MDC XT16HR ISLAND 2021, Owner'S Manual

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Setting Up the Caravan
Finding a Suitable Spot
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.
Weather
It is important to know the weather prediction for the area you are camped. Storms can be destructive with items
such as awnings and annexes being particularly vulnerable to wind and storm damage.
Using Wheel Chocks and Ramps
The stabiliser legs on your caravan are not designed for supporting the full weight of the trailer, they are there to
stabilise it once it is level. Using your stabilisers as a lifting mechanism will void your warranty as will extending them
with a “rattle gun” or “impact wrench”. Levelling front to back can be done by raising and lowering the jockey wheel
prior to adjusting the stabiliser legs. Getting the trailer level from left to right should be done with drive on stepped
ramps as illustrated below. Once levelled the legs can be lowered to keep the trailer stable. On soft ground you may
want to use timber sole boards under the stabiliser feet.
Operating the Jockey Wheel
The rated load capacity of a jockey wheel is achieved when the jockey wheel is retracted to its lowest position.
When moving the trailer on the jockey wheel, always lower it as far as possible but still allowing the wheel to swivel
as you steer the trailer.
Stabiliser Legs
Stabiliser legs are installed to stabilise the caravan when
setup. Stabiliser legs should never be used to jack a
trailer as they are comprised of small bevel gears held
in place by small roll pins that will break if overloaded.
Stabilisers are best set vertical or 90 degrees to the
chassis where possible. When set and an angle the
user must be careful not to overload them causing
locking pins or the leg itself to bend. Never use impact
wrenches to wind the legs, the impact may damage the
gears. When using a power tool, use an electric drill
with a safety clutch set low to medium to avoid injury or
damage to the stabilisers.