Posted on 27/02/2019 09:51
hi just bought a bailey phoenix 2 berth and I cannot get the noseweight above 48kilos I have everything on the floor at the front of the van awning/water container/bedding in the front etc I have nothing behind the axle when it was delivered it was about 20kilos on the nose.acording to the 5/7% ratio it should be 68kilos minimum.any one else with the same problem. and is it safe to tow with such a low nose weight.
Posted on 02/03/2019 11:50
Legally the weight should be taken at the height of the tow ball when hitched. This is difficult to achieve with most devices but any error should be small if it is near.
The figures given are the ideal but I doubt any sensible variation will make any difference.
Posted on 03/03/2019 13:41
You can tell by manually lifting the hitch and the OP has said that it is quite light. Ideally it should be “quite heavy”. If it’s 100kg it’s going to be very heavy. Nose weight gauges are fine but you soon get to know what feels right.
My experience and that of many others is that a higher nose weight gives greater stability, particularly at higher speeds paying due regard to the maximum car capability and/or the caravan limit. The latter being (usually) 100kg. The only solution is is to put heavy objects at the front of the van but also, of course, avoid having weight at the back of the van.
Posted on 02/03/2019 11:50 by WildwoodLegally the weight should be taken at the height of the tow ball when hitched. This is difficult to achieve with most devices but any error should be small if it is near.
The figures given are the ideal but I doubt any sensible variation will make any difference.
Posted on 03/03/2019 14:25 by lornalou1who calibrated your bathroom scales??
Posted on 03/03/2019 14:46
I did, I have a set of scales in the bathroom that I know to be accurate. I weigh myself on those and then check and adjust the cheaper bathroom scales reserved for the caravan as and if necessary. Dressed for outside I am near enough 80 kg so as I am looking for 80 to 85kg stand a good chance of accuracy.
Posted on 02/03/2019 10:54 by crown green bowlerYour van must be completely level to get a true reading, try another spirit level. Also if your van sits nose down when on the car it will put more weight on the ball.
Posted on 27/02/2019 09:51 by dandycamperhi just bought a bailey phoenix 2 berth and I cannot get the noseweight above 48kilos I have everything on the floor at the front of the van awning/water container/bedding in the front etc I have nothing behind the axle when it was delivered it was about 20kilos on the nose.acording to the 5/7% ratio it should be 68kilos minimum.any one else with the same problem. and is it safe to tow with such a low nose weight.
Posted on 07/03/2019 17:30
I've spoken to our technical team who have advised to put something heavy in the front locker/right at the front inside the ‘van. A full water container (safely secured) if necessary. Otherwise your outfit stability at higher speeds (i.e. above 50mph or so) risks being significantly compromised.
I hope this helps and enjoy your new bailey. 
Posted on 07/03/2019 17:30 by RowenaBCAMCI've spoken to our technical team who have advised to put something heavy in the front locker/right at the front inside the ‘van. A full water container (safely secured) if necessary. Otherwise your outfit stability at higher speeds (i.e. above 50mph or so) risks being significantly compromised.
I hope this helps and enjoy your new bailey.
dandycamper