Preparing for the road
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Stability
The most common causes of poor
stability include:
a) Worn shock absorbers or loose
suspension components on the
towing vehicle.
b) Towing vehicle springs too soft.
c) Insufficient nose weight.
d) Nose of caravan is towing too high.
e) Incorrect loading.
f) Incorrect tyre pressures on car
or caravan.
Tyres and Pressures
The tyres fitted to your caravan will
operate with complete safety at the UK
maximum speed limit of 60 mph, but the
tyres are rated to 130 km/hr. The tyres
on your caravan must be operated at
the pressures indicated on the caravan’s
specification sheet. Remember that the
towing vehicle tyres should be inflated to
the ‘heavy loaded’ pressure given in the
vehicle manufacturers’ Service, Warranty
& Technical Data manual.
NOTE: Pressures should only be
checked when the tyres are cold, not
after a journey or if the vehicle has been
standing in the sun.
Tyre Tread
This caravan is subject to the same
criteria applied to car tyres, namely, the
minimum tread should be 1.6 mm around
the total circumference and across the
entire width of the tyre, as per standard
motor vehicle requirements.
Brakes/Breakaway cable
A breakaway cable is fitted so that in the
case of the caravan becoming detached
from the car it immediately applies the
brakes. Always ensure the breakaway
cable is secured to the towing vehicle.
Refer to breakaway cable section.
Snaking
This is a term used to denote an unstable
car and caravan combination where the
caravan ‘weaves’ from side to side often
causing a similar swaying movement in
the car itself.
Causes:
I. Unsuitable or unbalanced outfit.
II. Incorrect loading or weight
distribution.
III. Excessive speed especially downhill.
IV. Side winds.
V. Overtaking.
VI. Being overtaken by a large fast
moving vehicle.
VII. Erratic driving.
VIII. Insufficient tyre pressure.
IX. Incorrect vehicle tow ball height
X. Worn stabiliser pads or tow ball.