Gary and Jacky here. We are about to buy a caravan and plan to do a leisurely drive around the place for about 3 years.
We are looking forward to seeing more of this beautiful country and meeting fellow travellers
We have selected a van, a Retreat Whitehaven. We love the van, however I am a bit concerned about the ball weight of this van which is 282 kg.
I have just purchased a Mazda BT50 which has a max ball weight of 350kg. What worries me is that by the time we add 2 gas bottles, A generator box (with 20kg generator) a couple of pushbikes and then load the van that we might go over the 350kg limit.
Are there any Retreat Whitehaven owners out there that know what their ball weight is when loaded ?
Welcome to the gang Gary and Jacky, dnjoy here and out in the playground.
I would try extremely hard to distibute the weight toward the centre of the van if possible and keep that tow ball well clear of the 350 max IMO.
I have 350 max on my tow ball but only travel with 250. Gene travels in the back of the tug above the axle, along with her food and is very happy there. I only let her out when she is needed to power me up on those dull days. The only extra weight on the A frame is the gas bottles. They are included in my 250 though.
I know it is difficult to get weights right but I am very conscious of weight hanging over the back of the tug's axle.
Keep Safe on the roads.
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Live Life On Your Terms
DOUGChief One Feather (Losing feathers with age)
TUG.......2014 Holden LT Colorado Twin Cab Ute with Canopy
DEN....... 2014 "Chief" Arrow CV (with some changes)
lots of info in here if you do a search. Ask a question if you cannot find an answer by searching. Lots of helpful people in here only too willing to assist.
I see the "Chief of Cheer" has been in to welcome you
The polo shirts in the shop are really good quality, look great and are very comfortable too.
enjoy the playground we call Australia.
frank
-- Edited by KFT on Sunday 1st of November 2015 12:50:11 PM
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Avagreatday.
Kathy and Frank currently at Home near Quirindi NSW
I've been looking at this forum for a while and I think that is terriffic.
This ball weight thing has got me worried. I was thinking about posting the same message in the general forum in the hope that a whitehaven owner reads it. Doug, I
understand what you are saying about weight over the tugs rear axle. 350kg plus other stuff in the back and the vehicles payload starts to get way to high.
When the power of Love becomes greater than the love of power the World will see peace ! 24ft Trailblazer 5th wheeler n 05 Patrol ute and Black Series Dominator camper trailer ( for the rough stuff)
Hello Gary, I don't know if you are interested in this, but I have made myself up a spread sheet in excel to monitor my weights in the caravan and tug. I have a BT 50 and a Jayco that is 2.7 tonne. The spread sheet allows you to fill in the weights of the van and cargo, vehicle and cargo and lets you know what the combined all up weight is and what you have to play with. Believe me you may not want to know. Not making too many promises however cause I have to remove all my data, but if the moons are aligned, I could send you a copy.
Sorry about the late reply. I would be very grateful if you could do that for me. It will be a huge help to me. I don't know anything about private communication on this site. Do you have access to me e mail address ?
