American caravan nose weight

[dirty_dog]

I am trying to find out what the deal would be regarding hitch/nose weight for an american caravan. The hitch weight is listed at 370lbs which exceeds the towbar plated weight of 140kgs.
The size and weight of the van would be legal if purchased but the hitch weight is a sticking point, is it illegal to exceed the towbar specs or are they a guide? Tow car would be a Toyota Landcruiser Amazon 100 series which I know tow these type of vans/trailers in other countries but have read that their tow-bars are plated higher than in the UK?

Any help, advice or previous experience much appreciated.

[powerstroke]

dirty_dog said:

I am trying to find out what the deal would be regarding hitch/nose weight for an american caravan. The hitch weight is listed at 370lbs which exceeds the towbar plated weight of 140kgs.
The size and weight of the van would be legal if purchased but the hitch weight is a sticking point, is it illegal to exceed the towbar specs or are they a guide? Tow car would be a Toyota Landcruiser Amazon 100 series which I know tow these type of vans/trailers in other countries but have read that their tow-bars are plated higher than in the UK?

Any help, advice or previous experience much appreciated.

American trailers are a different animal !! Tend to have the wheels further back which alters the balance ie makes them front heavy but will tow better ( turn slower and stay straight er )
and as they have electric brakes this isn't too much of a problem if your tow vehicle will stand the weight, our trailers work on equal ballence to allow the hitch to slide in and out to work the brakes and so a small vehicle can tow quite a big load ... You need to be carefull uk laws require
a mechanical handbrake and a brakeaway cable and electric brake systems are a bit of a grey area!! oh and the dept for transport have a fact sheet for american trailers which gives a fair bit of info hope this helps..

[dirty_dog]

The electric brakes certainly seem to do the trick! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CiU6YMymRg

Ill have another look at that document thanks. I'd still like to know if anyone knows that the hitch weight will be an issue or not?

Thanks

[Truckosaurus]

Don't the Americans use a different style of hitch? So putting a USA hitch on the Euro 'cruiser might be all that's needed.

[dirty_dog]

Truckosaurus said:

Don't the Americans use a different style of hitch? So putting a USA hitch on the Euro 'cruiser might be all that's needed.

I've actually just started to look into this for that reason, 2" receiver hitch can have balls swapped for towing US/UK then.

Didn't realise that Towequipe have gone under, was going to give them a call!

[shovelheadrob]

If you were to buy an American receiver hitch like this http://www.autoanything.com/towing/73A3874A0A0.asp... then it is designed to take the nose weight of an American trailer, you can use either type of ball size with it or even a weight distribution type hitch, these are excellent as I found out when I lost a rear wheel from my truck while towing at 90kmh on the Autobahn! Long story, don't ask! As Powerstroke says, read the info on electric brakes, they are legal as long as you have the right controller.

[AJC]

Have a look at http://www.ukairstreamers.org/UKA_Org/Forum.html I have an Airstream and I found all the information I needed here

[dirty_dog]

Thanks guys