POWER TO WEIGHT RATIO:
No hard and fast rules can be stated but
here is a general guide.
a) Conventional petrol engines with a
capacity up to approximately 1500cc
should be adequate for towing a caravan
weighing around 85% of the kerb weight
of the towing vehicle.
b) Above 1500cc such engines should
manage a caravan weighing up to 100%
of the kerb weight of the towing vehicle
and still give adequate performance.
Note:
The towing vehicle manufacturer’s limit
is, in some cases, less than the kerb weight.
Vehicles with automatic transmission may
need an oil cooler fitting or the SAE rating of
the gearbox oil increasing when towing. The
advice of the vehicle manufacturer should
be sought.
MEASUREMENT OF NOSE WEIGHT:
Nose weight may be measured using a
proprietary brand of nose weight indicator.
Such equipment is obtainable at your
caravan Dealer.
Another simple method is to use bathroom
scales under the coupling head with a piece
of wood between the coupling head and the
scales, of such length that the caravan floor
is horizontal with the jockey wheel raised.
Nose weight can be adjusted simply by
distribution of weights in the caravan.
(See Loading)
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