elddis 2011 Xplore 302, Owner'S Handbook Manual

Page: 14 / 88

3-3
PREPARING FOR THE ROAD
attachment to connect to the towing vehicle.
Operation - The cable should be able to pull tight
to engage the caravan’s brakes without any
hindrance to its action, if the main coupling of the
caravan separates from the towing vehicle. It
should never become taut during normal use.
Correct Procedure For Use
(i) Check cable assembly for damage. If in
doubt contact your Retailer or Service
Centre.
(ii) Make sure the cable runs as straight as
possible, and goes through a cable guide
underneath the caravan coupling.
(iii) Determine whether or not you have a
designated attachment point (a feature of
the tow bar which has been identified by the
tow bar supplier as being for the attachment
of a breakaway cable).
Where a Designated Attachment Point Is
Provided On The Tow Bar
(i) Pass the cable through attachment point and
clip it back on itself (Fig 3-2, Step 1);
or
(ii) Attach the clip directly to the attachment
point (Fig 3-3, Step 2).
Note: this must be specifically permitted by the
caravan manufacturer’s guidance, as the clip may
not be sufficiently strong.
Where No Designated Attachment Point Is
Provided On The Tow Bar
(i) Fixed Ball - Loop the cable around the
neck of the tow ball. If you fit the cable like
this use a single loop only (Fig 3-4, Step 3).
(ii) Detachable Ball - You must contact the
tow bar supplier for advice.
Other Means of Attachment
Alternatively, it may be possible to attach the
cable assembly to a permanent part of the tow
bar structure with the approval of the tow bar
supplier, or to an accessory sold for the purposes
of breakaway cable attachment.
When The Breakaway Cable Is Attached
Check To Ensure
(i) That the cable cannot snag in use on the
caravan hitch, jockey wheel or any
accessories e.g. a stabiliser, bumper shield,
cycle carrier etc.
(ii) That there must be sufficient slack in the
cable to allow the towing vehicle and
caravan to fully articulate without the cable
ever becoming taut and applying the brakes.
(iii) That it is not so slack that it can drag on the
ground. Leave it too loose, and the cable
may scrape along the ground, and be
weakened so that it fails before doing its
job!
STEP 1
Fig 3-2
Fig 3-3
STEP 2
STEP 3
Fig 3-4