| RV FEATURE
MYTH 3
For optimum stability, all
caravans need about 10%
tow ball mass.
REALITY
Desirable tow ball mass is
more an issue of where mass
is along that caravan. That
10% is easily remembered
and generally adequate. A
short centre-heavy caravan,
however, needs far less
than does a long end-heavy
caravan. Camper trailers
prove this. Most are a mere
four metres, yet some weigh
close to two tonnes. Almost
all are ultra-stable; however,
their recommended tow ball
mass varies from 3% to an
extraordinary 20%.
MYTH 4
It is fine to have end weight
(like toolboxes and spare
wheels) as long as the front
end is heavier than the back.
REALITY
This is commonly believed.
It is a very dangerous myth
as it results in oil tanker-like
handling. Some are normally
ultra-stable but if a sufficient
side force does cause one to
yaw (snake), that end mass
that kept it seemingly stable
may now not be correctable.
If that occurs, jack-knifing is
virtually inevitable.
MYTH 5
People carry on about the
various alleged effects of
weight. However, that’s
just their opinion. The real
world is quite different
— all that’s needed is
everyday common sense.
REALITY
This is the ongoing bane
of many an internet forum.
People are entitled to form
their own ‘opinions’ but
not their own engineering
facts. The effect of weight
and mass is totally basic
physics understood and
accepted since 1687.
gorv.com.au
13