be considered "slightly heavier"..........

 

[Lutz]

The handbook should not only state the minimum but also the maximum. If it's not in the handbook, you should find a sticker or a plate somewhere in the A-frame area with the noseweight limit. Most caravans have a 100kg limit but it's always the lower of the two figures for car and caravan that counts. In your case that would be the 80kg for the Sedona. For optimum stability that would also be the figure that's worth aiming for, but make sure you don't exceed it.

If you can't find any reference to the maximum noseweight for the caravan you should double check with a dealer.

 

[Royston]

Hi Lisa,

Lutz has once again provided you with the correct information,

May i add that if you are using a nose weight guage, make sure that both your towing vehicle and van are on level pitch.

Royston