STORAGE AND CARE
TORQUE SETTINGS
BATTERIES
When storing your caravan, ensure all power is turned off to ensure batteries aren’t drained. Batteries should
be maintenance charged at least monthly when stored. Allowing batteries to drain below 12.05 volts may
permanently damage them.
If storing for as period longer than 1 month, consider a trickle charge setup, or a 24hours charge on 240V
every few weeks. Do not leave the 240V charge on constantly, as the battery memory can be affected.
SECURING YOUR CARAVAN
When parked and unhitched you should always use suitable wheel chocks to ensure the trailer can’t move in the
event of a handbrake failure. For security a wheel clamp or and hitch lock are highly recommended.
WHEEL NUTS
Wheel nuts should be tightened to correct torque using a torque wrench. Never trust a “rattle gun” as these
may over or under tighten. A quality torque wrench will ensure nuts are tightened correctly. It’s important to
remember to check your wheel nuts at 50km, 100km, and 500km and periodically thereafter.
The correct torque settings are: 125Nm for 12mm studs. Refer to the plate on your drawbar.
HITCH
The high tensile bolts securing your hitch should be tightened to 150Nm.
These should be checked at 5,000km intervals.
TRAILING ARM PIVOT BOLTS
The pivot bolts are a high tensile steel. The service interval for these bolts is 10,000km under normal use
and 5000km for harsh off-road conditions. During travel they should be inspected daily to ensure they
have not rotated or become damaged. Correct torque is 180Nm
1
2
4
5
6
3
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Wheel nuts must be re-torqued to 125Nm
after the first 50km, or after the wheels
have been re-mounted, and then at periodic
intervals. Wheel nuts should be checked
DAILY when on rough or unsealed roads.
Re-torque as per the diagram on the right:
PARKES SERIES
8
