The majority of caravan crashes and incidents has been due to uneven or overweight loads, as well as lack of towing experience.
It is very important to understand your combined weight.
Ensure you have,
- Weighed your caravan and your vehicle,
2. Know your Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM)
3. Gross Trailer Mass (GTM) – (the Max mass recommended by the manufacturer when fully loaded and hitched to the tow vehicle.) = ATM minus Towball Weight.
4. Gross Combination Mass (GCM)
5. Understand how to find and use a public weigh bridge.
You must ensure that the loaded mass of your caravan stays below the maximum capacity of all four criteria as specified by the towing vehicle manufacturer, towbar manufacturer (if different to the towing vehicle) and the caravan manufacturer. The maximum capacity of each may be different and it is important that you do not exceed the maximum capacity of the lowest figure.
Often people plunge into caravanning after retirement without taking the time to learn proper towing a caravan or trailer skills. Gain the necessary skills before setting out on a caravan journey.
Talk to our towing specialist prior to installing a towbar to your vehicle.
07 5572 3533
Weight Distribution
Which Weight Distribution system is the correct one for you ?
Towing without a Hayman Reese Weight Distribution Systems can cause unnerving trailer sway, reduced steering and braking responsiveness, less traction and misaligned head lamps.
Hayman Reese Weight Distribution Systems improve safety, handling, control and comfort when towing.
When using a Weight Distribution System, the ball weight remains the same, however the load is evenly distributed through the vehicle’s chassis to all four wheels. It is important that the capacity of the Weight Distribution System is correctly chosen and that the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations are always followed.
Sway Control
The Dual Cam HP is fitted in conjunction with any Heavy Duty Hayman Reese Weight Distribution System that includes high performance spring bars with Cams. It is ideal for any trailers with a ball weights in excess of 200kg.
The advantage of the Dual Cam system is its ability to prevent sway in addition to sway resistance. It works to hold down the start of swaying activity while at the same time allowing free and easy vehicle and trailer interaction. To allow for easy reversing, Hayman Reese suggests that the Dual Cam Sway is removed.
Friction Sway
Trailer sway is one of the most common concerns for those who tow. Trailer sway can be influenced by poor weight distribution, tyre pressure, towing speed and suspension. But most commonly it is caused by strong winds and wind buffets from large vehicles such as trucks.
Complete sway control can be obtained by fitting a Hayman Reese Friction sway controller. Hayman Reese sway controllers are designed to be used in conjunction with a weight distributing systems and prevent trailer sway by restricting and damping the movement between the tow hitch and the trailer. Recommended for tow ball weights up to 200kg. To allow for easy reversing, Hayman Reese suggests that the Friction Sway Controller is removed.
