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Quote: Originally posted by navver on 12/7/2015

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Surely putting the weight of bikes hanging out from the back will make the van very unstable to tow.

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Quote: Originally posted by Motobiman on 13/7/2015

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Can't be much of a stability issue as the Germans tow at higher speeds than us so if it was a serious safety issue they would be onto it.

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Quote: Originally posted by JTQU on 13/7/2015

Quote: Originally posted by Motobiman on 13/7/2015Can't be much of a stability issue as the Germans tow at higher speeds than us so if it was a serious safety issue they would be onto it.

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That is only true if the van has certain design features which include shock absorbers on the suspension; otherwise they are limited to 80 kmh, just 50 Mph; ie slower than in the UK.
Approved combinations can be licenced to tow up to 100kmh, 62.5 Mph so whilst higher than the UK, not appreciably.
IMO where they are different is that they "typically" employ longer "A" frames so are, otherwise like for like, inherently more stable.
The issue is not really one of "balance" front to rear but of moment of inertia, distance of masses from the centre of yaw [the wheel axles]. ie "flywheel effect"

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