• Distribution of weight in the caravan and towing vehicle

By following a few simple rules towing stability can be achieved Heavy items should be positioned on the caravan floor over the axle(s) Other equipment and items should be distributed evenly to achieve a suitable noseweigt. Only light items should be stored in the overhead lockers. When loaded correctly the car and Caravans hould be horizontal to the road surface along the entire length of each.

• Noseweight

Noseweight is the weight measured at the coupling head when both the jockey wheel and corner steadies have been raised, and the caravan floor is horizontal Rule of thumb suggests a nosweight of 7% of the actual laden weight of the Caravans hould achieve optimum stability. Noseweight can be assessed without expensive equipment, a simple method is to use a set of bathroom scales with a suitable block of wood, with sufficient end surface area to give stability, cut to length so that the caravan floor is horizontal. Note: Make sure the hand brake is fully applied before commencing this test.

• Vehicle weight ratio

The lower the laden weight of the caravan the safer the caravan/ towing vehicle combination will be as the vehicle weight ratio has a major influence on stability The golden rule to achieve good towing stability is make sure that the laden weight of the caravan does not exceed 85 % of the kerbside weight of the towing vehicle. Note: The published towing vehicle maximum train weight overrules the 85% weight ratio guideline.

• Stabilizers

Stabilizers are not to be used to improve poor stability. They will of course make an acceptable car and caravan easier to control