tailwag

Submitted: Friday, Oct 29, 2010 at 03:05

ThreadID: 126980 Views:3529 Replies:3 FollowUps:5

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Freewheelers

hi guys
we are getting a little tailwag when running against compression down hill on rough roads
a check of the ball weight shows a modest 250 kg for a loaded 20 ft van (dont know van weight) we have thought how we can transfer weight from rear to front but there are not any real options other than adding another water tank at the front & not using the rear one any thoughts
our van is 2005 does any body know what brand of tank bt were fitting at that time
cheers

Stephen & Deborah

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Reply By: Gone Bush - Friday, Oct 29, 2010 at 03:18

Friday, Oct 29, 2010 at 03:18

When you look at the van and vehicle is the hitch about 50mm lower than horizontal?

If it is horizontal (with more weight behind the van's axles than in front) or a little UP at the hitch this will cause tail wagging.

AnswerID: 581428

Follow Up By: Freewheelers - Sunday, Oct 31, 2010 at 23:31

Sunday, Oct 31, 2010 at 23:31

hi stephen
good name even spelt right
this sounds promising we are horizontal to a little high at the hitch we have the at 35 under the plate so can switch it around
problem is the weight distribution bars then hit the a frame on thight turns any got a solution cheers

Stephen & Deborah

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FollowupID: 853022

Follow Up By: Gone Bush - Monday, Nov 01, 2010 at 01:34

Monday, Nov 01, 2010 at 01:34

I wouldn't put the hitch on top of the drawbar. See if your Reese hitch has a lower bolt hole to use and if so, drop the receiver (is it a DO35? If yes, then the "cone" shaped receiver) down one bolt hole.

That should do it.

If you haven't got a spare lower bolt hole take your hitch to a Reese dealer and see if you can get one with a lower drop. The 200 series I have uses a 150mm drop whereas the 100 series uses a 100mm drop. Looking at your photo I think you are using a 100 series. The extra 50mm might be all you need.

FollowupID: 853023

Reply By: Searenity - Friday, Oct 29, 2010 at 06:38

Friday, Oct 29, 2010 at 06:38

Stephen,
when braking down-hill on rough roads, I generally apply the BT brakes via the controller to ensure that the van is under control.

cheers

Searenity

AnswerID: 581429

Follow Up By: Gone Bush - Friday, Oct 29, 2010 at 07:08

Friday, Oct 29, 2010 at 07:08

Yep, me too. Especially if the road is wet bitumen or pea gravel if unsealed.

FollowupID: 853024

Follow Up By: Freewheelers - Sunday, Oct 31, 2010 at 23:32

Sunday, Oct 31, 2010 at 23:32

hi guys
the problem is against compression not under braking
cheers

Stephen & Deborah

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FollowupID: 853025

Reply By: Noosa Fox - Friday, Oct 29, 2010 at 18:38

Friday, Oct 29, 2010 at 18:38

Stephen,

If you have a Techonsha Prodigy brake controller, try using the BOOST 3 and that will put a lot more braking on the caravan and should keep everything straighter.

Brian