towing code
16
2. Load evenly right to left so that each
caravan wheel carries approximately the
same weight.
3. Do not load items at the extreme front or
rear since this can lead to instability due to
the ‘pendulum effect’.
4. Load remainder to give a suitable
noseweight at the towing coupling.
Check noseweight.
note: do not overload car boot .
note: please take care to ensure that you
have allowed for the masses of all items
you intend to carry in the caravan .
WarnInG: all heavy and/or voluminous
items (e .g . tv, radio etc) must be stored
securely before travelling .
towing vehicle’s rear suspension
It is important that the towing vehicle’s rear
suspension is not deflected excessively by the
noseweight on the tow ball. If it is excessive the
steering and stability will be affected. (Fig. B)
The greater the towing vehicle’s tail overhang
(the distance between the rear axle and the tow
ball), the greater the effect the noseweight will
have on the towing vehicle’s rear suspension.
Fig . b Illustration of excessive deflection
of vehicle’s rear suspension
After trying out the caravan it may be found that
a stiffening of the rear suspension is necessary
- but note that this may give the towing vehicle
a firmer ride when not towing.
There are a number of suspension aids
available and advice should be sought on
which to use and how to fit. It is important to
ensure that the caravan is towed either level or
slightly nose down.
If you have any doubts about the suitability of
your towbar for towing a caravan consult the
towing bracket manufacturer.
DO NOT exceed the:
• Gross Vehicle Mass (G.V.M. on car plate).
• Maximum Technically Permissible Laden
Mass (M.T.P.L.M.) on the caravan.
• Gross Vehicle Combination Mass (Train
Weight) (G.V.C.M. on car plate).
• Maximum Permissible Towing Mass.
• Vertical Static Load on the
caravan coupling.
• Maximum Vertical Load on the
car towball as specified by towing
vehicle manufacturer.
stability
All our models are of a well balanced design
and should be exceptionally good towers.
Most models have an AL-KO stabiliser fitted
as standard. The common causes of poor
stability include:
(a) Worn springs or loose spring fixings on the
towing vehicle.
(b) Towing vehicle springs too soft.
(c) Insufficient noseweight.
(d) Nose of caravan is towing too high.
Galvanised steel chassis
Drilling of the galvanised steel chassis will
invalidate the warranty and must not be done.
towball
The AL-KO stabiliser is designed to be used
with a swan neck, fixed or detachable towball.
If you use a ‘bolt on type’ towball you may need
to replace your towball with a special extended
neck towball.