I bought a caravan, stripped it out (air cond, fridge, cooker gone). Added Solar panels and batteries. I have no idea of the whys and where fores. I do know a bit about physics but at this juncture it has been mostly about finding myself a roof. Legal is good. Safe is a must. All advise is more than welcome.
Dougwe said
03:46 PM Oct 1, 2015
Mmmmm, distribute weight as evenly as possible. That said, keep the bulk of weight i.e. Fridge, stove, batteries and water tank around the axle area. Apart from that, even as you go. That's saying you want those things as there was someone a short time ago here that didn't want all those gizmos and thingamajigs. Just a quick thought there.
Plendo said
04:09 PM Oct 1, 2015
Hi Mark,
sounds like an interesting project. As Doug said keep the heavy items as close to your axle(s) as possible, then use the other items to get about 10% of your weight on the tow ball.
Having said that I would try to avoid adding anything heavy at the rear of the van, it seams to act like a pendulum.
If you are looking at a significant amount of solar, then consider the light weight semi flexible panels, and build mounts that allow air flow under the panels (I wish i had).
I hope this helps.
Peter_n_Margaret said
04:28 PM Oct 1, 2015
Dougwe wrote:
Mmmmm, distribute weight as evenly as possible. That said, keep the bulk of weight i.e. Fridge, stove, batteries and water tank around the axle area.
Sounds a bit conflicting?
Best to centralise the mass over the axles and avoid mass at the ends of the van. Do NOT distribute it "evenly".
This is to reduce the yaw inertia which is the main enemy of towing stability, especially with longer vans.
As Plendo says, pay close attention to mass reduction. It is always hard to get it out once it is in.
Cheers,
Peter
-- Edited by Peter_n_Margaret on Thursday 1st of October 2015 04:29:44 PM
Woody n Sue said
08:34 PM Oct 1, 2015
Might suggest two or even three smaller water tanks rather than one big one less sloshing of contents when partly empty also security of supply if one should get punctured
-- Edited by Woody n Sue on Thursday 1st of October 2015 08:36:03 PM
Aus-Kiwi said
10:48 PM Oct 1, 2015
Weight ( as in water tanks) under floor just I front of axles actually assists in stability .. Having lower centre of gravity..fridges etc can be fitted JUST on or To the rear of axles if it makes for better room inside.. Balancing weight ..
-- Edited by Aus-Kiwi on Thursday 1st of October 2015 10:49:34 PM
I bought a caravan, stripped it out (air cond, fridge, cooker gone). Added Solar panels and batteries. I have no idea of the whys and where fores. I do know a bit about physics but at this juncture it has been mostly about finding myself a roof. Legal is good. Safe is a must. All advise is more than welcome.
Hi Mark,
sounds like an interesting project. As Doug said keep the heavy items as close to your axle(s) as possible, then use the other items to get about 10% of your weight on the tow ball.
Having said that I would try to avoid adding anything heavy at the rear of the van, it seams to act like a pendulum.
If you are looking at a significant amount of solar, then consider the light weight semi flexible panels, and build mounts that allow air flow under the panels (I wish i had).
I hope this helps.
Sounds a bit conflicting?
Best to centralise the mass over the axles and avoid mass at the ends of the van. Do NOT distribute it "evenly".
This is to reduce the yaw inertia which is the main enemy of towing stability, especially with longer vans.
As Plendo says, pay close attention to mass reduction. It is always hard to get it out once it is in.
Cheers,
Peter
-- Edited by Peter_n_Margaret on Thursday 1st of October 2015 04:29:44 PM
Might suggest two or even three smaller water tanks rather than one big one less sloshing of contents when partly empty also security of supply if one should get punctured
-- Edited by Woody n Sue on Thursday 1st of October 2015 08:36:03 PM
Weight ( as in water tanks) under floor just I front of axles actually assists in stability .. Having lower centre of gravity..fridges etc can be fitted JUST on or
To the rear of axles if it makes for better room inside.. Balancing weight ..
-- Edited by Aus-Kiwi on Thursday 1st of October 2015 10:49:34 PM