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Topic: Bouncing

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Alan broadbent

27/11/2016 at 9:46pm
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Just bought my 1st caravan. Can anyone tell me why it bounces up and down while I'm towing it. Is it the nose weight too light, or something else?
Thanks

marg6

27/11/2016 at 9:54pm
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could either be down to the loading, or its your cars suspension or both, what car/caravan have you got? have you checked the load on the front of the van?

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Alan broadbent

27/11/2016 at 10:32pm
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Thanks marg. Probably the loading. As I'm a bit thick

jim oldham

27/11/2016 at 11:32pm
Location: Wigan
Outfit: VWSharan. Sport 442.

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Quote: Originally posted by Alan broadbent on 27/11/2016
Thanks marg. Probably the loading. As I'm a bit thick

No. If you have just started caravanning, there are bound to be things that are new to you. Just ask.

What car and caravan do you have ?

Opensauce

28/11/2016 at 8:10am
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Post up full details make/model & all weights of car & caravan to get specific advice but even with a correctly loaded outfit you will know you have a caravan behind you which first time towers will find they need to get used to.

You do need to understand the basic principles though which is that caravans are machines that need servicing. If you have just bought a cheap caravan off ebay then if there are no service records get it serviced at a local caravan workshop & if tyres are old they could be perished so should be replaced regardless of wear.

Pickled Onion

28/11/2016 at 9:51am
Location: Near Alton Towers
Outfit: Bailey Burgundy S7 H

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Quote: Originally posted by jim oldham on 27/11/2016

Quote: Originally posted by Alan broadbent on 27/11/2016
Thanks marg. Probably the loading. As I'm a bit thick

No. If you have just started caravanning, there are bound to be things that are new to you. Just ask.

Jim is correct, there is no such thing as a daft question either, only the one that you don't ask as you will never find the answer.

Are your tyre pressures correct?

Dave.

-------------
Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day,
Teach a man to fish and you can get rid of him for a whole weekend.

Mick S.

28/11/2016 at 1:26pm
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I've never seen a caravan bounce. But when i've seen general trailers bounce its been because the suspension was knackered.

Baileyjake

28/11/2016 at 1:34pm
Location: West Midlands
Outfit: Coachman Amara 570 6 + Shogun SG4

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if the nose weight is too low the car feels like it is bouncing up and down which makes you feel like you have been on a boat.

load the caravan so the nose weight is close to the maximum of the car or 7% the MPLM of the caravan.

if you dont have one buy a nose weight gauge. they are not so expensive.
correct nose weight makes a massive difference to the outfit handling especially on a single axle.

-------------
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jeff juke

28/11/2016 at 2:04pm
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I think the bouncing is caused by high tyre pressures and van not loaded to the max.

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phathamster

28/11/2016 at 3:45pm
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Quote: Originally posted by Mick S. on 28/11/2016
I've never seen a caravan bounce. But when i've seen general trailers bounce its been because the suspension was knackered.

My raclet TT feels very bouncy if I do the opposite and put too much in the front box (which is easily done)

I often take mine around the block once before setting of on a long journey, I find if it feels wrong at low speeds it will be more pronounced at a higher one and more dangerous. Then back for a bit of a shuffle round if needed. Never used a nose weight measure because IMO it's better to get a balanced weight rather than just a nose reading under the maximum.

Alan broadbent

28/11/2016 at 4:22pm
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I have a dacia duster with an avoidable dart. Have been informed they are compatible

Alan broadbent

28/11/2016 at 4:26pm
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Thanks. Have been told that car and van are compatible. Bought from reputable dealer, and it came fully serviced.

Alan broadbent

28/11/2016 at 4:27pm
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Thanks, yes they are dave

Mick S.

28/11/2016 at 4:51pm
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Quote: Originally posted by jeff juke on 28/11/2016
I think the bouncing is caused by high tyre pressures and van not loaded to the max.

Tyre pressures are a consideration, but 'loading to the max' or not shouldnt be an issue, given the poor pay-loads many vans have now. The extra bit of weight in ratio to the car+van together, shouldnt make the van jump about.

Opensauce

28/11/2016 at 4:59pm
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Can't really help unless you post up exact details of model of you car & caravan. There are several different versions of both your car & caravan.

Is your car petrol, diesel, 2wd or 4wd. What is loaded weight of caravan? It will be the higher figure on the small plate fixed to caravan along bottom of body somewhere.

chrisn7

28/11/2016 at 5:50pm
Location: West Yorkshire
Outfit: Bessacarr Cameo 625 2011

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What has not been mentioned is that most caravans other than upmarket ones, are not fitted with dampers (shock absorbers). This leads to bounce on the road - if a caravan passes you hopping about a bit, you can be sire it has no dampers. Theses are available for Alko in different colours according to teh application, and are easy to fit as the mounting are already present - its just that caravan manufacturers are too penny pinching to fit to all vans.

Other than that check your tyres are correct. Some people feel the need to fit reinforced or van tyres, which will have stiffer sidewalls, and are unnecessary for caravans. The stiffer sidewalls would give you van a hard time , and contribute to the bounce. Also related is tyre pressures - these need to be at those recommended, which will not necessarily be the maximum values which may be embossed on the sidewalls of the tyres

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