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(ii) The trailer is intended to be towed slightly
nose heavy. The nose weight can be
adjusted by distribution of the load. The
nose weight should be approximately 7%
of the actual laden weight (but not greater
than the hitch capacity) and at the same
time suit the motorhome requirements.
See ‘Advice on Towing’ page 22.
LoADInG of VEHICLE
WARnInG: loads must not be exceeded.
The driver is responsible for arranging
the loads so that they comply with
the technical weight limits of the
specific motorhome model. See
specification handbook.
Correct weight distribution is an important
factor in ensuring your vehicle is well
balanced and easy to drive. It is therefore
necessary to load your motorhome carefully
making sure all heavy articles are evenly
distributed and are preferably placed in the
lower lockers or bed boxes.
WARnInG: Do not travel with televisions
or microwaves in overhead lockers unless
the appliance was supplied fitted to your
motorhome by the manufacturer.
Although it is essential to ensure that the total
weight of your motorhome does not exceed
the stipulated Maximum Technically Permissible
Laden Mass, (MTPLM), it is important to
remember that the front and rear axles also
have individual maximum weights which must
not be exceeded.
To ensure adequate road holding the load
on the front axle, under all conditions,
must not be less than 40% or more than
70% of the total weight.
Ensure you distribute the payload equally on
each side of the vehicle to avoid an imbalance.
These weights, together with the MTPLM, can
be found on the VIN (Vehicle Identification
Number) plate located under the bonnet on
the front cross member.
Warning: Turn off all gas appliances while
the vehicle is in motion. If a heating
system is fitted isolate all appliances
except the heater.
Please take care to ensure you have
allowed for the masses of all the items
you intend to carry in your motorhome
e.g. passengers, optional equipment,
essential habitational equipment and
personal effects such as clothing,
food, pets, bicycles, sailboards, sports
equipment etc.
LARGE SToRAGE AREAS
The large storage areas provided in some
motorhome layouts are designed solely for the
purpose of carrying personal possessions, these
areas must not be used:
• As a habitation area (eg living, sleeping or
cooking).
• To carry passengers, animals or livestock.
• For the installation (or use) of any LPG gas
operated appliances (unless supplied fitted
by the manufacturer).
• For carrying LPG gas bottle cylinders.
• To carry any flammable liquids, unless
properly stored, sealed and secured.
• For the operation of an electrical
generator.
• In such a way that the load exceeds the
MTPLM, and/or minimum and maximum
axle loads.
Care must be taken to ensure that exterior
doors are closed, locked and that all
possessions are properly stored and secured
before setting off on any journey.
loading of vehicle & large storage areas
prep
aring for the road
BEfoRE MoVInG off CHECK:
• Gas cylinders and all gas operated
appliances have been isolated, including
fridge, water heater, oven and space heater.
• Gas cylinders are correctly positioned,
secured and turned off unless using
en-route heating.
• Loose articles including luton ladder are
stowed securely. Do not stow tins, bottles
or heavy items in overhead lockers.
• All lockers and cupboard doors are closed
and secured.
• Main table is stored or locked in its
transit position.
• Fridge is on 12V operation and door lock
is set.
• 230V mains input socket flap is
securely closed.
• All drain taps are closed.
• Tyre pressures and wheel nuts.
• Rear corner steadies are raised.
• Exterior roof rack ladder is raised
and secured.
• All windows/doors/rooflights are closed
and secured.
• TV aerial is lowered and locked
into position.
• Exterior step (where fitted) is retracted/
folded in.
Special attention must be taken to ensure
all top hinged windows as well as the Luton
windows and rooflights are closed when in
transit. All units should be fully closed and
latched to prevent damage. The motorhome
exterior door should also be locked.
MoToRHoME TERMS
Mass in Running order:
This is the mass of the motorhome as stated
by the manufacturer, i.e. ex works weight
including the driver with 90% fuel / tools
and hook up cable and standard fixtures and
fittings, in compliance with European Directive
92/21/EEC (Masses and Dimensions).
Note: Quoted MRO is subject to tolerance,
due to weight variation of materials used in
Motorhome construction.
Maximum User Payload:
The maximum allowable weight to be put
into the motorhome whilst it is being driven.
This is made up of 4 sections: Personal effects,
conventional load, optional equipment and
essential habitation equipment.
The Maximum User Payload is the difference
between the Maximum Technically Permissible
Laden Mass and the Mass in Running Order.
Personal Effects:
Those items which a user can choose to
carry in a motorhome and which are not
included as Essential Habitation Equipment or
Optional equipment.
Conventional Load:
A mass allowance for each designated
passenger seat.
optional Equipment:
Items made available by the manufacturer over
and above the standard specification of the
motorhome.
Essential Habitation:
A mass allowance for liquids in systems not
accounted for within the MRO.
Maximum Technically Permissible
Laden Mass:
The maximum weight for which the
motorhome is designed for normal use when
being driven on a road, laden. This mass takes
into account specific operating conditions
including factors such as the strength of
materials, loading capacity of tyres etc.
WARnInG: UnDER no CIRCUMSTAnCES
SHoULD THE MAxIMUM TECHnICALLY
PERMISSIBLE LADEn MASS of THIS
MoToRHoME BE ExCEEDED.
nose weight:
The static mass of the trailer towing device on
the rear of the towing vehicle.
notes:
(i) When measuring the noseweight it is
important that the trailer is loaded.
before moving off & motorhome terms
prep
aring for the road
