Swift Group Basecamp 2018, Owner'S Handbook Manual

Page: 21 / 159

TOWING CODE
18
THE TYRE LAW
Tyres that display signs of aging should be
removed and not put to further use.
The effects of aging can be brought about
prematurely in several conditions. Tyres fitted
as spare wheels may age prematurely. If
tyres on caravans are not in regular use they
should be inspected before every journey,
several cleaning products may also harm the
chemicals in the rubber. However, the age of
a tyre will affect its safety and increase the risk
of failure, and you should inspect tyres for the
signs of aging regularly.
Note: The use of some motor movers
can damage or increase wear on the tyres
prematurely.
The tyre law
Note:
Sales literature/ Technical Handbooks
publish recommended tyre pressures for the
MTPLM only (fully laden condition). It is not
possible to publish tyre pressures for any
other load condition other than the MTPLM.
Tyre types
It is illegal to mix tyres of a different
construction on the same axle.
Note: Although the caravan may be fitted
with the same type of tyre as the towing
vehicle, the pressures specified are different.
All charts show values for cars and are
therefore not applicable for caravans.
Pressures displayed on tyre walls apply ONLY
in North America and Canada.
Wheels
Caravan wheel bolts supplied with your
caravan should be tightened to a torque of
88Nm (65lb/ft) on steel wheels or 130Nm
(96lb/ft) on alloy wheels and should be
checked with the use of a torque wrench
regularly. Only use a spare wheel and tyre of
the type and size provided with you caravan.
Note: Please remember to check the wheel
bolt torque setting regularly.
Wheel rims
Two sizes of wheel rims are used 5.5J x 14
and 6J x 15, the rim sizes are the same for
both steel and alloy rim, incorporating a double
safety hump which conforms to European
safety standards. Check the size on your
caravan before replacing a rim.
Hitch head load capacity
The maximum vertical static load which can
be put upon the hitch head when connected
is 100kg. Please refer to the technical data
in your handbook. (But see also vehicle
manufacturer’s weight limits on towball
loading.)
Hitching-up
An assistant can help in the hitching operation
by standing on the left hand side of the
drawbar (facing rear of car) and extending
an arm horizontally to indicate position of the
coupling. When reversing aim the towball
of the car directly at the caravan drawbar.
Remove towball cover and keep in car.
Adjust the jockey wheel to ensure the hitch
head is high enough to slide over the towball.
!
WARNING: Do not lift the coupling head
by hand when hitching the caravan to the
car. Always raise and lower the coupling
head by winding the handle on the jockey
wheel up and down.
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