Tuesday, Mar 29, 2011 at 11:50
Viscount_Mauler,
16' is about the best you could get to on a single axle. Anything over that I would start considering a dual axle van.
As to keeping weight off the towball, you need to maintain about 10% of the total weight of the van on the towball, and then use a weight distribution hitch (hayman Reece make some good ones) to redistribute the weight on the vehicle evenly between both vehicle axles. Weight distribution of items stored in the van can be critical to this. Try to keep heavy items near the centre of the van.
As to the works vehicle, also get an electric brake controller installed.
As to loading of gear into the van, you need to be aware that the payload in caravans is usually limited to about 400Kg. this includes the water in underfloor tanks and gas in bottles mounted on the van. Once you add food, bedding and clothing, there is little left for personal items. Weigh everything as it goes in, and record. You will need to start discarding very quickly.
Next thing to consider is the payload on the vehicle itself. with 2 adults and a couple of kids, you end up getting very close to the vehicle payload. Attach a van, and you have to also watch that you don't exceed your gross combination mass of the tow vehicle.
Get hold if you preferred vehicles data sheet,
check max tow weight, towball downforce, (weight) and gross combination mass allowable. from these figures, deduct your family weight, etc and you will end up with a figure you can use for shopping for a van. you will be suprised just how little you can actually carry.
This is why most people end up towing with utes, twin or single cab, or 4 x 4 station wagons, just for the legal extra carrying capacity.
best of luck in you searching. it can be a minefield out there, but you are asking the right questions to stop you getting into strife.
Good luck with your shopping.
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