Towball Weight

[UIZ733]

Good trailer design seems to suggest that towball weight should be roughly 10% of trailer weight/mass. Some camper specifications (particularly hardfloor models) appear to break this rule and can have towball weights of 15% plus. Apart from the extra weight on the rear of the vehicle, are there any other significant negative impacts for the higher ratio (heavier ball weight) setups?
Regards P

[darren]

The 10% rule is one for old wives. If you tow a car trailer with 2.5 t on it do you have 250kg on your towball??
 About 80 to 120 max is what you want. The trailer swaying is more about its overall design rather than the ball weight

The reason why campers have so much weight is because the designers are lazy and people want all sorts of home comforts so they all just get jammed in a box on the drawbar. Kimberley campers are above the leagal towball weight of most cars. Especially if you put gear in the storage box thy provide. Next time your at a show ask them about it, they go to water pretty quick.

[RebsWA]

This 10% thing is ok for a little 750kg loaded box or boat trailer but not applicable to heavier trailers with brakes IMO. I agree fully with Darren on a 120kg max and its not just trailer swaying, its how it affects the driveability of the tow vehicle on winding and dirt roads particularily if you come across something unexpected. Seems to be a rule of thumb peculiar to Aus.