Trailer Balance Point

[Schern 0]

Slightly random question but does anyone know roughly where the balance point on a 1.6 GTI is from front to back - trying to figure out roughly where it would need to sit on a single axle trailer as it's just the wheels and frame at the moment - the actual bed will need to be made and I don't want it to be any longer than it needs to be. I know there's quite a lot of variables - in this instance the car is stripped and will have a cage in but I'm just after a rough guide. Don't have the facilities to weigh it. Thanks in advance!

[Tom Fenton 1,541]

If you put the wheels on the "balance point" as you call it, they will end up too far forward and you will have a horrid trailer to tow.

Every trailer I have ever seen places the wheels in the centre of the trailer bed without the drawbar taken into account.

[Schern 0]

Sorry I haven't described it very well... If you were to drive a 205 on to a seesaw where abouts would it have to sit to balance? The front wheels would need to be closer to the fulcrum due to the weight of the engine but roughly where abouts would the fulcrum sit? I'd guess roughly where the door hinges are but I wondered if anyone knew? I can draw a rough picture in paint if that will help?

 

Hmm... Rereading what you've put... You wouldn't even think about weight distribution of the car itself? Just put the trailer axle in the centre of the bed?

Edited March 10, 2015 by Schern

[jamie_1992 66 1 Cars]

im no expert in building trailers but i would think you would want the car sitting towards the front of the trailer so you have a bit of weight on the back axle of the car

so id go with the single axle in the center of the trailer bed then you will have the drawbar length as front weight on the trailer

[welshpug 1,657]

typical nose weight I believe is recommended to be 50 kg?

 

really can't remember where that figure came from but ive never had issue with placing most cars just back from centred over the axles, as they are all front engined front wheel drive so far, all the trailers ive used have been pro built.

 

I would build it twin axle btw, they are more stable, easier to reverse, and with a good jockey wheel to lift one axle up no worse to push about on your own.

[tomcolinjones 26]

and less risk of loosing your pride and joy due to a blowout on a trailer tyre! Twin axles a must. WP 50kg nose weight is pretty standard towbar rating.

[Schern 0]

Thanks everyone.