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Hi all,

How do you secure all your bits an pieces in the van that you put on the floor above the axle?

How do you stop it moving and banging into and scratching the furniture?

I've thought about buying two of those extendable shower rails and putting them either side of the load, they have suction cups on either end and you extend out to the required length and then twist lock in place.

Anyone done this? does it work? Any other ideas?

Thanks.

Our van is quite small so we but all the breakable items over the axle and pack sorter items like cushions and clothing around them then awning  and poles resting on top.

We use folding boxes to put things like food in and place them across the van. Folding chairs go between the front bunks and we usually put cushions down to stop them banging against the furniture. I have always been surprised how little things move in the van, perhaps because there is little side to side movement.

David

We don't travel with anything in the cupboards - doesn't do much for the Centre of Gravity.

So there's quite a bit on the floor, but it never moves at all.  If in doubt, just put something soft between the items and the sides.

Jim

No, never needed calculations, but I think you'll find it's not regarded as extreme.

I certainly don't know anyone who travels with anything substantial either high up or at the ends.  Pendulum effect means it's an accident waiting to happen.  Obviously bits and pieces don't matter, but it's important to realise that the caravan has two functions.  One is as a living space, and the other is as a trailer.  When it's used as a living space, things are packed away, and when it's used as a trailer, it should be loaded as a trailer.

If you check your chassis manufacturer's website I'm sure it will say that you should not have weight either high up or at the ends.

It's only a few minutes when you arrive, and not worth any risk at all to save that amount of time.  The balance of a caravan is precarious at best, with windage problems caused by overtaking vehicles.  That's why the 85% "rule" exists, and you shouldn't go up to the max tow specified by the vehicle manufacturer.

I don't see why it would be a problem just to stow everything away when you arrive.

Jim

I agree Greendemon. Like the phrase

When it's used as a living space, things are packed away, and when it's used as a trailer, it should be loaded as a trailer.

Phil (Oh oh I've gone green now)

Nothing wrong with green Phil.  It's served me well for many years.  When I was racing, my number was 315, and my cars were always painted green.  I was known for a time as The Green Demon, and that's where my username comes from.  Stick with the green, it's really very stylish.

My wife says I wouldn't recognise style if it came along and hit me.

Jim