Explorer Group 2005 AVANTE, Owner'S Handbook Manual

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
TOWING TOPICS
Q: WHAT MAXIMUM WEIGHT OF
CARAVAN CAN I TOW?
A: That depends upon the kerb weight of
your tow car. Best practice is usually to
limit the actual laden weight being towed
to no more than 85% of the tow car kerb
weight.
Your car manufacturer's manual should
quote your maximum towing limit and its
recommended nose weight.
Q: WHAT IS NOSE WEIGHT, WHY
DOES IT MATTER AND HOW CAN I
CHECK IT?
A: Nose weight is the download on a tow
bar caused by the weight of your caravan
when hitched.
Remember this is not the maximum
weight of your caravan, as the weight is
distributed between the axle wheels (2 or
4) and the jockey wheel. For all Explorer
Group caravans built since year 2000, our
maximum nose weights are 100kgs, prior
to that year they deviated between 75kgs
and a maximum of 100kgs. Check yours
by supporting the coupling head on your
bathroom scales, ensuring that your
caravan is level at all times.
Q: WHAT, IF ANY, SPECIAL
EQUIPMENT IS NEEDED ON MY CAR
BY LAW, TO TOW A CARAVAN?
A: A towing bracket with a 50mm tow ball,
12N electrics socket and 12S electrics
socket and a third number plate to go on
the back of your caravan are all legal
requirements. With effect from 1 October
1982, UK law also requires that a safety
device be fitted to a permanent part of the
tow bar structure. This is to provide
protection in the event of separation of the
main coupling whilst in motion and a
breakaway cable must also be used
where fitted. In addition, extended towing
mirrors are highly recommended because
you must have an adequate view to the
rear of your towing unit.
Q: HOW CAN I AVOID EXCESSIVE
CARAVAN SNAKING WHEN I TOW
AND WHAT SHOULD I DO IF IT
STARTS?
A: The Explorer Group has extensively
tested our chassis and we are confident of
its stability. However, many other factors
can influence your towing unit. When
loading your caravan put heavy items low
down and mainly over the axle(s). You
should not stow tins, bottles or heavy
items in overhead lockers, during towing.
Everything else should be distributed
evenly around your caravan, front and
back, and each side of the centreline.
Make sure to end up with a suitable nose
weight.
Should snaking start, if at all possible
don't brake and don't compensate by
steering into the swings. Just ease up on
the accelerator and allow your speed to
gradually decrease until the snaking
subsides.