Peter and Debbie’s single axle caravan was weighed at the Movie World carpark just before opening time on Queensland’s Gold Coast. The weights came in well under the maximum allowed.
Congratulations for a successful and safe loading!
Note the containers and spare wheel on the back bumper area. While this caravan weighed successfully, adding these kinds of weights to the extreme rear of any trailer can contribute to instability and reduce the critical speed.
If the total of the spare wheel and two containers filled with fuel or water weigh-in at around 80kgs, and the distance from the tow ball measures 6 metres or more, the potential turning moment of these items is a massive 4,700nm! This alone is enough to swing a rig sideways at a critical moment.
The critical speed of a caravan and towing vehicle combination is the point where if the rig is triggered in some way, like hitting a pothole, a truck passing on a gusty day, uneven surfaces, the caravan’s inertial begins to sway and pull the towing vehicle side to side.
This critical speed might be 115kph with a certain load, and as low as 95kph when the load is moved too far backwards. While a caravan weighing session will provide valuable information about the load, measuring the feel of your rig on the road at various speeds and configurations, road conditions, and weather conditions will become the determining factor of onroad comfort.
Make note of how the caravan sways with passing trucks and side gusts. Note the speed when this most pronounced. Is it over 95kph? Is it over 105kph? Reduce your speed to suit the conditions. If you know there is a lot of sway at say 100kph on a hot day where there is ‘lift’ from the hot air rising from the road surface, then reduce your speed to keep safe.
How to keep safe and avoid caravan sway.
Consider moving your loads forward in the caravan. Make sure your towing vehicle has enough balance where there is grip on the front steering wheels.
Minimise the amount of weight that is behind the caravan’s axles. Put the heaviest items either in front or over the caravan’s axle or axles.
Booking a mobile weighing session today for your caravan and towing vehicle at Gold Coast Mobile Weigh will highlight any potential problems with your caravan’s weight and balance.
Gold Coast Mobile Weigh: Your ‘caravan weighing Gold Coast’ specialist! Tel: 0492 201 895 or visit Book a Weigh … to book online now …
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