Balance Your Load with Caravan Weight Distribution Bars: A Guide to Choosing the Best Solution
Losing control while towing your caravan can endanger both your vehicle and its contents, potentially leading to accidents. Fortunately, you can avoid these hazards by using caravan weight distribution bars or specialised tow hitches, which will help restore your vehicle's stability and ensure everything is level.
A caravan weight distribution hitch maintains a correct level between the tow vehicle and the caravan for a smoother ride. It also allows you to brake and tow safely by preventing lifting or sagging. Different types are available in the market, so you must get the best solution for your towing needs. Use this guide to buy the right product.
Do You Need One?
Not all caravans will need a weight distribution bar, but you’ll need one for a heavy or long caravan You can skip the weight distribution hitch if your van is well-balanced and reasonably lightweight
If unsure, measure the rear and front heights of your vehicle’s wheel arches while unloaded and the caravan’s front and rear heights when the caravan is level Hitch up your van to measure the wheel arch and determine if the difference exceeds 20mm If it is, try rebalancing the load, and if it still exceed 20mm, start looking into caravan weight distribution bars
Identify The Tow Ball Weight
Tow ball weight is 10 per cent of the GTM (gross trailer mass), the total mass rating you can impose on the axle while the trailer is coupled to your towing vehicle and fully loaded.
Check the Tow Ball Height
Most towing vehicles need an adjustable tall ball mount. Some caravan weight distribution bars come with a shank.
Pick an Appropriate Shank
An appropriate-sized shank can ensure a level tow. Measure the hitch height and coupler height, and subtract the hitch height from the coupler height to get the drop. If the trailer is higher than the tow vehicle, subtract the coupler height from the hitch height to get the rise. The majority of hitches have standard three to six-inch shanks, but some higher vehicles or those with lift kits may need a larger shank.
Determine the Space on the Caravan’s A-frame
Next you will need to check that the brackets or clamps for the spring bars will fit along side your jockey wheel. The majority of caravans now have 150mm deep A-frames so it should be pretty easy to find a caravan tow hitch with enough clearance.
Check Your Brakes
You can use any weight distribution bar if you have electric brakes. However, caravan weight distribution bars can interfere with the proper function of manual override brakes.