Towing advice

[Eddie Williams]

Hi guys
I have a C220 2010, can anyone advise me on upgrading the rear suspension for touring a caravan.
Thanks

 

[EmilysDad]

you shouldn't really need to do anything as the tow hitch max will only be around 75/80kg ie the weight on the tow ball, which isn't anything different from having a car full. There are spring assisters available if you feel the car needs a boost. Mad coil assisters are one example ... https://mad-suspension.co.uk/cars/

 

[Eddie Williams]

Thanks for the comment I’ll have a look on the website

 

[sonic]

Remember to increase the rear tyre pressures to allow for the additional down weight on the towing hook.

 

[Craiglxviii]

Shouldn’t need to touch anything at all on the car. What weight caravan are you thinking of?

 

[ajlsl600]

When I built my boat trailer .I mounted the axle on a sliding frame and with all gear,motor and boat on trailer I slid the axle frame about until I had 50 kg on the ball hitch point.then drilled bolted sliding frame to trailer.in effect near same as 2 suitcases in boot and therefore no issue.unless yr springs are already shot or yr going to add serious weight in boot or trailer/caravan doubt u need to take any action , hitch up and see how motor sits.or put hitch on scales and see.

 

[EmilysDad]

.... I slid the axle frame about until I had 50 kg on the ball hitch point......

I'd be happier with a bit more on the hitch than 50kg for stability .... nearer the max the hitch can take

 

[Naraic]

you shouldn't really need to do anything as the tow hitch max will only be around 75/80kg ie the weight on the tow ball, which isn't anything different from having a car full. There are spring assisters available if you feel the car needs a boost. Mad coil assisters are one example ... https://mad-suspension.co.uk/cars/

This is a good point. But, if the caravan is attached, then the car will likely be full to capacity with passengers and stuff in the boot. So, assisters may be the way.

 

[ajlsl600]

There

I'd be happier with a bit more on the hitch than 50kg for stability .... nearer the max the hitch can take

is always enough afterthought load to get nearer to that..

 

[M80]

I remember my daughters in laws had their caravan take their car (and caravan) off the road during heavy braking in France, so fully laden for the family hols. They have always been keen travellers so I expect they knew how to load up.

My thoughts there would be that during braking there is extra load on the hitch, that in turn loads the rear of the tow motor and worse reduces stability at the front where most of the braking is done. The effect being loss of traction on the front wheels and a light steering as the front bounces left to right.
If I'm right, extra assistance at the rear makes sense to reduce the dipping effect of the back end.

I would go to caravanning forums where the Gypo's with experience might even be able to offer specific advice on your tow set up.

 

[Blobcat]

I would go to caravanning forums where the travellers with experience might even be able to offer specific advice on your tow set up.

Stick a transit on the front full of kids and 25ltr drums of diesel in the back...

 

[ajlsl600]

U forgot the pipe for suckin the diesel out.I used to tell the guys in nigeria that the locals were born with one coiled in their throat.