Explorer Group 2003 Tourers, Owner'S Handbook Manual

Page: 54 / 110

MAINTENANCE OF YOUR CARAVAN
BPW CHASSIS
MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS
The following maintenance instructions relate to
BPW Rubber axles, torsion bar axles, overrun
hitches and chassis. They are a constituent part
of the warranty conditions. Adhere to the
pertinent operating instructions of the vehicle
manufacturer or respectively of the other
vehicle component manufacturers.
Execution of the maintenance work in
accordance with the prescribed intervals is
essential in order to maintain the operating
safety and roadworthiness of the vehicle.
The elimination of any defects found or the
replacement of any worn parts should be
assigned to a BPW after-sales service
workshop, wherever the vehicle user does not
have at its disposal appropriately skilled
in-company workers and the necessary
technical facilities.
When fitting spare parts only genuine BPW
parts may be used, in order that the type
approval retains its validity in accordance with
national and international regulations.
The type approval lapses if parts used on a
vehicle are altered, the properties of which are
prescribed, having been clearly established by
means of a test procedure or, the operation of
which is able to cause danger to other road
users. According to Section 19, Subsection 2 of
the StVZO (German Highway Code), this
applied to axles, wheel brakes and the entire
braking system. All essential parts of the wheel
brake are defined in the EC test report,
complete with BPW drawing numbers. It is not
allowed to change these.
BASIC PRINCIPLES
Never overload axles, brakes or chassis
Therefore:
• Do not overload your vehicles in excess of
the permissible total weight.
• No one-sided loading as due to this the
caravan or trailer will lean to one side. This
is particularly so in the case of
caravans, where the load should be stowed
over the axle and as low as possible to
optimize road holding and achieve the best
possible braking effect.
• Ensure that wheels and tyres are not
overloading so much that wheels are out of
alignment or tyres are centrifugally
unbalanced.
• No over stressing of the hitch or
suspension system due to foolish or
aggressive driving or mishandling. Avoid
subjecting the axles to any impacts or
jolting. Adapt your driving speed at all times
to the road conditions and the load
condition of the trailer. This applies
particularly when negotiating bends.
Operating instructions which should also
be adhered to by the driver
- Prior to each run -
INSPECTIONS
• Tyre pressure/tyre condition
• Wheel fastening
• Operation of lighting and braking systems.
• Raise and secure drawbar jockey wheel.
The jockey wheel should be parallel to the
direction of travel at all times.
• Inspect the hitch. The hitch jaw must fully
enclose the ball-head and be locked. Check
the coupling head fastenings at regular
intervals for firm seating.
• Secure the breakaway cable to the traction
vehicle.
• Release parking brake before setting off.
52