Towing stability

[limecc]

[AllanandJackie]

[AllanandJackie]

[limecc]

Sorry for the delayed response Allan.

Can't tell if the shocks make it better as I've never noticed it before, but I doubt they would have much impact as the suspension would not be working very hard like if the van was being buffeted laterally by wind or bouncing and pitching on a poorly made road.

Going back to the other point you made, I always believed the law went on the gross train weight stamped on the towing vehicle's plate, so it would not be illegal to tow over 100%, just inadvisable. At the other extreme, I'm sure my brother-in-law's Chrysler Voyager can't even tow 85% before it's exceeding the GTW (!!).

Another thing I notice towing my van, that when going in an absolute straight line, in my o/s mirror I can see down the length of the offside of the van including the rear corner, but in the nearside mirror I can't see the side or rear corner. It's as though the van body is not sitting squarely on the chassis or the wheels are not tracking correctly. It's only slight but definitely there and not down to mirror adjustment.

[AllanandJackie]

Hi Paul,

I've done some research on the towing limits and what UK law allows, and you are correct, the 100% is guidance only and strongly recommended not be exceeded as stability could be seriously compromised in the same way as incorrectly loading the caravan.

With regards to the alignment issue you bring up, it's the first time I've had someone mention that. I guess you could take a few simple measurements side to side which would indicate it's squareness on the chassis. I'd also examine the tyre wear carefully on the caravan to see if there's any tell tale signs of crabbing.

Let me know how you get on, if we need to talk with AL-KO I have a contact that I can go to for technical assistance.