The ball weight listed on the compliance plate is the ball weight of the van empty, as in when it left the factory. This is measured at the same time as they measure the tare weight of the van.
As a general guide conventional wisdome indicates that your ball weight should be at least 8% of your total van weight. HOWEVER, every van and tug combination is different, thus a little experimentation is usually required to find what works best for you.
If I was you, I would start with a ball weight of say 10% of your van weight (as long as that is below the max limit of your tug/towbar), drive gently, and see how it feels. Too heavy and the front of the tug will feel light, two light and the van will feel very unstable, and wind sensitive.
Remember to take it easy until you are sure it is right, as any mismatch or imbalance can significantly reduce your safe speed.
Our caravan tare is 1620kgs, tow ball weight was 140kgs thats every thing out of the caravan, it I could move it I left it at home the reason this excercise was happening was because the van was going in for hail damage repair. I tried to give the repairer a blank page to work with, no spare wheel, no bedding and so on.
Since leaving the factory solar, large battery set up and storage for annex accessories have been added.
Interesting when loaded up 1990kgs with 180kgs on the tow ball. Which made me pretty happy as it has proved a good balance to tow.
On the plate it stated 1644kgs with 144kgs on the ball. Very realistic.
Once you load your van complete with gas, water that balance will change and then adding your personal gear, not knowing your van and if the bedrooms at the front the tow ball will get more weight by adding your personal gear.
All my weights were achieved by using a public weigh bridge approximate cost $25 each time, for peace of mind, just great
From here on in it will a bit of trial and error.
-- Edited by Radar on Wednesday 30th of December 2015 08:48:10 PM
Hi.Ihave a supreme 2012 classic and it goes 2360 kg fully loaded.[ I take it and get it weighed prior to each big trip.] My ball weight is 180 kg .I was concerned that it may have been a tad light on however after 3 yrs and many thousands of kays it tows great ! Cheers
