Mastering the 10 Rule Balancing Your Caravan for Safer Travels with Tuson

Did you know that balancing your caravan load can significantly reduce the risk of sway while driving? It can be a tricky balancing act, but by following the 10% Rule and using proper loading techniques, you can help protect yourself and other drivers on the road. In this guide, the experts at Tuson explain the 10% Rule for towing and dive into the important towing weight info that you need to know before you tow.

What Is the 10% Rule for Towing?

In towing, the ‘10% Rule’ refers to the ideal tow ball weight – the downward force exerted on your vehicle’s tow ball by the hitched caravan. A great deal of research has been done in the USA on recommended weights for towing, and that’s how we’ve come to adopt the approximate 10% recommendations here in Australia. The guidelines laid out in SAE International J2807tm FEB 2016 suggest that your tow ball weight should be approximately 10% of your caravan’s total weight, as this helps to maintain stability and reduce the risk of dangerous sway events.

Why Does Towball Weight Matter?

Proper tow ball weight ensures that the caravan remains steady and reduces the chance of the “tail wagging the dog.” Improper towball weight plays a big role in keeping things under control on the road: a towball weight that’s too light can cause the caravan to sway excessively, especially at higher speeds or in windy conditions; on the other hand, a towball weight that’s too heave can overload your tow vehicle’s rear axle, which affects steering and braking performance.

Here are some tips for managing tow ball weight effectively:

• Start with the Tare Weight: Always check the tare weight (empty weight) of the caravan on the tow ball. Then, measure it again once packed to be sure the 10% rule is met.
• Use Towball Weight Scales: Affordable aftermarket tow ball weight scales can help you measure this weight reasonably accurately. These scales can be taken with you on your travels too, so you can be sure you’re good to tow on your way home.  If you pass a weigh station you can get a more accurate measure.

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Common Misconceptions About Loading Your Caravan:

You might have heard round the campground that placing most of your load directly over the axles is ideal. While this might work for smaller caravans, it’s rarely practical for larger ones, as caravan manufacturers often design storage spaces under beds, in storage tunnels, and in tool boxes, making loading over axles more difficult. Distribute your gear evenly throughout the caravan, but always ensure loose items are secured to prevent them from shifting and causing damage during travel.

The key is to distribute weight wisely:

• Load the Tow Vehicle Appropriately, Not Just the Caravan: Make sure the tow vehicle carries its fair share of weight to maintain overall balance, so the caravan can’t pull the towing vehicle out of control.
• Know Your Weights: Before your first journey, pack your caravan and tow vehicle as you would for a trip, then visit a weighbridge. It pays to record all the weights to confirm you’re within safe and legal limits, as knowing these numbers can give you added confidence on the road.
• Check Water Tank Placement: A litre of water weighs about one kilogram, so consider the placement and necessity of your water tanks when traveling. Do you really need to fill them fully for your trip? Or will you be able to travel with the tanks empty and fill them at your destination?

Don’t Forget About Your Tyres:

They’re easy to overlook, but remember that your tyres are the only thing between your caravan and the road! Proper tyre pressure and suspension alignment are crucial for stable towing, so make sure your tyres are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended levels, and try to include suspension alignment in your next servicing.    Don’t forget to check your wheel nuts.

Looking for more towing guidance? Read Tuson’s Guide to Essential Safety Features and Weight Considerations here.

Be Prepared for the Unexpected with Tuson:

Even with careful planning and precise loading, sway events can still occur. Unpredictable factors like sudden gusts of wind, uneven road surfaces, avoiding animals or even other drivers all play a role in caravan sway – and while loading your weight evenly and following the 10% rule can help lessen the sway caused by these factors, there’s no way to avoid them entirely without a ‘crystal ball’!

The best way to protect your family in these situations? Instal the worlds safest sway control by installing a Tuson Asymmetric Sway Control on your caravan. This technology measures sway up to 200 times a second automatically initiates a sway correction procedure, offering peace of mind on every journey. Read more about how Tuson helps correct sway and keeps you safe on the road here.

Towing a caravan on Aussie roads is all about preparation and awareness. Whether you’re new to caravanning or an experienced tourer, taking precautions can make all the difference on the road – and for those moments when the unexpected happens, trust Tuson Asymmetric Sway Control to provide peace of mind and added safety.

Safe travels!