Xplore 304, Manual

Page: 173 / 206

13-1
CARAVAN CONSTRUCTION
CARAVAN CONSTRUCTION -
MAIN COMPONENTS
The following is a brief description of the
main components used in your caravan.
More comprehensive descriptions can be
found in the equipment manufacturers
literature held in the Owner’s Information
Pack.
ALKO CHASSIS
Manufactured from high quality steel, the
chassis has extra deep sections to provide
strength at points of maximum stress. Large
elongated holes are punched in the
longitudinal and towbar, (‘A’ frame) members,
to reduce weight to a minimum. Each hole
incorporates a return flange to maintain the
required strength and provide rigidity in the
extra deep sections.
The chassis frame is of a bolted construction
which, should the need arise, allows
replacement of individual parts.
BRAKING SYSTEM
The Braking System comprises a rod
operated overrunning device with expander
mechanism and adjuster box. An automatic
reversing system with a spring loaded
reverse lever is attached to the adjuster box.
The system also incorporates a link device,
which gives added safety to the handbrake
operation when parking on a reverse slope or
steep hill. Brake adjustment instructions are
given in the maintenance section of this
guide.
SOLID CONSTRUCTION BODY SHELL
Erwin Hymer Group UK Caravan Bodies are
constructed from the highest quality
materials. The fully insulated floor is a
constructed timber frame with plywood
internal floor and a GRP underskin for added
water resistance and insulation laminated
together for strength. The walls comprise an
insulated foam sandwich having pre-coated
aluminium exterior surface and vinyl coated
plywood internal finish. Wooded framing is
positioned within the sandwich to add
strength. The latest technology is used to
produce the extremely well insulated and
robust, yet lightweight sections.
WINDOWS
Windows are all of a double glazed acrylic
construction and the door frame is extruded
aluminium.
INSULATION
Erwin Hymer Group UK caravans are built to
comply with grade 3 thermal insulation in
accordance with the European Standard
BSEN 1645 part 1. This states that an
average temperature difference of at least
35ºC between the inside and outside
temperatures should be achieved when the
outside temperature is -15ºC and an internal
temperature of 20ºC.
FRONT PANEL AND GAS BOTTLE
LOCKER DOOR
The front panel and gas locker door are
constructed from ABS plastic for strength and
lightness.
The gas bottle compartment is primarily used
for the storage of the gas bottle and is not
intended to be sealed water tight to the
exterior of the vehicle.
AWNING CHANNEL
Each caravan is fitted, as standard, with an
awning channel as an integral part of the
near- and off-side aluminium roof and body
side moulding. We only recommend awning
skirts with suction cup fasteners.