CAMPER LOADING

[Mary Ann Turner]

I am getting ready to take my 15' Metzendorf on her maiden voyage.  Is there somewhere on this forum that gives instructions on how to load her for a safe voyage?

 

[Lori Simon]

Mary Ann, 
Glad you are nearing the maiden voyage!  Our Metz is stripped to the plywood and we will rebuild from the ground up. Will send you a photo!

[Mary Ann Turner]

Yes.  Please do.

[John "T" Nordhoff]

   Load her safe?? First of all DO NOT OVERLOAD IT. I guess to determine that accurately you would need to know the axles gross rating so as not to exceed it plus know the max load rating (at X PSI) of the tires also.

 

 If you dont know any of that use common sense when it comes to packing and maybe dont fill any fresh water tanks until you arrive at your destination (assuming potable water is avaialble where you arrive).

 

 Inflate the tires to their labeled max load at X PSI rating,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Pack "stuff" so its up front against a support or stop so when you brake suddenly it dont slide forward real fast,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Install or rig some cabinet door stops and fridge door stops etc so they cant swing open in route,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Make sure all the lights are working (also electric brakes if aso equipped) and the hitch has a safety pin/bolt in place and the safety chains are intact and cant shake/vibrate out over dips and bumps,,,,,,,,,,Insure all exterior compartment doors are well secured shut,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Drive a short distance and re check the connections and wiring and doors and safety chains etc before hitting the main highway

 

 USE COMMON SAFETY SENSE AND DONT GET IN ANY HURRY

 

 Be safe,  Ol John T in Indiana

[Mary Ann Turner]

Thanks John.  I thought I had read somewhere  a while back about what you should pack where in the camper as regards to the heaviness of the item and other factors but I can't seem to find that article. 

[John "T" Nordhoff]

  You may be thinking of that "rule of thumb" to proportion the load (fore and aft of axle location in trailer) so theres like 10% to 15% of the total weight on the tongue. Too much tongue weight and theres too much weight on tow vehicle rear tires (plus front steering gets light and ineffective) while too little doesnt give tow vehicle sufficient traction and the trailer wants to push n shove you around especially when cornering. Again all this takes a scales so if you cant get to one ask someone who is experienced and has a "seat of the pants" approach to help.

 

 Thats the best we all can do not being there

 

  John T

[Mary Ann Turner]

The advice I did see before did refer to proportioning. I have an RV place real close to me, sounds like I may need to give them a quick call for some advice.  Thanks.