elddis AutoQuest, Owner'S Handbook Manual

Page: 8 / 82

3-1
PREPARING FOR THE ROAD
PREPARING FOR THE ROAD
Before venturing out on to the road with your
motorhome, it is important that you prepare
correctly.
MOTORHOME WEIGHTS EXPLAINED
Mass in Running Order
The weight of your motorhome as it leaves the
factory, as new with standard fixtures and fittings,
plus an allowance for the driver of 75kgs and the
mass of the fuel when the tank is full, 90% of the
water carried in the water tank and an allowance
for the gas bottles.
Maximum Technically Permissible Laden
Mass
The maximum mass the vehicle can be when fully
laden for use on the road.
User Payload
The load margin (payload), this represents the
difference between the Mass in Running Order
and the Maximum Technically Permissible Laden
Mass. It shows the maximum weight that can be
loaded into your motorhome, covering items
such as food, crockery, cutlery, clothing, bedding,
etc.
Loading
It should be noted that even weight distribution
is a major factor in making your motorhome an
easy and pleasant vehicle to drive. Care should
therefore be taken in balancing the load, ensuring
that heavy items are well spaced and are in as low
a position as possible, for example, low cupboards
and bed boxes.
IMPORTANT: Do not exceed
recommended maximum loading for your
motorhome.
Roof Racks
Some models of motorhomes have, available as an
option, a roof rack and ladder. Care is needed
when using this facility. We recommend you
exercise extreme caution when loading and
unloading.
CAUTION
Do not allow children to climb onto the
roof. Do not exceed the stated maximum
load. Items fitted other than standard
equipment will deplete the payload stated
in this handbook.
Roof Loading
All motorhomes have a specially designed roof
rack system fitted or available as an optional
extra. The roof of each motorhome is
strengthened to accommodate the roof rack,
however, the strengthened area only relates to
that contained within the roof rack area, and to
step beyond this area may cause damage to the
roof.
Please Note: The roof rack is capable of
withstanding a maximum weight of 12 stone/
76kgs. Static roof loading or top box loading
should be limited to a maximum of 76kgs
including contents, or the limit set by the top box
manufacturer, whichever is the lower figure.
WARNING: Under NO circumstances walk
on the over cab roof section
Before venturing out on to the road with your
motorhome, it is important that you prepare
correctly.
Roof loads should be evenly distributed and
securely fastened, but care must be taken not to
overtighten straps or ropes to the point where
roof rails or brackets may become distorted,
particularly as during braking and cornering,
forces exerted by straps or ropes are greatly
increased.
It is also worth noting that when carrying heavy
or large objects on the roof, the vehicles handling
may change due to the resultant displacement of
the centre of gravity and the increased area
exposed to the wind.
SENSIBLE LOADING
HOW TO APPORTION WEIGHT