Autocruise 2012 Van Conversion Range, Owner'S Handbook Manual

Page: 21 / 153

prep
aring for the road
19
loading of vehicle & large storage areas
(ii) The trailer is intended to be towed slightly
nose heavy. The nose weight can be
adjusted by distribution of the load. The
nose weight should be approximately 7%
of the actual laden weight (but not greater
than the hitch capacity) and at the same
time suit the motorhome requirements.
See ‘Advice on Towing’ page 22.
LoADInG oF VEHICLE
WARnInG: loads must not be exceeded.
The driver is responsible for arranging
the loads so that they comply with
the technical weight limits of the
specific motorhome model. See
specification handbook.
Correct weight distribution is an important
factor in ensuring your vehicle is well
balanced and easy to drive. It is therefore
necessary to load your motorhome carefully
making sure all heavy articles are evenly
distributed and are preferably placed in the
lower lockers or bed boxes.
WARnInG: Do not travel with televisions
or microwaves in overhead lockers unless
the appliance was supplied fitted to your
motorhome by the manufacturer.
Although it is essential to ensure that the total
weight of your motorhome does not exceed
the stipulated Maximum Technically Permissible
Laden Mass, (MTPLM), it is important to
remember that the front and rear axles also
have individual maximum weights which must
not be exceeded.
To ensure adequate road holding the load
on the front axle, under all conditions,
must not be less than 40% or more than
70% of the total weight.
Ensure you distribute the payload equally on
each side of the vehicle to avoid an imbalance.
These weights, together with the MTPLM, can
be found on the statutory plate affixed to the
forward edge affixed to the forward edge of
the swing door.
Warning: Turn off all gas appliances while
the vehicle is in motion. If a heating
system is fitted isolate all appliances
except the heater.
Please take care to ensure you have
allowed for the masses of all the items
you intend to carry in your motorhome
e.g. passengers, optional equipment,
essential habitational equipment and
personal effects such as clothing,
food, pets, bicycles, sailboards, sports
equipment etc.
LARGE SToRAGE AREAS
The large storage areas provided in some
motorhome layouts are designed solely for the
purpose of carrying personal possessions, these
areas must not be used:
• As a habitation area (eg living, sleeping or
cooking).
• To carry passengers, animals or livestock.
• For the installation (or use) of any LPG gas
operated appliances (unless supplied fitted
by the manufacturer).
• For carrying LPG gas bottle cylinders.
• To carry any flammable liquids, unless
properly stored, sealed and secured.
• For the operation of an electrical
generator.
• In such a way that the load exceeds the
MTPLM, and/or minimum and maximum
axle loads.
Care must be taken to ensure that exterior
doors are closed, locked and that all
possessions are properly stored and secured
before setting off on any journey.
CAUTION: Motorhomes over 3m have a
maximum vehicle height label affixed to the
driver's side blind. When planning your route
take the vehicle height into consideration.