What is Noseweight?
Noseweight is the downward force of your caravan’s coupling head on your vehicle's towball. It’s a very important element to consider when choosing a tow bar. The downward force decreases as you go faster, so it is really important to have sufficient noseweight especially when you are standing still.
What should your noseweight be?
This will differ depending on your car manufacturer and your caravan. The recommended noseweight for towing stability is 5-7% of your caravan’s actual laden weight.
You can find the specific noseweight for your caravan in your car manufacturer’s owner’s handbook.
How noseweight is calculated
The ideal noseweight is based on your vehicle's suspension, the effects on steering and traction, and the strength of the towbar and mounting.
It’s crucial and for a safety point that you do not exceed the recommended noseweight for your car.
Measuring a noseweight
There are many different noseweight gauges out there but we recommend you use one that’s marked with the British Standard - you’ll find these more reliable, accurate, and durable.
If you don’t have a gauge you can always use your bathroom scales. Simply lower the front steadies halfway and place the scales under the coupling head with a suitable piece of wood in between.
How often should you check your noseweight?
You should check your noseweight at the start of each trip out and when you change your car or buy a new caravan.
If your caravan is tilting
If, once you’ve loaded your caravan, you find it is tilting backwards, your noseweight is too low. Try moving heavier items towards the front of your caravan.
If you find your caravan is tilting forward, your noseweight is far too high.
Try moving heavier items to just behind your caravan axle. Or remove the payload from the front of your caravan entirely.
So, for all your caravan and motoring accessories this season look no further than the team at Bowers Automotive – call us on 01782 590 700 or email enquiries@bowersautoparts.net.