![background image](http://html.mh-extra.com/html/bailey/approach-advance-615-2017/approach-advance-615-2017_owners-manual_467142021.webp)
19
WEIGHT RE
STRIC
TIONS AND L
O
ADING
suit your own use. For example, to increase
the available payload, the water system may
be emptied. If it is not being used, the gas
cylinders can be left at home to increase the
mass available for other items.
Gross Train Mass (GTM)
If you are towing a trailer with your Bailey
motorhome the gross train mass is the MTPLM
of the towing vehicle plus the trailer and the
mass of every item carried. The GTM is specified
by the base vehicle manufacturer (AL-KO) and is
unaffected by the Bailey conversion.
Maximum Braked Trailer Mass (MBTM)
This is the maximum allowable weight of
the trailer together with its load, provided
the trailer has a braking system which
complies with the local Construction and Use
Regulations. The MBTM is given by the base
vehicle manufacturer (AL-KO) and is unaffected
by the Bailey conversion.
Nose Weight
This is the static mass of the trailer towing
device on the rear of the towing vehicle.
• When measuring nose weight it is important
that the trailer is loaded.
• The trailer is intended to be towed slightly
nose heavy. The nose weight can be
adjusted by redistribution 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
Advice On Towing
The towing specification alters depending
on the vehicle’s weight; refer to ‘AL-KO AMC
Chassis’ on page 7.
When towing, the demands on both the driver
and the vehicle are increased. Manoeuvrability
is reduced together with the ability to climb
gradients and accelerate. Braking and vehicle
handling are also affected. Towing requires
sensible loading of both the motorhome and
the towed trailer.
• It is essential that the driver is alert at all
times.
• Pull over if you feel tired and get some rest.
• Brake in good time and take special care
when driving down steep gradients.
• Use your gears and change down before
going down a steep hill so that the engine
also acts as a brake.
• Ensure that the tyre pressures are correct
on both your motorhome and the towed
trailer.
• Regularly check the towed trailer’s brakes
and lights.
When loading the trailer:
Ensure that the loads are properly secured for
transit:
• Position loads so that most of the weight
is placed close to the floor and, where
possible, immediately above or close to the
axle(s).
• Where the load can be divided between
the towed trailer and the motorhome it is
advisable to load more into the motorhome
as this will greatly increase the stability of
the combination.
• After loading always check the maximum
weight does not exceed the manufacturer’s
recommendations.
• Check the front and rear axle weights of the
motorhome are not exceeded due to loading
the trailer. The easiest way to do this is to
take the vehicle to a weighbridge.
• Do not exceed the motorhome gross vehicle
train weight.
• Do not exceed the maximum front and rear
axle loads on the motorhome.
• Only tow bars complying with 94/20/EC
should be fitted to the motorhome.
• The maximum permitted mass of an un-
braked trailer is 750kg.
• The maximum permitted vehicle
combination length is 18.75m. However,
any combination must ensure compliance
with the turning circle requirements of
Construction and Use regulations 1986 and
97/27/EC.
Summary of Contents for Approach Advance 615 2017
Page 1: ...OWNER S MANUAL ...
Page 10: ......
Page 25: ......
Page 33: ......
Page 59: ......
Page 134: ......
Page 140: ......
Page 162: ......
Page 176: ...SERVICE MANUAL ...
Page 177: ......
Page 179: ...Motorhome Overview 4 ...
Page 187: ...12 ...
Page 188: ...13 ...