I am wondering, as a newbie, do I really need a load leveler system on a 21ft caravan dual axle?
goinsoon said
09:14 PM May 9, 2011
In a word yes
Two Strays said
09:49 PM May 9, 2011
Hi Tezzaandkay You may also need a sway bar in addition to the load leveler system.
Wombat 280 said
06:45 PM May 10, 2011
There are several trains of thought on this subject. Some tug manufacturers who fit their own tow hitches say no while others who fit after market units say yes. I drive a new Nissan Pathfinder and Nissan say no. When I was driving a Subaru Outback with self leveling suspension they also say no Then there are old time vanners that swear by them so I don't really know. I would be asking the question of the tug dealer. If your vehicle is still within the warranty period it could effect this aspect of the suspension warranty. Have driven with and without without a problem .
Would be very interested in what you find out from your vehicles manufacturer
Cupie said
08:31 PM May 10, 2011
What Wombat says is true & you should follow it thru with your Vehicle & van manufacturers
... But I am one of the 'Old Timers" & if you are in the least bit of doubt .. Install a Hayman Reese WDH.
ps. I have a 21'6" 2.4ton dual axel van pulled by an old Patrol & wouldn't think about going on the road without the WDH.
-- Edited by Cupie on Tuesday 10th of May 2011 08:33:28 PM
russhenn said
01:14 AM May 11, 2011
goinsoon wrote:
In a word yes
Check tow ball height and front wheel guard before hitch up of van. Hitch up then remeasure your heights then trot off to nearest weighbridge. Weight both van and tug when fully loaded. If you can, unhitch van and weight it by it's lonesome. Now you will have a true idea of the weights and strains you are putting on everything. Have a chat with the people like Pedders(aust wide). They can guide you on your best and safest course.
(Me - Nissan Patrol Ute fitted with airbags, 2.7 ton, towing Supreme 23' tandem Ezylift load levelers 2.9654 ton + wet towels) I am glad and safer with the bits fitted.
jimricho said
05:55 AM May 11, 2011
I have friends who have a 5 1/2 metre Jayco Sterling (2400kg ATM I think). Before they fitted their Hayman Reece WDH they had a few scary moments. Since fitting the WDH it now tows quite nicely. They had to modify the suspension on their Disco to make it compatible. (removed the bags and fitted coils). I get the impression this is a fairly common mod to Discos to accommodate the WDH.
My Pajero specifies 2500kg towing maximum subject to a WDH being fitted. The Goldstream's ATM is 1350 and tows very nicely so I don't use one. It also has a Treg hitch that complicates matters with WDHs
Father Ted said
07:27 AM May 11, 2011
goinsoon wrote:
In a word yes
I second that.most essential.
Sue - Steve Gazel said
02:47 PM May 11, 2011
We went to get a weight distribution system fitted to our 2006 XTrail and were told by the company that Nissan do not advise fitting such equipment, as the vehicle doesn't have a full chassis and these systems put a lot of stress on your towbar mounting points. Not sure if Pathfinders have a full chassis?
Regards
rockylizard said
08:19 PM May 11, 2011
tezzaandkay wrote:
I am wondering....... do I really need a load leveler system on a 21ft caravan dual axle?
Gday...
I add my response to the "yes" vote. However, we are not aware of your tow vehicle and its age/model.
If it is an "older' Cruiser/Patrol then I would suggest you definitely get a WDH and (as a newbie) get it set up properly either by the caravan dealer or the WDH supplier.
The comments regarding 'warranty isues' on 'newer' vehicles is also valid. Read your owner's manual carefully and ask the manufacturer - perhaps through the dealer if you trust them. Many dealers/salesmen do not know so almost say the first thing that comes into their head.
Happy (and safe) Travelling
John
goinsoon said
08:20 PM May 11, 2011
russhenn wrote:
goinsoon wrote:
In a word yes
Check tow ball height and front wheel guard before hitch up of van. Hitch up then remeasure your heights then trot off to nearest weighbridge. Weight both van and tug when fully loaded. If you can, unhitch van and weight it by it's lonesome. Now you will have a true idea of the weights and strains you are putting on everything. Have a chat with the people like Pedders(aust wide). They can guide you on your best and safest course.
(Me - Nissan Patrol Ute fitted with airbags, 2.7 ton, towing Supreme 23' tandem Ezylift load levelers 2.9654 ton + wet towels) I am glad and safer with the bits fitted.
As I said "In a word yes"
better safe than sorry
ozjohn said
12:14 PM May 16, 2011
I wouldn't consider for one moment towing a van without an appropriate WDH.
So that leaves out the Nissan X-trail as both Nissan and Hayman Reese say definitely no way. The chassis isn't strong enough to handle the twisting forces.
Cheers, ozjohn Currently in Phoenix Arizona.
-- Edited by ozjohn on Monday 16th of May 2011 12:15:16 PM
Rip and Rosie said
01:06 PM Jun 8, 2011
WDH is not recommended by Hyundai for the Santa Fe either.
Currently researching this for the purchase of a new tug, and so contacted Hyundai tech support- they assure that towing within the capacity of the vehicle (2000kgs with a ball weight of 150kgs) can be safely done without WDH.
Ignoring the recommendation, and using WDH will affect the warrenty and, if there is an accident, void insurance...... bit of a problem that!
Rosie
ShortNorth said
07:14 AM Apr 17, 2013
KIA are similar in the non-approved use of WDH's like their sister company Hyundai.
I've recently joined the Forum, and have started to look through the older posts.
I have noted a few comments about Kia Sportages and Sorentos and WDH's.
I intend towing with a Kia, and only last week emailed Kia to see if they approved the use of WDH's - this is their reply:
QUOTE
Thank you for contacting Kia Motors Australia.
The maximum towing capacities are stated on the tow bar compliance plate and these capacities cannot be exceeded by law.
Kia does not recommend the use of load leveling devices on any Kia vehicle fitted with a genuine Kia accessory tow bar, any damage caused to the vehicle or tow bar with the use of load leveling devices will not be covered under the vehicles warranty. Kia Motors Australia does not sell load leveling devices as an approved genuine accessory.
Under no circumstances should load leveling devices be used on any vehicle equipped electronic stability control (ESP).
UNQUOTE
Now that is a far reaching statement !!!
Notice that although the Kia Sportage and Sorrento are popular RV tow vehicles, KIA does not even approve of using WDHs with those vehicles.
If there are any existing Kia owners out there towing their vans (or other camper trailers or caravans) with WDHs, they should cease using the WDH immediately.
More important, is the statement about using WDHs with ANY vehicles fitted with ESC. As most recent and current vehicles are fitted with ESC, and as the ADRs change, tending towards making ESC standard on all future vehicles sold in Australia, it will sound the death knell for WDHs.
If you have any tow vehicle, of any brand, fitted with ESC and using a WDH, you should cease using the WDH immediately. If in any doubt, ask your vehicle manufacturer if a WDH is approved for your vehicle, and if not, to cease using it immediately.
If you are involved in an accident with WDHs attached, and they have not been approved by your vehicle manufacturer, the insurance company will void your insurance immediately, as the system is not in accordance with the manufacturers recommendations possibly leaving you open to substantial financial penalties and associated stress.
Food for thought - what do you reckon !!!
sandsmere said
01:43 PM Apr 17, 2013
I reckon you should contact your caravan insurers and see what they to say .
Interesting subject for sure .
PeterD said
01:00 AM Apr 18, 2013
Wombat 280 wrote:
There are several trains of thought on this subject. Some tug manufacturers who fit their own tow hitches say no while others who fit after market units say yes. I drive a new Nissan Pathfinder and Nissan say no.
Nissan do not say no. What they say is "Nissan Motor Co do not recommend the use of load levelling devices or weight distribution devices with genuine Nissan tow bar. Further, genuine Nissan tow bars must be used for towing purposes only." That is different to saying NO. The second sentence also indicates not hanging bike racks on them.
The way around that is to use a HR tow bar. HR then warrants the installation.
I am wondering, as a newbie, do I really need a load leveler system on a 21ft caravan dual axle?
YES!
hako said
03:29 AM Apr 19, 2013
ShortNorth wrote:
SNIP
If you are involved in an accident with WDHs attached, and they have not been approved by your vehicle manufacturer, the insurance company will void your insurance immediately, as the system is not in accordance with the manufacturers recommendations possibly leaving you open to substantial financial penalties and associated stress.
The insurance company can only refuse insurance if the WDH contributed to the accident as far as I am aware.
I am wondering, as a newbie, do I really need a load leveler system on a 21ft caravan dual axle?
In a word yes
You may also need a sway bar in addition to the load leveler system.
Would be very interested in what you find out from your vehicles manufacturer
What Wombat says is true & you should follow it thru with your Vehicle & van manufacturers
... But I am one of the 'Old Timers" & if you are in the least bit of doubt .. Install a Hayman Reese WDH.
ps. I have a 21'6" 2.4ton dual axel van pulled by an old Patrol & wouldn't think about going on the road without the WDH.
-- Edited by Cupie on Tuesday 10th of May 2011 08:33:28 PM
Check tow ball height and front wheel guard before hitch up of van. Hitch up then remeasure your heights then trot off to nearest weighbridge. Weight both van and tug when fully loaded. If you can, unhitch van and weight it by it's lonesome. Now you will have a true idea of the weights and strains you are putting on everything. Have a chat with the people like Pedders(aust wide). They can guide you on your best and safest course.
(Me - Nissan Patrol Ute fitted with airbags, 2.7 ton, towing Supreme 23' tandem Ezylift load levelers 2.9654 ton + wet towels) I am glad and safer with the bits fitted.
My Pajero specifies 2500kg towing maximum subject to a WDH being fitted. The Goldstream's ATM is 1350 and tows very nicely so I don't use one. It also has a Treg hitch that complicates matters with WDHs
We went to get a weight distribution system fitted to our 2006 XTrail and were told by the company that Nissan do not advise fitting such equipment, as the vehicle doesn't have a full chassis and these systems put a lot of stress on your towbar mounting points. Not sure if Pathfinders have a full chassis?
Regards
Gday...
I add my response to the "yes" vote. However, we are not aware of your tow vehicle and its age/model.
If it is an "older' Cruiser/Patrol then I would suggest you definitely get a WDH and (as a newbie) get it set up properly either by the caravan dealer or the WDH supplier.
The comments regarding 'warranty isues' on 'newer' vehicles is also valid. Read your owner's manual carefully and ask the manufacturer - perhaps through the dealer if you trust them. Many dealers/salesmen do not know so almost say the first thing that comes into their head.
Happy (and safe) Travelling
John
As I said "In a word yes"
better safe than sorry
I wouldn't consider for one moment towing a van without an appropriate WDH.
So that leaves out the Nissan X-trail as both Nissan and Hayman Reese say definitely no way. The chassis isn't strong enough to handle the twisting forces.
Cheers, ozjohn
Currently in Phoenix Arizona.
-- Edited by ozjohn on Monday 16th of May 2011 12:15:16 PM
Currently researching this for the purchase of a new tug, and so contacted Hyundai tech support- they assure that towing within the capacity of the vehicle (2000kgs with a ball weight of 150kgs) can be safely done without WDH.
Ignoring the recommendation, and using WDH will affect the warrenty and, if there is an accident, void insurance...... bit of a problem that!
Rosie
KIA are similar in the non-approved use of WDH's like their sister company Hyundai.
I've recently joined the Forum, and have started to look through the older posts.
I have noted a few comments about Kia Sportages and Sorentos and WDH's.
I intend towing with a Kia, and only last week emailed Kia to see if they approved the use of WDH's - this is their reply:
QUOTE
Thank you for contacting Kia Motors Australia.
The maximum towing capacities are stated on the tow bar compliance plate and these capacities cannot be exceeded by law.
Kia does not recommend the use of load leveling devices on any Kia vehicle fitted with a genuine Kia accessory tow bar, any damage caused to the vehicle or tow bar with the use of load leveling devices will not be covered under the vehicles warranty. Kia Motors Australia does not sell load leveling devices as an approved genuine accessory.
Under no circumstances should load leveling devices be used on any vehicle equipped electronic stability control (ESP).
UNQUOTE
Now that is a far reaching statement !!!
Notice that although the Kia Sportage and Sorrento are popular RV tow vehicles, KIA does not even approve of using WDHs with those vehicles.
If there are any existing Kia owners out there towing their vans (or other camper trailers or caravans) with WDHs, they should cease using the WDH immediately.
More important, is the statement about using WDHs with ANY vehicles fitted with ESC. As most recent and current vehicles are fitted with ESC, and as the ADRs change, tending towards making ESC standard on all future vehicles sold in Australia, it will sound the death knell for WDHs.
If you have any tow vehicle, of any brand, fitted with ESC and using a WDH, you should cease using the WDH immediately. If in any doubt, ask your vehicle manufacturer if a WDH is approved for your vehicle, and if not, to cease using it immediately.
If you are involved in an accident with WDHs attached, and they have not been approved by your vehicle manufacturer, the insurance company will void your insurance immediately, as the system is not in accordance with the manufacturers recommendations possibly leaving you open to substantial financial penalties and associated stress.
Food for thought - what do you reckon !!!
I reckon you should contact your caravan insurers and see what they to say .
Interesting subject for sure .
Nissan do not say no. What they say is "Nissan Motor Co do not recommend the use of load levelling devices or weight distribution devices with genuine Nissan tow bar. Further, genuine Nissan tow bars must be used for towing purposes only." That is different to saying NO. The second sentence also indicates not hanging bike racks on them.
The way around that is to use a HR tow bar. HR then warrants the installation.
This nonsense is just Nissan Australia. Nissan USA actually has WDH in their catalogue.
YES!
The insurance company can only refuse insurance if the WDH contributed to the accident as far as I am aware.