2003 Viscount Newport

REHOSE

it would pay you to get a set of good lift/sway bars.





cheers.

Had the same prob with a similar van.

Step 1. Move a lot more weight forward, this will help a lot.

Step 2. Get a WDH, they make a world of difference.

Jim.

I need to learn quite a bit about towing soon (upcoming van project), but in research I've seen mention of (here and elsewhere) anti-sway bars can be an included accessory in a load levelling hitch setup - would pay to enquire direct with an expert. BTW - why not ascertain the tare on a weighbridge, then arrive at your gross and then get the ball to 10% of that one way or another - that classic formula might get rid of the sway in itself ?

Hi rehose.

I suspect the 75 Kg ball weight is the problem.

I have a 16 ft van which should have similar spec to yours. It has a Tare of 1060 and aggregate mass (fully loaded) of 1300. Now this means that the nominal ball weight should be 130kgs (10%) however some say that up to 15% is permissable.

The Hayman Reece 4 bar intermediate levellers are rated at 1300 / 130Kg so should be correct. Remember though that these llevellers are just that levellers, their purpose is to prevent the back of the car going down and the front comming up.

Check the loading of your van and make sure it is not back heavy also jack it up and check for looseness in the suspension.

The ball weight can be checked by using bathroom scales, you can even use the scales with a long bar and fulcrum so the full weight of the van is not on the scales. You then multiply the reading by the leverage ratio.

Hope this helps.

A WDH is only just a that, a weight distribution hitch, to distribute some weight off the rear axle to the front wheels of the tow tug and the vans wheels. The 4 bar should be fine for under 130kgs ball load. As a rough guide, ball weight generally needs to be up towards 10% of total weight of van, but a lot depends on how well the van is designed. A properly loaded and designed van shouldn't sway in normal conditions. BUT to help stability in bad weather, strong side winds etc.... try fitting one of the sway control devices, we use the HR friction Sway Control

Have used one for the last 120,000km towing over all roads.