Tow ball weight of tandem axle caravan

As far as I am aware the 10% rule regarding t/ball weight is a rule of thumb only. I would think the only way to measure it would be a weigh bridge or a visit to local caravan seller feller & ask them to use their weight gauge on it. At the weigh bridge have wheels off the bridge & either lower jockey wheel or put a lump of wood or similar under coupling.

I don't think it makes any difference how many axles you have. You still need weight on the towbar. Another thread on here suggests that anywhere between 5 and 10% should be fine. If you go too light it will be unstable.

Hi Pat

AFAIK the 10% rule is regardless of number of axles.
I tow a 22' tandem which weighs in at around 2500kg loaded and always aim for about 200kg minimum and 250kg maximum download on drawbar. Tows well and doesn't wander around in side wind or when passed by or passing roadtrains.

ob

Hi Pat,
I would be aiming for between 8 and 11 percent of the van weight on the draw bar. The 5 percent quoted would be too light in difficult conditions.

At that weight you can use the leveling/stabilizer bars very effectively to stabilize the tow as well.
Cheers, Bruce.

Fully loaded our van weighs 3.2t and tbw is 250kg. We've done two trips in the last year with a total of 16000km travelled and haven't had any problems towing on roads ranging from the Hume Highway to the Oodnadatta track.

We have a 100 series landcruiser, use a 350kg Hayman Reece wdh, and drive at about 90kph on bitumen and up to 75kph on the dirt.

regards

John