Correct nose weight

Try to distribute the load as evenly as possible to ensure that the nose weight does not exceed the weight stamped on the coupling head, normally 50–80 kg. If the nose weight is too high or too low, it could affecting road-holding and even cause you to lose control of the vehicle. 

The nose weight is the force your car’s towball is exposed to. The optimum nose weight – normally between 50 and 80 kg – is stated in the instruction manual, on the coupling head and on the car’s registration certificate.

How to measure the nose weight

Either by using a nose weight gauge or by placing a bathroom scale under the trailer jockey wheel when the trailer is disconnected from the car.

If the nose weight is too low, it means that the trailer is tail-heavy, leading to:

• the outfit becoming unstable, with a risk of wobbling
• longer braking distance
• dipped headlights having shorter reach
• reduced traction in rear-wheel-drive cars

If the nose weight is too high, it means that the trailer is nose-heavy, leading to:

• dipped headlights, blinding other drivers
• impaired steering
• impaired traction in front-wheel-drive cars

 

Distribute the load as evenly as possible.

Place heavy goods right on top of or just in front of the axle (pair of wheels) on the trailer.