We have recently purchased a new 23' van in preparation for spending 18 months to 2 years on the road. One of my concerns about the van was that it's 2 x 95lt tanks are both behind the axles. Although I'm not super experienced with vans I raised the mater with the sales guy saying it would be my preference to relocate one of them in front on axles as there where already mounting points there on the chassis and I was worried all that weight behind could cause a bit of sway. His response was that with the weight back there it would take weight off the ball which was a good thing (according to him).
As we plan to do as much free camping as possible when we travel and as the mounting brackets are there, I opted to have a third tank fitted before delivery my logic being I will mainly use the tanks imediately in front and behind the axels and only fill the rear when we know we are about to free camping which will give us around 275lts of water.
I'm keen to hear from others who have traveled for a while on this topic on if it is me or thr salesman who are on the right track?
We have 3 80 litre tanks. The rear tank is mounted above and behind the tandem wheel set. The middle tank is above and in front of the tandem wheel set while the front tank is well in front of the tandem wheel set. In addition we have a 164 litre grey water tank well to the rear of the axles. In our experience we try to keep as much weight on the ball as possible because, in our experience, it improves the vans stability. But that would be different for all vans since others would load the van differently than we do so centres of gravity and other factors would differ when considering how the van would ride. Its really a case of "such it and see" but I still prefer the van to be a little nose down.
I think that sales guy needs a good kick in the bum and learn a little about caravan safety.
If you have two tanks one needs to be in front of the axle, taking weight off the ball shows his ignorance, as you obviously know, you need weight on the ball. At least 10% of the van weight.
You don't say who the manufacturer is, but I would seek out some professional advice on this, sounds pretty shonky to me.
Hopefully others here can offer more advice. If not too late, maybe demand a weigh bridge certificate, showing GTM, ATM, and ball weight. And make sure the VIN plate matches the weighbridge figures.
If these cowboys aren't brought to heel they will continue giving the caravan industry a bad name.
Bevan
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Bevan
Friendship is not a relationship with someone whom you've known for a long time, but with someone you trust, under any circumstances.
Our next setup we will carry 500l or more in the back of the tug and pump into the standard van tank whenever needed. We were looking at 1000l and may still do that depending on how that weights add up on the light truck. Our objectives were for very long remote stays prospecting etc. I'd prefer to keep the Van as light as possible so water, generator, and a decent solar / battery setup will all be in the truck along with washing machine, tools and maybe a quad bike and trailer.
I'd avoid adding any additional tanks to a caravan, just my opinion..
A bit more Information go's a long way. (not trying to be rude, We want to help you out) What is your vans ball weight empty for a start please.
From your Avatar photo the vans gas bottles are out on the A frame with the boot behind. What are you going to plan on putting in that boot that may load up your ball weight to the moon and beyond.
If you are going on the road for two years.
Some of the new vans coming onto the market still use a full conventional tandum axle leaf spring set up with out electronic staybillity control ( ESC).
We have a new Jayco Journey Outback, As dose Iana on here.
Our tanks are forward of the tandum full independent suspention with (ESC) fitted.
I have A big empty boot that our Eu2 Honda must be stored within. I would love to carry three jerry cans in there as well, as we will be doing a lot of remote travels.
We had fitted at the factory a 82lt grey water tank which is at the rear to accommodate the kitchen and shower above.
I need to move the front tank rearwards to take off as much as possible the weight that is already too far forward.
So in my opinion, First I would be placing the items that you are thinking of carrying in / around the van, and then weighing the ball weight to see where your at, before worrying about your tanks been at the rear.
To give you a bit of a prospective our boat in our avatar is 6mts, 7.4mtr over all. I place a 200Lt fish box diagonally across at the read of the boat with 7 full jerry cans = 154kg sitting within. the rest of our camping gear is loaded over the axles an bulky items up in the cabin which puts 10 -12 % on the ball. there's a 115ph four stroke outboard motor hanging off the back to think about as well.
This whole rig travels from Sydney to Exmouth every second year for the last 12 years with a conventional tandem load sharing axle. the whole rig weighs 2000kg. I tow the whole rig at 100km all the way and I have never ever had an issue with sway.
I tow with a 200 series GX TTD Land Cruiser which also has the weight and foot print for both of our trailers.
I have only ever used air bags. with a full independent suspentioned tow vehicle's whilst towing.
Do the balance testing first before moving the tanks or you may be putting them back in the original positions.
I hope I have helped a bit. Other's here will have their own ideas. However it will come down to how you and you alone feel comfortable towing your rig.
Regards Jim & Lambie
-- Edited by Hey Jim on Sunday 7th of February 2016 01:31:07 PM
