Weight distribution question

[JnK]

Originally Posted by SnakeDoctor

Source required on this, those numbers are certainly not in my manual and you are the first person on this forum to use these numbers.

EDIT: Apparently it's a copy/paste from the USA Manual.

Yep - exactly right - I was too lazy to walk to my vehicle and pull the manual from our 2015.....I had a US manual in digital form on my computer desktop - should have looked more closely at the numbers.
on page 300 of the paper 2015 Au manual - in a Warning box - it states it is mandatory to use a WDH if the gross trailer weight is 5000lbs or 2268kg or more.
Apologies
John

[SouthernComfort]

Important to remain within load ratings for both axles regardless of how you shift the balance around in the car. The ball download impacts on the rear, front occupants on the front. If you stay within the axle load ratings, plus the car's payload spec, plus the overall GVM and you are towing no more than 2268kg, theoretically you don't need a WDH. If you're right on the threshold (or preferably a bit under) and the caravan payload is properly balanced, the ball download shouldn't exceed 10%. Another determinant for a WDH is if the ball weight pushes the rear suspension down excessively. Personally I'm comfortable with a max 20-30mm drop on the rear arches. I'm within that and I don't use a WDH. I wouldn't exceed that drop.

A WDH can be your friend but it can also be your enemy if you get lazy and do not detach it before tight or extreme manouvers, including backing the van over steepish culverts and sharp parking turns. The stress of a WDH fighting against the car's chassis & tow bar can be enough to damage either or both in those situations.