Message Forums

Went away this weekend and the caravan was fine.Noseweight was ok, caravan is level hitched to the car and the payload was well within limits, therefore I can only guess that the previous snaking problems were due to high wind speed and a crappy road surface i.e. "ruts/tramlines" on the M25

Quote: Originally posted by scrufts on 05/06/2005

---

I'm going to check with Eldiss, Vauxhall and caravan club to make sure that I have everything right. (It does get confusing though!)

---

Get the Vauxhall dealer to check the rear dampers (shock absorbers) on your Frontera.  If your suspension isn't working as it should, that could cause the problems you are experiencing too.

Cheers
Andrew Kay

 

Hi Scruffs I suppose you have listened to the best on here now listern to the rest ,

 The posts on here are all right in what they say, But I have a Frontera sport 2.8 tdi .and I have found the worst thing on motorways is the dreaded rut in the road ,I believe the frontera was made with very wide wheels for cosmetic reasons to make it look good, mine has 255x65x16 in tyres  so I try when possible to keep a foot or so to either side of the rut HAPPY VANNING TOP DOG.

The car is due for a service next month and as I am towing a heavier caravan I'll make sure that the shock absorbers are fully checked out. Interesting comment about the motorway ruts Top-Dog. Judging by the comments on this website there are a lot of members in agreement on this. I also spoke to a colleague at work who was aware of them and he also suggested that the m20 might be suspect because of all the freight traffic from Dover. Is anything done about them or is it a case of wait until they get really bad and then resurface the road?( and then more roadworks). ideas anyone?

Quote: Originally posted by bordercaz on 23/4/2005

---

I think Jan P & T-T have said it all.

60 mph is the maximum limit, not a target to be attained at all costs.

Road & weather conditions should be taken into account when deciding on a safe speed.

Check tyre pressures & noseweight before each trip.

---

Quote: Originally posted by Magdalena on 03/6/2005

---

Question from a novice - all this sounds quite technical and scary. I've got a Volvo 850 estate and a 21 foot caravan. How do you check nose weight? Does this combination sound OK? Its got an ALKO but - have I any idea what kind? No I thought they were all the same.........My plan was to go at 30mph max and pin a notice saying 'SORRY' in back of van.................

---

Quote: Originally posted by SoundsDigital on 08/5/2007

---

Quote: Originally posted by bordercaz on 23/4/2005

---

I think Jan P & T-T have said it all.

60 mph is the maximum limit, not a target to be attained at all costs.

Road & weather conditions should be taken into account when deciding on a safe speed.

Check tyre pressures & noseweight before each trip.

---

You and I are fortunate to have one of the most well balanced caravans available. Maybe we are not the best people to respond to this thread. Do any other caravans have the gas bottle over the axle any more?

---

Very true! But I have towed other vans over the years and even with the gas bottles at the front both my Sprites towed impeccably and the Ace & Cavalier were ok.The only one I really had a problem with was a Compass with a tiny front box and a rear kitchen - I had to put all the cutlery, pans etc in plastic crates between the front seats to get anywhere near the 50Kg towball weight for the towcar! Even then it used to hit problems at about 53 mph. I only kept it 6 months.

Hi

Don't forget that caravan design can have an effect on stability, like the location of battery box (how heavy is a 110 amp hour battery) and wardrobes etc.

I've met many caravanners who have rear end wardrobes. Many swear they make no difference. But some who use motorways regularly (and perhaps travel a little faster) travel with their clothes on the bed.

It's difficult to compare even the same caravans because of different loading, tow car characteristics, noseweight, % kerbweight and driving techniques and speed.

Tyreman