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Quote: Originally posted by mickeyb on 13/9/2008

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Bertie, don't you mean ' forward of' the rear axle ? I agree but I did say 'Not as CRITICAL'. as with a soft sprung saloon.

Daved, bearing in mind you already have a considerable downward force exerted on the rear of the car by the caravan, then why add to it by loading heavy kit in the boot. This practice can only reduce adhesion to the road by the front drive/steering. Surely it's far better to load forward of the rear axle thus compensating for some of the loss off traction caused by the presence of the van. As for being within the loading limits of the car, this is not the issue. If you give it some thought you would not load your caravan rear end heavy even if it is well within its weight capability, would you ? My contention is, that by loading forward of the fulcrum point the load is spread between front and rear suspension and not totally imposed upon the rear. Hope I've explained the theory. Am fully aware that this practice wouldn't always work for those with families as the space just wouldn't be available. It always worked for us as just the 2 of us and always made use of the rear foot well. Also carried awning on roof rack mounted as far forward as pos.............Mick

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Absolutely on the ball, Mickeyb.  I must have been having a bad hair day; I did indeed mean FORWARD of the rear axle.

Bertie. (with head hanging in shame)

Quote: Originally posted by azusuk1 on 15/9/2008

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One other piece of advice - don't travel at speed over 50.

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Not a practical suggestion; unless you are advocating that everyone should travel at 50 mph max. If not, then you are going to immediately upset the ones who would complain about "crawling at 50mph" holding up those who want to do 60 mph.

Bertie