Subject: Nose weights Author: Jeff Date: June 20, 2010 at 18:57
Rarely is any information given rgarding max. permitted noseweights of tow cars. How critical is this?
For example, I have just bought a Sprite (max weight 1100 kg) and according to your figures a 1.7cdt Meriva will pull it easily. But what about the nose weight limit of 55kg for the Meriva - surely the tow car needs to have a limit nearer to 75kg? Any suggestions on a suitable, cheap running tow car?
Replies:
Author: Bert Date: June 21, 2010 at 13:01
Nose weight will become more important if the balance of mass is not optimal, ie not in the centre round the axle. So nose weight is not the goal, in fact your (every) car hates it. Balance is also determined by the factory and influenced by adding your camping gear. It is true that in practice bigger vans need higher nose weights. But for a 1100 kg Sprite a practical nose weight of 40 - 60 kg might result in good, even perfect stability and comfort. Try and error... Sure if your car has a bigger margin you are more flexible.
Author: Jeff Date: June 21, 2010 at 20:21
Thanks for that Bert. I always understood that the caravan should be loaded to try and give a noseweight of about 7% of the caravans weight - this a recommendation from the Caravan Club. This is why I am confused when I see The Caravan Club testing cars with a max nose weight of 50 kg pulling 1400 kg caravans. Anyway thanks again - so I should be alright pulling a 1100kg caravan with a 1400kg 1.7 diesel Meriva.
Author: Bert Date: June 21, 2010 at 22:40
It is a wide spread and good but standard advise to keep the nose weight 5 - 7% of the caravan's weight, but good balance is a better one in my opinion. This weekend I drove a Ford Transit and a 1450 kg Dethleffs Beduin, of which the nose weight was only 16 kg. It's ride was perfect on the flat up to 60 mph. even on a slight decline. I know a Transit isn't a Meriva, but just to give an example that nose weight can be as low as that. It is an exception however, a perfect stable ride with a very low nose weight.
Author: Paul Date: June 22, 2010 at 22:46
Berts advice is highly valid and worth noting, but may I just add that in the UK it's a legal requirement to have a noseweight of 4% minimum.
The clubs recommend of 7% is based on reasonable averages and a good aim point if the car allows this.
Author: Bert Date: June 22, 2010 at 23:14
Paul, in Holland (=EU) the legal minimum of noseweight is 1% (trailers > 750 kg).
