Hi all Grey Nomads! Heading north for winter for my first big trip, & more than a little bit excited. Looking forward to meeting some of you on the way.
Ive got an Avan Aliner which is great to tow on the back of my Ford Kuga, but Im really confused about all the weights-ATM, GTM, ball weight etc. Im almost 100% certain that I comply with all the requirements, but Ill be adding a fair amount of weight for the big trip compared to my usual little 2-7 day adventures.
Ive read the caravan councils website, but Im not much wiser. Can anybody give me some simple advice on how to get my head around the confusion of various tare requirements please?
cheers
Dougwe said
08:35 AM Mar 25, 2021
Welcome to the gang Kate, enjoy here and out in the playground.
Nice choice with the Avan. I had a Avan Sportliner many moons back now and had a great time with it and met many great people and formed many friendships. It also went to Nth Queensland three times from Victoria.
Now, weights, that can open up a can of worms around here as there are a couple of Xspurts. Ooops, spelt that wrong, well maybe?
Trying to keep it simple cos I am....
There will be a compliance plate on the Avan and more than likely on the A frame of just inside a outside cupboard somewhere. That will give you the weights you need to know. The ATM is the main thing to make sure you don't go over weight with and the tow ball weight as well. As for the car, your owners manual will have all the weights you need to know. The towbar should also have a plate saying it's max allowed towed weight. Remember, keep everything UNDER weight, including the combined car and Avan when hooked up and all will be good.
The best way to check if your weights are good or bad is to put it over a weighbridge. I weigh both together, then separate and weigh car. Do your sums and you will know if you can add anything or have to cull. I use a tow ball weight scale to get that weight and it has been tested to be accurate to only one kg over what it actually reads so happy for that.
Keep Safe on the roads and out there.
-- Edited by Dougwe on Thursday 25th of March 2021 09:06:21 AM
Kabee said
08:40 PM Mar 25, 2021
Thats exactly what I wanted to know-simple & understandable. Many thanks
Tony Bev said
10:36 PM Mar 25, 2021
A warm welcome from me also, Kate
I could not have explained it any better than Doug
Hi all Grey Nomads! Heading north for winter for my first big trip, & more than a little bit excited. Looking forward to meeting some of you on the way.
Ive got an Avan Aliner which is great to tow on the back of my Ford Kuga, but Im really confused about all the weights-ATM, GTM, ball weight etc. Im almost 100% certain that I comply with all the requirements, but Ill be adding a fair amount of weight for the big trip compared to my usual little 2-7 day adventures.
Ive read the caravan councils website, but Im not much wiser. Can anybody give me some simple advice on how to get my head around the confusion of various tare requirements please?
cheers
Welcome to the gang Kate, enjoy here and out in the playground.
Nice choice with the Avan. I had a Avan Sportliner many moons back now and had a great time with it and met many great people and formed many friendships. It also went to Nth Queensland three times from Victoria.
Now, weights, that can open up a can of worms around here as there are a couple of Xspurts. Ooops, spelt that wrong, well maybe?
Trying to keep it simple cos I am....
There will be a compliance plate on the Avan and more than likely on the A frame of just inside a outside cupboard somewhere. That will give you the weights you need to know. The ATM is the main thing to make sure you don't go over weight with and the tow ball weight as well. As for the car, your owners manual will have all the weights you need to know. The towbar should also have a plate saying it's max allowed towed weight. Remember, keep everything UNDER weight, including the combined car and Avan when hooked up and all will be good.
The best way to check if your weights are good or bad is to put it over a weighbridge. I weigh both together, then separate and weigh car. Do your sums and you will know if you can add anything or have to cull. I use a tow ball weight scale to get that weight and it has been tested to be accurate to only one kg over what it actually reads so happy for that.
Keep Safe on the roads and out there.
-- Edited by Dougwe on Thursday 25th of March 2021 09:06:21 AM
I could not have explained it any better than Doug
I am also not a techi