Other means of attachment -
In some instances it may be possible to
attach the cable assembly:
Either
a) to a permanent part of the towbar
structure, as long as this meets the
approval of the towbar
manufacturer/supplier,
Or
b) to an accessory sold for the specific
purpose of breakaway cable attachment.
When the breakaway cable is attached,
check to ensure:
a) that the cable cannot snag in use on the
trailer coupling head, jockey wheel, or any
accessory e.g. a stabiliser, bumper shield,
cycle carrier, etc.
b) that there is sufficient slack in the cable to
allow the towing vehicle and trailer to
articulate fully without the cable ever
becoming taut and applying the brakes.
Note: For peace of mind you might wish
to check the state of the cable by
positioning the trailer and towing vehicle
at extreme angles before setting off.
c) that it is not so slack that it can drag on
the ground. If left loose, the cable may
scrape along the ground and be
weakened so that it subsequently fails to
do its job. The cable may also be caught
on an obstacle when in motion thus
engaging the trailer brakes prematurely.
Having followed this advice, should you feel
that a satisfactory coupling arrangement
cannot be achieved, consult your Dealer.
MIRRORS
There is a legal requirement for you to have
mirrors that allow you to see clearly an area
that is 4 metres wide from the side of your
caravan at a distance 20 metres behind the
driver. A caravan is significantly wider than a
car even a large 4 x 4 and you simply can’t
comply with the law unless you fit towing
mirrors. The driver of the towing vehicle
must have an adequate view of the rear.
If there is no rear view through the caravan it
is essential that additional exterior towing
mirrors are fitted.
Note: Any rear view mirror fitted shall be ‘e’
marked and cover the field of view as
stipulated by type approved requirements
(Regulation 33 of the Road Vehicles
Constructions and Use Regulation 1986).
COUPLING UP A CARAVAN CHECK
LIST
1. Is the hitch fully down over the tow
ball?
2. Is the hitch head lever fully closed
(down)?
3. Are the visual indicators showing
green?
4. Is the breakaway cable correctly
attached, passing through the cable
guide, loose but not dragging, and will
not snag on full lock?
5. Is the stabiliser correctly attached, with
the handle closed and indicators
green?
6. Is the jockey wheel fully retracted and
stowed away securely?
7. Are the electrics correctly attached and
free from dragging or snagging on full
lock?
8. Have the lights and road indicators
been checked and are they working?
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PREPARING FOR THE ROAD
Caution:
Any rear view mirror must not
project more than 250 mm* outside:
a) the width of the caravan when being
towed.
b) the width of the towing vehicle when
driven solo
*The limit for older vehicles is 200 mm
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