towing code
23
Fig . 3b
• Detachable towball: You must seek
guidance on procedure from the towing
vehicle towbar manufacturer or supplier.
When the breakaway cable is attached, check
to ensure:
a) that the cable cannot snag in use on the
caravan coupling head, jockey wheel,
stabiliser or accessory e.g. bumper shield,
cycle carrier etc.
b) that there is sufficient slack in the cable
to allow the towing vehicle and caravan
to articulate fully without the cable ever
becoming taut and applying the brakes.
c) that it is not slack and can drag on the
ground. If left loose, the cable may scrape
along the ground and be weakened so
that it subsequently fails to do its job. The
cable may also be caught on an obstacle
when in motion thus engaging the caravan
brakes prematurely.
Having followed this advice, should you feel
that a satisfactory coupling arrangement cannot
be achieved, consult your Swift Group dealer or
towbar supplier.
Mirrors
The driver of the towing vehicle must have an
adequate view of the rear.
If there is no rear view through the caravan it is
essential that additional exterior towing mirrors
are fitted. This is mandatory in some European
countries and drivers can face instant fines if
extension mirrors are not fitted.
caution: any rear view mirror must not
project more than 250 mm outside:
a) the width of the caravan when being towed.
b) the width of the towing vehicle when
driven solo.
Note: Any rear view mirror fitted shall be ‘e’
marked and cover the field of view as stipulated
by type approval requirements (Community
Directive 2003/97 or 2005/27 or ECE
Regulation 46.02 or Regulation 33 of the Road
Vehicles (Construction & Use Regulation 1986).
MovInG oFF
Let the clutch in smoothly.
Allow more engine speed to produce the power
to move the additional weight of the caravan.
Reduce wear and tear on clutch and
transmission by taking extra care.
Change gears smoothly.
Try not to jerk the clutch.
reversInG
When the towing vehicle is reversing, the
overrun device shaft is pushing in, applying the
brakes via the overrun lever, brake rod system,
bowden cables and the expander mechanism.
Fig . a reversing
The backwards rotation of the brake drum
causes the secondary brake shoe to collapse
cancelling out the braking effect, allowing the
