Weight distribution and noseweight are vital in obtaining a stable caravan. Distribute the payload in the caravan and the car and then find out the stability rating of your loading configuration.
The stability rating gives an indication of the forces when the caravan starts to wag from side to side. Even if your outfit has a low score its is possible that the caravan feels stable, but in critical situations (just before snaking) it is not.
Result with 200 kg in the caravan and in the car 2 persons (150 kg) and 50 kg luggage:
143 Points
1600 kg To avoid snaking speed is the most important factor!
The stability rating is based on noseweight, dimensions of the caravan, weight ratio between car and caravan and distribution of payload (yaw inertia). It gives an indication of the forces when the caravan starts to wag from side to side just before snaking. A high score (five stars) means that the caravan has a faster damping after a side by side movement relative to an outfit with a low score (one star). The score is no prediction of the feeling of stability during normal driving.
In general gives more noseweight a better score. Make sure that the noseweight is allowed for your car. Finally speed is the most critical factor for safe driving.
* Weight ratio between car and caravan is:
- in the EU (laden weight caravan / laden weight car)
- in GB (laden weight caravan / kerbweight car)
TowCarCalculator
©2004-2024 
Caravantrekker