5 replies to this topic

[ihs61]

Hi

 

Can anyone tell me where the centre of gravity is on a early MK1 without a driver or passenger and little fuel ? This might sound like a stange question but I as soon as lockdown restrictions allow I have to move mine on a transporter trailer 750 miles so would like to ballanced as correctly as possible !

 

Many thanks Ian 

[dadbif]

Does it matter? get the car centered over the axle on the trailer and then balance the trailer.

[ihs61]

Thanks for your reply and normally I would agree but to be honest for a 750 mile trip, I would prefer to have it as close as possible, as for the trailer I am hoping to use a twin axle trailer so testing the balance is not as easy hence my original question

 

Regards Ian

[Dickie]

Hi,

The Early Mx has almost 50/50 front rear balance,

I guess you do not tow much !! ?

Have a look at your cars towing spec for trailer nose weight. 40 to 70 kg is ballpark for most vehicles. ( make sure your gross train weight is within the cars ability )

Once the car is on the trailer you should be able to move it forwards or backwards to get it right.

A tail heavy trailer is very dangerous and will wag the car, too much nose weight will make the tow cars steering too light.

 

Try with the back of the door over the rearmost trailer axle and be prepared to move the car forwards a bit more or back.

 

Check the hitch height between the car and trailer too as this can affect four wheel trailers axle loading and balance.

 

Tow Safe.

 

The car in my avatar goes onto a single axle unbraked trailer for its travels Its only just legal on weight for our 2 litre estate car

( It used to be towed by a Mk1 Escort Mexico )

[dadbif]

Use some bathroom scales to set your trailer nose weight

[corders]

Wing mirrors are a good approximation for the front/rear centre of gravity