MDC 15yr Anniversary Edition XT12HR, User Manual And Manual

Page: 14 / 47

13
1300 4X4 4X4
Setting up your Caravan
Loading Your Caravan
It is important to load your caravan correctly to distribute weight evenly and achieve a suitable ball weight load and
prevent loading in a manner that can cause a caravan to sway and/or roll excessively left and right. The optimum ball
weight on a caravan is between 9 and 11% of the total caravan weight.
WARNING: BALL LOADING (DOWNWARD LOAD ON TOW HITCH) MUST NOT EXCEED 350KG OR THE
MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE LOAD BY THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURER OR TOW BAR RATING, WHICH EVER IS
THE LOWEST. Exceeding these limits may result in an accident causing serious injury or death and/or
property damage.
• Always load evenly to both sides of the caravan
•
Load heavy weight over or as close to over the axle as possible and as low as possible
• Overhead cupboards should only be used for lightweight items such as clothes, personal items, bedding etc.
•
Heavy cooking equipment should be stored in lower cupboards.
• Tinned food, bottled goods for cooking etc should be stored in the pantry cupboard.
•
Never load in a manner that causes the ball weight to exceed the limit of the tow vehicle.
• Ensure no items can move during travel. Secure all items to prevent damage to the caravan.
•
Consider water tank levels and how they may affect the balance front and back and the percentage of ball
weight.
•
Never store heavy items in overhead cupboards.
The diagram below illustrates best placements of items based on weight.
Choosing a Spot to Set Up
When choosing a spot to set up your caravan, start with a flat area with no overhanging trees. Birds and bats
occupying trees can defecate leaving droppings on your caravan that can damage paint and leaves and sap can also
stain the coating. Ensure you are not camping in an area prone to flooding or with bad drainage in the event of rain.
Even the slightest hollow in the ground can put you in a mini lake. In hot weather if possible, set your caravan up so
the sun’s arc goes from front to back or back to front with the annex/awning in the general direction the sun is arcing
across. Doing this will keep the bulk of the caravan in shade and the inside cooler as it will be shaded by the awning.