Towing weight distribution with limited ball weight capacity

Submitted: Sunday, Feb 18, 2024 at 19:41
ThreadID: 147013 Views:1689 Replies:5 FollowUps:2
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Is it safe to lower % ball weight of a trailer when loading if you keep it within safe range. Eg trailer tare of 1100kg and 100kg ball weight. Strategically loading trailer to 1400kg atm and keeping ball weight to 100kg which is in acceptable range and 7% of trailer weight? This would require loading some of the payload behind the axle which seems a bad idea but if it is in range the trailer should be still balanced safely and not actually too heavy in the rear. Am i missing something? I have a towball weight measuring rod for this purpose. Any feedback appreciated, thankyou.
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Reply By: Peter_n_Margaret - Sunday, Feb 18, 2024 at 20:11

Sunday, Feb 18, 2024 at 20:11
Yaw inertia is as important as ball weight.
To keep yaw inertia to a minimum, keep heavy items close to the axle and away from the ends of the trailer.
Caravan stability by the Bath University
In my experience, if the tug is significantly heavier than the trailer, the ball weight can be reduced significantly.
Cheers,
Peter
OKA196 motorhome
AnswerID: 645319

Reply By: Brett C16 - Sunday, Feb 18, 2024 at 21:03

Sunday, Feb 18, 2024 at 21:03
Thanks for your reply i will read up on your suggestion.
AnswerID: 645320

Follow Up By: Peter_n_Margaret - Sunday, Feb 18, 2024 at 22:04

Sunday, Feb 18, 2024 at 22:04
Some light reading :)
Collyn Rivers
Cheers,
Peter
OKA196 motorhome

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FollowupID: 925610

Reply By: RMD - Sunday, Feb 18, 2024 at 21:38

Sunday, Feb 18, 2024 at 21:38
Brett
I know one Jayco van which weighs around 1400kg has a ball weight of 90kg . stated in their brochure. The van does have electronic stability. ALKO!
AnswerID: 645321

Reply By: Gronk - Wednesday, Feb 21, 2024 at 14:12

Wednesday, Feb 21, 2024 at 14:12
Never reduce ballweight by adding weight behind the axle.
If it can’t be added over the axle, forget the idea.
Some trailers have less than 7% ballweight, but they will be built with most weight near the axle(s)
AnswerID: 645343

Follow Up By: Member - Cuppa - Tuesday, Feb 27, 2024 at 09:13

Tuesday, Feb 27, 2024 at 09:13
There are exceptions I think.

Depends upon the design of the van/trailer & where the axle is located.

Our Tvan was a good example.

We routinely reduced our towball weight by packing heavy items both over the axle & behind it.

With the axle a long way back this packed weight was not far behind the axle, & with most of the van’s length in front of the axle.

Having two 20 litre jerries of diesel just rearward of the axle was a deliberate weight distribution strategy as well as an emergency supply of fuel (rarely used).

Tvan fully loaded was around 1200kg, with a ball weigh packed thus at 105-110, towed by a Patrol at or close to it’s GVM of 3900kg (including the tow ball weight).

Never once had any instability whatsoever. A testament to good design.
See 'My Profile' (below) for link to our Aussie travel blog, now in it's 6th year.

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FollowupID: 925678

Reply By: Batt's - Thursday, Feb 22, 2024 at 12:28

Thursday, Feb 22, 2024 at 12:28
Yes as long as it's balanced correctly but if traveling on rough roads etc it's reccommended to have around 10% at least.
AnswerID: 645356

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