My self and my partner Jacky are about to buy a new van. A retreat Whitehaven. We love the van but we are a bit concerned about the high ball weight of 282kg .
We are going to tow this van with a Mazda Bt50 with a max ball weight of 350kg. and a GCM of 6000kg
What worries me is that by the time we add a couple of gas bottles, a generator, a couple of push bikes to the drawbar and then load the van that we might exceed our 350kg limit.
The van has a tare of 2798kgs. ATM 3500kgs
I suppose the question is, if you start with a 282kg ball weight. What do you suppose the ball weight might be when the van is loaded ?
Are there any Whitehaven owners out there that can help me ?
You could put one of those modern Aluminium tool boxes on the back, and fill it with bits and pieces. It worked on our rig as our BA Falcon sedan was miles too soft in the back suspension. Also if you have any annex walls or roof you can put them at the back on or under the bed etc.
Goodluck.
Simmo.
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Hard work never killed anybody but why take the chance.
If you start with 282kg on the ball and spread the load throughout the van evenly the weight doesn't need to change too much.
I would be reluctant to attach the genni to the drawbar for safety reasons. Mine travels in the ute tub.
Due to the 'Pendulum effect' boxes of stuff at either extremity is asking for trouble.
If you want to look after your car and arrive at your destination safely, load the heavy stuff in the car, it takes less effort to Carry stuff than to Tow it.
Cheers neil
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Neil & Lynne
Pinjarra
Western Australia
MY23.5 Ford Wildtrak V6 Dual Cab / 21' Silverline 21-65.3
We always partly fill our fresh water tank which is located BEHIND the axle to offset the weight of 2 full gas bottles to keep our vans ball weight to a reasonable & allowable level. Setting up a van to tow safely is really just a balancing act.
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Cheers Desert Dweller.
Our land abounds in Natures gifts. Of beauty rich and rare.
I am putting an alloy box on the back of the Mazda so I am going to spread the weight around as best I can trying not to exceed the vehicles GVM and the GCM
I would be very careful in following exactly some of the advice offered above.
This video was posted just recently (by cupie) - I would suggest you watch it and be aware of the criticality of how you spread the load within your van.
