This picture demonstrates the ideal distribution of weight in a caravan. It helps keeps the centre of gravity low aiding the handling characteristics of the caravan and also helps to stop exceeding the maximum nose weight.
Nose weight is the maximum vertical load (or weight) the tow vehicle can carry, this figure is usually stated on the tow bar as a maximum in kilograms. You can buy proper nose weight gauges or use scales with a length of wood in the hitch to get a fairly accurate reading.
Something that gets forgotten when aiming for perfect caravan weight distribution is food! Tins In the overhead lockers are a classic! A couple of tins of beans are getting on for a kilo high up in the van, multiply this a few times and you get a fair bit of weight up top, especially if they get left and forgotten about from the last trip out.
Awnings are also one to remember, they are often put in the wardrobe or shower when packing everything away, out of site out of mind.
Take a look at this short video which shows what can happen perfectly when a caravan’s weight distribution is wrong.