Subject: Another noseweight Q Author: Andy Date: July 01, 2010 at 22:03
Hi all,
We have been caravanning since march when we picked up our new Adria Altea 542dt. We absolutely love it and always thought it to be a good option as it is relatively lightweight at MTPLM 1300Kg.
So, in March I also get a new company car, a Toyota Verso 2.0 diesel T Spirit. This has a max towing weight of 1300Kg and I had checked it out on this site with a fair result (4.5 stars and approx 80% match). However, we have been towing on a few holidays since March and have noticed the back end tends to pitch up and down and is generally a little bit of an uncomfortable ride although I wouldn't consider to be unstable.
I also noticed some reviews of the Verso as a towcar in the caravanning and camping magazine this month which didn't particularly rate the car especially with such a low max noseweight at 55Kg
So, as we are due to go to the south of France end July I stated to look into it to ensure we were at least going to be safe. After checking the noseweight on the van (yes, of course I should have done this in the first place!), it showed 90Kg!!!
Question is, can this combination be managed or am I seriously best changing my wifes car to something more suitable. I intend to visit the van in storage this weekend to see if moving things around might make a difference for example the spare wheel I will transfer into the car maybe and empty out the front locker as much as possible. I am sensible enough to not consider just moving everything to the back.
As a real solution, we have thought maybe about something like a used Jeep Cherokee or Kia Sorento. The only problem is it is all a bit of a rush with only 3 weeks to our hols and a cost I don't particularly want to have just now. However, with driving 1000 miles each way I am a little apprehensive.
Appreciate very much your views and help
Thanks in advance
Andy
Replies:
Author: Paul Date: July 01, 2010 at 22:55
Hi Andy.
That Verso does have a pretty weak and surprisingly low noseweight limit and with your quoted weights I'm not surprised you've had some discomfort in towing. Considering the vehicles kerbweight and approx 80% match, it should be good on paper but I have seen some varying reviews.
The noseweight is a critical measurement that must be achieved to maintain the safety of the match (which you clearly appreciate), but in addition to the excessive weight on the towball, the 90kgs would have put additional force on your rear axle too, something else which needs consideration when loading the rig (find out your axle limits from VIN plate).
I've read mixed reviews on the Verso, but providing you can do something with the weight you should be ok on the overseas trip then consider your options on return (you wouldn't want to rush into the wrong choice) once you know how the rig drives; I can't envisage a problem once loading has been addressed.
The loading isn't simply about moving everything to the back of the van and needs some understanding on how best to load; aim for heavier items over the axle and lighter stuff fore and aft. A good site that illustrates this can be found at www.towingstabilitystudies.co.uk/stability-studies-game.php which is a case study by Bath Uni on loading and van stability.
Incidentally, in the UK (this website is dutch based so have different regs), you're obliged to achieve a noseweight of at least 4% of the van (52kgs) but it's a general recommendation to achieve a noseweight of approx 7% (91kgs).
Have a play with the van weights and loading to see what you can achieve, but remember to consider your gross loaded weight & train weight of the Verso too.
Author: Andy Date: July 01, 2010 at 23:13
Paul,
Thanks very much for your prompt reply.
I will most certainly try loading the van differently this weekend. My major concern was the delta between 55kg and 90Kg just seemed too much to overcome at first; and really I am also concious about the legal consequences if we can't get it below.
If we do stick with the Verso for our continental trip I will also consider using our roof box in order to just keep as much out of the van as possible. I presume this is the best approach? Appreciate your views.
All-in-all the car does pull the caravan OK up hills etc and can sometimes get into 6th gear on the motorway. It's just the load on the axle which as you mention is a concern. I will look a bit more into this as you suggest.
I will let you know how I get on with it after this weekend
Thanks again,
Andy
Author: Paul Date: July 03, 2010 at 12:23
Yep, understand the anxiety but with careful loading there's no reason you shouldn't achieve the required noseweight.
Careful too with roofbox limits, but yes this will help. Obviously depends if you're the type who pack 'everything inc kitchen sink' or pack light as we do, but once your noseweights on target then I'd have thought the ride ride will prove better.
The noseweights for your Yaris are a legal maximum and while you may well get away with a weight above the limit, be aware that VOSA are actively targetting random rig testing throughout UK.
Have fun and keep us posted.
Author: Paul Date: July 03, 2010 at 12:31
Whoops ... obviously meant to refer to Andy's Verso in the last post above and not a Yaris
:-)
