Xplore 304, Manual

Page: 11 / 206

3-1
PREPARING FOR THE ROAD
PREPARING FOR THE ROAD
CARAVAN TOWING VEHICLE
WEIGHT RATIO
This ratio has a major influence on stability. It
is recommended that:
(i) The laden nose weight for your caravan
should not exceed the
lower of the
following:
* Towing vehicles maximum nose
weight,
* Tow bar maximum nose weight
* The caravan’s maximum nose weight.
Please refer to the caravan weight
plate for this information.
(ii) The actual laden weight of the caravan
should always be kept as light as
possible. The lighter it is whilst being
towed on a road, the safer the outfit
combination will be.
(iii) What you are able to tow is dependent
on your driving licence.
(iv) If you are a B licence holder you can
only tow a car/caravan combination of
total weight not exceeding 3500kgs and
the cars kerb weight must be greater
than the caravans plated MTPLM.
(v) Your driving licence category determines
the weight you can tow. Please refer to
gov.uk for the most up to date
information.
(vi) The greater the actual laden weight of
the caravan in relation to the kerb weight
of the towing vehicle the more careful
and experienced the driver needs to be
and the lower the speed at which
instability could occur.
WARNING: It is strongly recommended
the loaded weight of the caravan does not
exceed the kerb weight of the towing
vehicle.
LOADING
Always lower and secure the jockey wheel
and the four corner steadies (with the brace
provided) before entering the caravan. This
will ensure that the caravan does not tip up
when you are inside.
Please note: Corner steadies should not be
used as a jacking device.
Internal Loading & Checks
When loading your caravan it is advisable to:
(i) Distribute items evenly over the axle and
as low as possible to optimise road
holding and achieve the best possible
braking effect.
(ii) Do not overload on one side as this will
cause the caravan to lean and affect the
road holding and stability.
(iii) Do not stow tins, bottles or heavy items
in overhead lockers when towing. All
overhead locker catches are for the
purpose of keeping the overhead lockers
closed and not to stop items from falling
out.
(iv) Loose articles should be stowed
securely to avoid movement and
possible damage.
(v) Ensure that all lockers, cupboard doors
and showers doors are closed and room
partitions are secured.
(vi) Secure all bunks (if appropriate).
(vii) Store the main dining table in its transit
position.
(viii) Set the refrigerator for 12V operation if
any fresh food is stored in it and ensure
the door is locked.
(ix) Fully close and lock all windows and
rooflights. Never tow with windows on
night setting.
(x) Leave all curtains and blinds open to
prevent damage in transit. If your
caravan has a rear window this may aid
visibility.
(xi) Ensure you remove all items from the
microwave.
(xii) Ensure the hob lid is in the closed
position.