RV FEATURE
By and large (and as long as sensibly laden) a tow
vehicle pulling an equally sensibly laden caravan
that is no heavier than that tow vehicle is unlikely
to be unstable — but never risk towing above 100
km/h as associated forces then truly escalate. There is a good case for using AL-KO or Dexter
electronic stability control, but only to safeguard
an already stable rig. Both companies responsibly
state their product “cannot overcome the laws
of physics”.
TYRE PRESSSURES SUMMING UP
A major and widely overlooked factor in tow
vehicle stability is its rear tyre pressure when
towing. When a caravan is hitched up, its
(essential) nose mass pushes down hard on the
towbar. That, like pushing down on the handles
of a wheelbarrow, increases the load on the tow
vehicle’s rear tyres. That in turn increases their
tendency toward oversteer.
It is essential to run those tow vehicle rear tyres
at a pressure that reflects that added load. This
will typically be from 7-10 psi (50-70 kPa) higher.
Never increase front pressure — reducing by 2-3
psi (15-21 kPa) actually assists while towing. In
some cases, using correct tyre pressures alone
can transform handling.
Caravan and tow vehicle stability is a far more
complex issue than at first it appears. This,
The ratio of hitch overhang
to the wheelbase of the tow
vehicle is important.
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