Weight distribution mod for hitch

[Andrew Gibbens]

One difference I would expect between European and North American models of the same vehicle is softer springs, and probably dampers, on the North American model. Anyone who has driven in Europe will appreciate that handling is as important as straight-line comfort on European roads.

In the past I would expect the North American model to have smaller brakes but maybe that isn't true nowadays. I will never forget getting a new Ford Escort hire car in the 1980s in Canada whose brakes would have been considered unsafe in Europe.

[Bob Miller]

European/N.A. Differences,

At least in the case of many VW's, the name for a europen model maybe used in N.A. on an entirely different line and, again in the case of VW, most european models are built in Europe, while many N.A. versions are built in ......... Mexico.

And the new FIAT 500 fell from my grace's mostly because it's country of origin/assembly, not Italy as hoped, but again ..... Mexico.

Unfortunately Chrysler/FIAT can trace it's many years of quality issues to that source as well, I know, I accidently owned one.

[ostojo]

Originally Posted by Carol H

Remember folks you heard that from a engineer who has done their homework!

I would suggest it might be prudent for anyone considering towing in the UK to double check the accuracy of that information before hitting the road. Its possible that in the UK that brakes are required on any trailer weighing more the 750KG/1653lbs or that weighs more than half the curb weight to the car towing it or something along those lines.

Originally Posted by Francesca Knowles

Anyway, and for what it's worth;

The O.P. is incorrect in his assertion re. trailer brake use in Europe...here are the rules, followed by a link to the source:

Source: Legal requirements for trailers and towing a RIB

Francesca

I stand corrected. I read a while back about how weight distributing hitches are quite common here but not so in Europe, even though many towing setups would significantly benefit from them. I got that mixed up with the trailer brakes and that is where that comment came from. I stand humbly corrected.

Look I'm really not trying to pick a fight with anyone here and now I'm apparently getting flack for being an engineer. Yes, I mis-spoke about the trailer brakes in Europe, and I'll freely admit that I was wrong--Francesca I actually genuinely try to eat my humble pie and tell you're husband I'll freely share. However since I would never tow without trailer brakes, and in no way implied that I would or that it's a good idea, it's besides the point and really has nothing to do with what I intended to be the subject of this thread.

I'm getting the sense that I'm unlikely to get much more response here to my actual question about the WDH. Despite that I believe that the comments had good intentions for the most part so to those that contributed to the thread thanks anyways.