Home

   Log in or Register



Insurance Quotes
forums Campsite Search Comp Directory tips virtual brochure Profile
Tent and Awning Reviews Competitions Caravans and Motorhomes For Sale Shopping Diary Advent Calendar

Advertisement

Message Forums
Welcome Guest Register Login Search The Forum Posts Since Last Visit
 Reception - All Forums
   Caravans and Caravanning -  Caravan Towcars and Towing Advice 		Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email  Printer Friendly Version Print
Subject Topic: Nose weight issue
Page:  1  2 Post Reply Post New Topic
PersonWorkshy
01/5/2017 at 5:38pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: None Entered View Workshy's Profile View Profile   Reply to Workshy Reply   Quote Workshy Quote  
Joined: 23/9/2007

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   10
Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Hi All
I am having an issue with the nose weight of a caravan we are looking to buy.
The dealer tells us the nose weight is around 85kg but our Citroen C3 Picasso has a maximum nose weight of 50kg, although the laden weight is within 85%.
The caravan in question is a Lunar Chilgrove which has an end bathroom. I assume the maximum stated weight is without things like the flush tank of the toilet being full.
What is the best way to reduce the nose weight by 35kg? . Is this even possible?
Thanks in advance


PersonRob and Tina
01/5/2017 at 6:27pm
 Location: Royal Forest of Dean
 Outfit:  Swift Major 4SB View Rob and Tina's Profile View Profile   Reply to Rob and Tina Reply   Quote Rob and Tina Quote  
Joined: 17/10/2007

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   3375
Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Load the caravan safely to achieve a nose weight of 50 kg. I presume your 85 kg is for the empty caravan as it left the factory.

What is the MPTLM for the caravan? The caravan may need a nose weight over 50 kg in order to be stable so you may need to change the car to one that has a higher nose weight.

The maximum weight of the caravan must not be exceeded so it includes everything you load in to it.

Rob


PersonSkoda Bob
01/5/2017 at 6:46pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: Swift charisma Skoda Scout 4x4 View Skoda Bob's Profile View Profile   Reply to Skoda Bob Reply   Quote Skoda Bob Quote  
Joined: 19/10/2009

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   1837
Site Reviews Total: 4
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
try loading just behind the axel, towards the rear , then try it again


PersonWorkshy
01/5/2017 at 7:23pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: None Entered View Workshy's Profile View Profile   Reply to Workshy Reply   Quote Workshy Quote  
Joined: 23/9/2007

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   10
Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
The Chilgrove is based on a Lunar Quasar 460/2. We visited the dealer and one on the sales people mentioned that they measured the nose weight with a single steel propane cylinder in the front locker but nothing else. The 460/2 Quasar appears to have a nose weight of 70kgThe MTPLM of the caravan is 1205kg.


PersonRob and Tina
01/5/2017 at 7:47pm
 Location: Royal Forest of Dean
 Outfit:  Swift Major 4SB View Rob and Tina's Profile View Profile   Reply to Rob and Tina Reply   Quote Rob and Tina Quote  
Joined: 17/10/2007

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   3375
Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
The nose weight figures you are quoting are for an empty caravan. You are aiming to get to a maximum nose weight of 50 kg when the caravan is fully loaded with all your cooking, bedding, water containers, food, awning etc. The nose weight thing is best described as being like a see saw, you need to alter the loading to achieve the correct nose weight by putting some weight behind the axle to get the correct balance.

Nose weight is usually recommended as being 4% to 7% of the MTPLM in order to get a stable outfit. 50 kg is just over 4% so you may be ok.

You haven't mentioned which C3 Picasso you have but many of them have a towing limit lower than 1200 kg so your car may not be suitable anyway. What is your car's towing limit?

Rob


Advertisement

Handiworld


PersonOpensauce
01/5/2017 at 7:51pm
 Location: 
 Outfit:  View Opensauce's Profile View Profile   Reply to Opensauce Reply   Quote Opensauce Quote  
Joined: 25/1/2010

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   4530
Site Reviews Total: 13
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
A 1200kg caravan would probably need a minimum of 70kg noseweight with tow car allowing up to around 90kg if that was needed to achieve a stable tow. If you try to get it down to 50kg then you risk unstable tow with no capability to increase noseweight. I would not be wanting to tow a caravan that size with a C3 Picasso.

Towbar download on car is arrived at according to strength of rear end. Max tow weight is a technical figure to do with towing from standing start on gradient. It is no indication of what is a suitable caravan to put behind car.


PersonWorkshy
01/5/2017 at 7:59pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: None Entered View Workshy's Profile View Profile   Reply to Workshy Reply   Quote Workshy Quote  
Joined: 23/9/2007

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   10
Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
We have a C3 Picasso 1.6hdi 90hp. The maximum tow weight is 1200kg according to the handbook and a maximum nose weight of 54kg.


PersonRob and Tina
01/5/2017 at 8:07pm
 Location: Royal Forest of Dean
 Outfit:  Swift Major 4SB View Rob and Tina's Profile View Profile   Reply to Rob and Tina Reply   Quote Rob and Tina Quote  
Joined: 17/10/2007

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   3375
Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
I think you need a bigger, heavier car.

What's your kerb weight? I just found a 90 bhp 1.6 with a 1200 kg tow limit but the kerb weight is just over 1300 kg giving an 85% match of 1105 kg. You need more weight and more power. Have a look at the V5 and the weightplate on the car and see what the exact figures are for your car. At the moment this does not look like a match made in heaven.

Rob


PersonWorkshy
01/5/2017 at 8:13pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: None Entered View Workshy's Profile View Profile   Reply to Workshy Reply   Quote Workshy Quote  
Joined: 23/9/2007

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   10
Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
The kerb weight is 1329kg. We are currently towing a Compass Rambler 12/2 2002.


PersonRob and Tina
01/5/2017 at 8:20pm
 Location: Royal Forest of Dean
 Outfit:  Swift Major 4SB View Rob and Tina's Profile View Profile   Reply to Rob and Tina Reply   Quote Rob and Tina Quote  
Joined: 17/10/2007

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   3375
Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
That works out at 91% so not under 85%. What is the max tow weight for your car?

The max tow weight is like Opensauce said, it is the max weight for a hill start, it is not suggesting it would be safe or wise to tow a big white box of that weight at 60 mph on the motorway. I still think you need a heavier more powerful car.

Rob


Advertisement

Handiworld


PersonWorkshy
01/5/2017 at 8:21pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: None Entered View Workshy's Profile View Profile   Reply to Workshy Reply   Quote Workshy Quote  
Joined: 23/9/2007

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   10
Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Not really sure of the kerb weight. I get 2 different figures. One without a driver 1329kg and one with 1539kg. Which is correct?. I read somewhere that the kerb weight was calculated has changed to include a driver and an allowance for luggage.


PersonWorkshy
01/5/2017 at 8:24pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: None Entered View Workshy's Profile View Profile   Reply to Workshy Reply   Quote Workshy Quote  
Joined: 23/9/2007

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   10
Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
The website towcar.info gives me a ratio of 80% and says it should be ok.


PersonRob and Tina
01/5/2017 at 8:27pm
 Location: Royal Forest of Dean
 Outfit:  Swift Major 4SB View Rob and Tina's Profile View Profile   Reply to Rob and Tina Reply   Quote Rob and Tina Quote  
Joined: 17/10/2007

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   3375
Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
What does it say on the V5? What are the figures on the weightplate?

The kerbweight should include the driver, there is no way a driver of a C3 would weigh 210 kg!

1329 sounds about right, 85% would be 1129 kg.

Rob


PersonRob and Tina
01/5/2017 at 8:30pm
 Location: Royal Forest of Dean
 Outfit:  Swift Major 4SB View Rob and Tina's Profile View Profile   Reply to Rob and Tina Reply   Quote Rob and Tina Quote  
Joined: 17/10/2007

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   3375
Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
I think you'll find that towcar info works it out on the gross weight of the car not the kerb weight. Check the V5 and weightplate for the actual figures that apply to your car not a car selected at random to supply figures for a website.

Rob


PersonWorkshy
01/5/2017 at 8:38pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: None Entered View Workshy's Profile View Profile   Reply to Workshy Reply   Quote Workshy Quote  
Joined: 23/9/2007

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   10
Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
The weight plate says 1329kg


PersonWorkshy
01/5/2017 at 8:41pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: None Entered View Workshy's Profile View Profile   Reply to Workshy Reply   Quote Workshy Quote  
Joined: 23/9/2007

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   10
Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
It also gives a maximum braked towing weight of 1200kg



In order to post a reply you will need to register, or if already registered please log in here

Prev       Next

Jump To Page:  1  2

Quick Links - All Forums - Caravan Towcars and Towing Advice - Top of Page

Printer Friendly Version Printable version      Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email


Latest News, Discounts and Competitions  see all...

7534 Visitors online !

Free UKCampsite.co.uk Window Sticker  -  Recommend to Friend  -  Add a Missing Campsite

[Message Forums]  [Caravan Sites & Camping]  [Company Listings]  [Features / Advice]  [Virtual Brochure]  [Shop!]
[Reception]  [Competitions]  [Caravans & Motorhomes For Sale]  [Event Diary]  [Contact Us]  [Tent Reviews] 



Please note we are not responsible for the content of external sites & any reviews represent the author's personal view only. Please report any error here. You may view our privacy and cookie policy and terms and conditions here. All copyrights & other intellectual property rights in the design and content of this web site are reserved to the UKCampsite.co.uk © 1999 - 2024


Advertisement
Advertisement


UKCampsite.co.uk
2024 Advent Calendar

Advent Calendar

24 Daily Prizes PLUS a Christmas Day Star Prize worth £999

Request a Reminder