MDC XT12HR 2021 - Using the Caravan; Weights and Payload Capacities; How to Load Your Caravan; Ball Weight

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Using the Caravan
Weights and Payload Capacies
The informaon plate aached to the drawbar of your caravan displays the relevant weights and weight capacies
of the van.
How to Load Your Caravan
It is important to load your caravan correctly to distribute weight evenly and achieve a suitable ball weight load and
prevent loading in a manner that can cause a Caravan to sway and/or roll excessively le and right. The industry opmum
ball weight on a caravan is between 9 and 11% of the total Caravan weight. AusRV Caravans fit into this category and
10% should be used as the starng point.
WARNING: BALL LOADING (DOWNWARD LOAD ON TOW HITCH) MUST NOT EXCEED 350KG OR THE
MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE LOAD BY THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURER OR TOW BAR RATING, WHICH EVER IS
THE LOWEST. Exceeding these limits may result in an accident causing serious injury or death and/or property damage.
• Always load evenly to both sides of the caravan
• Load heavy weight over or as close to over the axle as possible and as low as possible
• Overhead cupboards should only be used for lightweight items such as clothes, personal items, bedding etc.
• Heavy cooking equipment should be stored in lower cupboards.
• Tinned food, boled goods for cooking etc should be stored in the pantry cupboard.
• Never load in a manner that causes the ball weight to exceed the limit of the tow vehicle.
• Ensure no items can move during travel. Secure all items to prevent damage to the caravan.
• Consider water tank levels and how they may affect the balance front and back and the percentage of ball
weight.
• Never store heavy items in overhead cupboards.
Load Distribuon Guide
The diagram below illustrates best placements of items based on weight
Ball Weight
When loading your caravan, the ideal ball weight once loaded is around 10% of the total weight of the caravan. Use
a ball weight scale to idenfy the ball weight and load the caravan in a manner that achieves the desired
percentage.
Effects of Weight Distribuon
The distribuon of weight in a caravan can influence the handling and performance of the van. Overloading the
front or rear may cause adverse handling and sway. Addionally, overloading the front or back can induce a
pendulum effect that can cause dangerous sway and cause an accident.