MDC XT12HR 2021 User manual

XT12HR
OFFROAD HYBRID CARAVAN
OWNER’S MANUAL
EDITION: 2021 - Version 1
www.marketdirect.com.au
* January 2021 AU Model shown.
Phone: [phone]
Copyright © Market Direct Group Pty Ltd 2021 All Rights Reserved

Copyright © Market Direct Group Pty Ltd 2021 All Rights Reserved
All files and informaon contained in this Owner’s Manual are copyright by Market Direct Group Pty Ltd, and may not
be duplicated, copied, modified, or adapted, in any way without our wrien permission. Our Owner’s Manual may
contain our service marks or trademarks as well as those of our affiliates or other companies, in the form of words,
graphics, and logos.
Your use of our Owner’s Manual does not constute any right or license for you to use our service marks or trademarks,
without the prior wrien permission of Market Direct Group Pty Ltd.
Our Content, as found within our Owner’s Manual, is protected under Australian and foreign copyrights. The copying,
redistribuon, use or publicaon by you of any such Content, is strictly prohibited. Your use of our Owner’s Manual does
not grant you any ownership rights to our Content.
DISCLAIMER: This manual is provided in good faith and Market Direct Group Pty Ltd.
may amend or update this owner manual from me to me.
Use of Product
The intent and purpose of this manual is to assist owners in the correct use and operaon of the product and outline the
servicing schedule to be followed, ensuring the correct maintenance of the product.
Servicing
Servicing informaon contained in this owner manual is provided for those who have appropriate technical skills and
relevant to the subject maer the publicaon deals with in regard to maintenance and repairs. The servicing content of
this manual assumes a sasfactory technical knowledge and mechanical skills and experience. It is not suitable for
people who are not trained or qualified in the subject maer it deals with. If you do not have the appropriate skills and
experience, or if you do not have access to appropriate tools and equipment, you may injure yourself or others around
you and/or you may cause damage to the Caravan you are working on, including making it unsafe. Users of this owner
manual must:
•Read all content thoroughly. It is especially important to have a good understanding of all the contents
shown in the INTRODUCTION and SAFETY Sections of this publication.
•Use only the correct tools and equipment for all repairs and servicing.
•If part replacement is necessary, replace the part with the same part number or equivalent part. DO
NOT replace it with a part of inferior quality.
•Observe all ‘Cautions’ and ‘Notices’ to reduce the risk of personal injury during service or repair, or
improper service or repair that may damage the Caravan or render it unsafe.
•Understand that the ‘Cautions’ and ‘Notices’ in this publication are not exhaustive because it is
impossible to warn of all possible hazardous consequences that might result from failure to follow the
instructions in this publication. You must carry out your own risk assessments as you work.
Market Direct Group Pty Ltd. does not accept any and all liability which may arise because a user of this publicaon
fails to follow direcons in the publicaon or safe work methods associated with use and maintenance of the product.
Those without the required skills, knowledge, tools, and experience to work on and maintain this product should seek the
services of a suitably qualified person or business. This publicaon is based on the latest product informaon at the me
of release. However, specificaons and procedures are subject to change without noce.

My Forbes 13 Hybrid Caravan
DISCLAIMER: by receiving this handbook, you confirm there you have read and agree to all
the terms and condions and understood the use and maintenance care of MDC®
NAME:
ADDRESS 1:
ADDRESS 2:
MODEL:
VIN:
BUILD DATE:
TARE WEIGHT:
ATM:
TYRE SIZE:
DEALER:

Table of Contents
Secon 1. Introducon ............................................................2
WELCOME TO MDC ......................................................2
Terminology & Abbreviations .......................................2
Terminology & Abbreviaons ................................................3
Specifications......................................................................4
MDC Contact Details ...............................................................5
Safety Informaon.....................................................................6
WARNING– ........................................................................6
Modifications to The Product.........................................6
Gas Systems ......................................................................6
Chassis ................................................................................6
Jacking Your Caravan or Camper ..................................7
Electrical Safety..................................................................8
Vehicle Electrical Requirements ....................................9
Brake Controller ...............................................................9
Correct Vehicle Wiring for MDC Caravans ..............9
Trailer Lights................................................................... 10
Charging Camper/Caravan While Driving.............. 10
Gas & Appliance Safety ........................................................ 11
Gas Certification ............................................................. 11
General Safety................................................................. 11
Gas Cylinder Safety........................................................ 11
Gas Appliance Safety..................................................... 12
Removing the Flue Cover............................................. 12
Isolating Appliances........................................................ 12
Using the Caravan .................................................................. 13
Weights and Payload Capacities................................. 13
How to Load Your Caravan ......................................... 13
Ball Weight ..................................................................... 13
Effects of Weight Distribution .................................. 13
Tyre Pressures ............................................................... 14
Pre-Trip Inspection......................................................... 14
Tyres................................................................................. 14
Wheel Nuts..................................................................... 14
Hitch and Chains........................................................... 14
Fire Extinguisher ........................................................... 14
Brakes & Breakaway System...................................... 14
Lights ................................................................................ 14
Setting Up the Caravan................................................. 15
Using Wheel Chocks and Ramps.............................. 15
Operating the Jockey Wheel ..................................... 15
Stabiliser Legs ................................................................ 16
Electric Awning.............................................................. 16
Kitchen............................................................................... 17
Control Panel ................................................................... 18
Charging the Caravan .................................................... 19
Charging from your Vehicle ......................................... 19
Battery Care..................................................................... 19
Packing Down Your Caravan....................................... 20
Towing the Caravan ....................................................... 20
Towing with Trucks & Buses ..................................... 20
Connecting the Hitch................................................... 21
Uncoupling...................................................................... 24
Connecting the Breakaway ........................................ 26
Connecting the Safety Chains ...................................26
Connecting the Electrics .............................................26
Care and Maintenance of the Caravan .............................27
Protection of Finishes....................................................27
Paint..................................................................................27
Acrylic Windows............................................................27
Internal Finishes.............................................................27
Ensuite Finishes .............................................................27
Mirrors..............................................................................27
Galvanised Finishes ......................................................27
High Tensile Bolt and Fittings....................................27
Stainless Steel.................................................................27
Fabrics ..............................................................................27
Corrosion Protection ....................................................27
Protecting from Mould ..................................................28
Protecting Your Investment .........................................28
Stone Protection............................................................28
Roof Maintenance ..........................................................29
Winegard Sensar III Antenna (optional Extra)........29
Caravan Body Maintenance.........................................31
Locks and Latches .........................................................31
Rubber Seals ...................................................................31
Sealants............................................................................31
Mechanical Maintenance ..............................................31
Wheels and Tyres .........................................................31
Brakes...............................................................................31
Bearings and Seals ........................................................31
Suspension ......................................................................31
Handbrake.......................................................................32
Adjuster............................................................................32
Adjuster Automotive Type..........................................33
Correct Use of Your Electric Brakes..........................34
Important Safety Notice................................................34
Brake Adjustment ...........................................................34
Brake Cleaning and Inspection....................................34
Magnets.............................................................................35
Shoes and Linings ...........................................................35
Corrosion Prevention.....................................................35
Wheels and Tyres ...................................................................36
Suspension................................................................................36
Shock Absorbers & Bushes ..........................................36
Hitch .................................................................................36
Ball Bearing Slides .........................................................36
Hub Assembly..................................................................37
Trailing Arm Bushes .......................................................38
Spare Part Numbers .....................................................39
Plumbing and Toilet........................................................40
Truma Hot Water Heater ...........................................40
Grey Water Tank...........................................................40
Fresh Water Tanks........................................................40
Toilet Care and Maintenance.....................................40
Chemicals: .......................................................................40
Truma Rapid HotWater System..................................41
Operating Instructions .................................................41
General Safety ...............................................................41
Filling the Truma UltraRapid with Water ................42
Pressure and Temperature Relief Valve (P&T safety
valve).................................................................................43

1
Draining the Water Heater ........................................ 43
Switching On Gas Operation ..................................... 43
Removing The Cowl Cover ........................................ 44
Select Water Heater Mode ........................................ 44
Switching Off Gas Operation .................................... 44
Red Indicator Lamp “Fault”......................................... 44
Maintenance .................................................................... 45
Decalcification ............................................................... 45
Fuses ................................................................................ 45
Circuit Breaker............................................................... 45
Water Pumps ................................................................... 45
Selecting Fresh Water Tank......................................... 46
12 Volt Wiring Diagram ................................................ 47
Trouble Shoong .................................................................... 48
240 Volt Trouble Shooting......................................... 48
12 Volt Trouble Shooting ........................................... 48
Plumbing ........................................................................... 49
Water Heater Trouble Shooting................................. 49
Gas Operation................................................................49
Water Supply..................................................................49
Water Pump ...................................................................50
Driving Off Road .............................................................51
Trip Planning ....................................................................52
Recommended Recovery Products ............................53
Recovery points.............................................................53
Hardware.........................................................................53
Warranty Statement ..............................................................55
Travel Record...........................................................................59
Maintenance.............................................................................61
Maintenance Schedule & Service Record ................62
Supplier Contact Details .......................................................84
Video Tutorials.........................................................................85
New Purchase Handover Video..................................85
Setup Tutorial...................................................................85
Pack Down Tutorial........................................................85

2
Coupling Mass
Reading = Tare Mass
Secon 1. Introducon
WELCOME TO MDC
Off road caravanning is a rewarding way to travel and see our great country. Owning an MDC Caravan
will afford you the opportunity to travel to remote places and stay in comfort. It is the intention of
MDC for you tohave the best possible owner experience and enjoy the great outdoors.
Terminology & Abbreviaons
Tare Weight: The total weight of the trailer (load on tyres plus coupling load) with all options and fittings
as supplied by the manufacturer, with empty water tanks, excluding fluids not essential for operation on
public roads, and without luggage or personal effects.
ATM (Aggregate Trailer Mass) Rang: The total permissible mass of the Trailer. This includes the coupling mass and
whatever you add as payload (e.g. water, gas, luggage) up to the specified rang. The ATM Rang must not be
exceeded.
GTM(Gross Trailer Mass) Rang: The total permissible mass that can be supported by the wheels/ tyres of the
Trailer. This includes whatever you add as payload (e.g. water, gas, equipment, and luggage), but does not include the
mass supported by the tow vehicle. The GTM Rang must not be exceeded.
Caravans for illustraon purposes only.
Load
Coupling Mass
Reading must not exceed ATM Rang

3
Terminology & Abbreviaons
Ball Weight: The downward load exerted on the tow point of the vehicle by the trailer.
GCM: (Gross Combination Mass): This is the total allowable combined mass of tow vehicle and trailer as
determined by the tow vehicle manufacturer.
Camber: Camber angle is the measure in degrees of the difference between the wheel’s vertical alignment
perpendicular to the surface. If a wheel is perfectly perpendicular to the surface, its camber would be 0
degrees. Camber is described as negative when the top of the tyre begins to tilt inward towards the chassis
rail.
Toe In/out: Negative toe, or toe out, is the front of the wheel pointing away from the centerline of the vehicle.
Positive toe, or toe in, is the front of the wheel pointing towards the centerline of the vehicle.
Toe can be measured in linear units, at the front or rear of the tyre, or as an angular deflection. In the case of
MDC products, the “toe in” is measured in millimeters at the front of the tyre from the chassis rail.
Tow vehicle and Trailer Compatibility
Your tow vehicle manufacturer has applied a maximum towing capacity to the vehicle which is the Aggregate
Trailer Mass (ATM) and a maximum Gross Combination Mass (GCM). These specifications MUST NOT be
exceeded. It is your responsibility to know, understand and follow these specifications. Vehicle manufacturers
may also specify or recommend “Weight Distribution Bars” when towing under certain conditions. You MUST
ensure this is compatible with the vehicle and trailer combination.
DANGER
DANGER – Exceeding manufacturer weight and combination limits can result in
loss of control leading to death or serious injury. Your tow vehicle and hitchmust be
rated for the Gross Vehicle Weight of the trailer.

4
Specificaons
SIZE (CLOSED WITH AC)
2265mmW x 5580mmL x 3000mmH
SIZE (OPENED WITH AC)
5800mmW x 5580mmL x 3000mmH
SIZE (CLOSED W/O AC)
2265mmW x 5580mmL x 2800mmH
SIZE (OPENED W/O AC)
5800mmW x 5580mmL x 2800mmH
STYLE
12’ hybrid offroad caravan
TOWBALL WEIGHT
170kg
TARE WEIGHT
Approx. 1830kg
ATM
3000kg
BERTH
2
CHASSIS
150mm x 50mm x 3mm
DRAWBAR
150mm x 50mm x 4mm
BODY CONSTRUCTION
Aluminium composite panel fully welded frame + chassis
STONE GUARD
Included with stone tamer mudflaps
SUSPENSION
Independent trailing arm with 4x shock absorbers and coil springs
WHEELS & TYRES
265/75 R16 Goodride radial mud terrain
COUPLING
DO35
BRAKES
4WD 12” electric with hand brake
GAS CYLINDERS
2 x 9kg gas cylinder holders
JERRY CAN HOLDER
2 x 20L jerry can holders
KITCHEN CONSTRUCT
External 304 grade stainless steel with 3 burner gas cooktop, stainless steel sink with
washboard, hot and cold water to kitchen
WATER TANK
2 X 80L fresh water
WATER DELIVERY
12V electric pump
HOT WATER SYSTEM
Truma “Boiler” 14L (gas)
SHOWER (ENSUITE)
Hot/cold external includes van side mounted shower tent
AWNING
Electric
BATTERY
2 x 100amp 12V deep cycle batteries
INVERTER
Projecta 12v 1000w modified Sine inverter
OUTLETS
Multiple 12V, 240V x 2
JOCKEY WHEEL
10” swing up and lockable
STABILISER LEGS
4 x heavy duty lockable and adjustable drop down
LIGHT CONNECTION PLUG
12pin flat as standard. 7 pin round or 7 pin flat connection available (NSW by law
must have a 12 pin flat installed)
MATTRESS
200mm custom Queen innerspring
SOUND
Kenwood head unit with internal & external speakers
SOLAR
2 x 150W solar included
*All weights do not include gas bottles, jerry cans, annex walls & roof.

5
MDC Contact Details
QUEENSLAND
Brisbane
3/711 Beaudesert Rd
Rocklea QLD 4107
Caboolture
4 Boeing Place
Caboolture QLD 4510
NEW SOUTH WALES
Sydney
1/12 Avalli Rd
Prestons NSW 2170
Newcastle
Unit 1, 2364 Pacific Hwy
Heatherbrae NSW 2324
VICTORIA
Melbourne
126 Canterbury Rd
Kilsyth South VIC 3137
Campbellfield
1551 Sydney RD
Campbellfield VIC 3061
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Welshpool
18 Bellows Rd
Welshpool WA 6107
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Adelaide
1246 South Rd
Clovelly Park SA 5042
NATIONAL TOLL FREE
WARRANTY HOTLINE
SPARE PARTS
1300 4X4 4X4
1300 494 494
1300 MDC CARE
1300 632 2273
1300 MDC PARTS
1300 632 72787

6
Safety Informaon
WARNING–
Before using this product, you should read this manual, and those manuals supplied by component
manufacturers applicable to this product.
This manual is supplied as a reference to required maintenance of the product. Failure to use and
maintain the product in accordance with what is outlined in this manual may affect your warranty.
Incorrect and/or insufficient maintenance may cause product failure resulng in property loss, damage or injury or death.
Maintenance intervals are crical for normal use, extreme use may require shorter or addional maintenance intervals.
Manual content does not imply. express or other any warranty, the owner should read the limited warranty terms
included in this booklet.
Before using this product, you should be certain your tow vehicle is suitably rated and equipped to tow the product
safely and legally. The trailer and vehicle pairing must we within the safe “Maximum Towing Capacity”, “Ball Weight
Capacity” and “Gross Combinaon Mass” as stated by the vehicle manufacturer.
This caravan is fied with electric brakes and a “Breakaway System”. Requirements for breakaway systems can vary from
state to state. It is mandatory to supply a maintenance charge to the breakaway baery source while driving. You MUST
ensure this capability is fied to your vehicle. The maintenance charge is supplied to the caravan via the Anderson plug
on the drawbar.
WARNING: BALL LOADING (DOWNWARD LOAD ON TOW HITCH) MUST NOT EXCEED 350KG OR THE MAXIMUM
ALLOWABLE LOAD BY THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURER OR TOW BAR RATING, WHICH EVER IS THE LOWEST.
Exceeding these limits may result in an accident causing serious injury or death and/or property damage.
It is important to load your caravan correctly to distribute weight evenly and achieve a suitable ball weight load and
prevent loading in a manner that can cause a camper to sway and/or roll excessively le and right. The opmum ball
weight on a caravan is between 9 and 11% of the total camper weight.
Modificaons to The Product
Gas Systems
The installed gas system on this product is an approved and cerfied installaon. Any changes, modificaons or
adjustment may render the system non-compliant and dangerous.
Market Direct Group Pty Ltd does not condone, recommend, or otherwise consent to any modificaons, adjustment,
addion or tampering in any way with the installed gas system on any and all products.
Chassis
All MDC chassis are fully engineered and verified using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) soware. This ensures that the
chassis for each model passes the relevant regulaons and design rules as originally provided to the customer. Any
modificaon to the chassis or drawbar whatsoever (no maer how minor) will inevitably change this – whether it impacts
the towing dynamics, expected loads and stress points, safety chain aachment points, overall trailer length etc.
Market Direct Group Pty Ltd does not condone, recommend, or otherwise consent to any modificaons, adjustment,
addion or tampering in any way with the drawbar, safety chains or safety chain aachment points.

7
Jacking Your Caravan or Camper
Your trailer is fied with purpose built jacking points and from January 2021 supplied with a suitable jack. An
appropriately rated bole jack is an acceptable alternave, however when using the jacking point beneath the trailing arm
ensure the jack is of a retracted height that will fit under the jacking point when the tyre is deflated. A suitably rated
“High Li” jack may be used on the jacking points on the side of the body behind the wheels provided it has the correct
posive engagement fing to match the trailer. To ensure safe usage the following must be followed:
•The jack is to be used on level firm ground wherever possible.
•The wheels of the trailer should be chocked, and no person should remain inside the trailer whilst it is
being jacked.
•No person should place any portion of their body under a trailer that is supported by a jack.
•The trailer should be attached to the towing vehicle whilst being jacked.
•When performing maintenance ensure suitably rated jack stands are used – do not rely on the trailer
being supported by the jack.
Behind the wheels Under the chassis
Under the trailing arm

8
Electrical Safety
Warning
Failure To Follow These Instructions May Result In Death Or Serious Injury!
When working with electrical equipment or lead acid batteries, have someone nearby in case of an
emergency.
Study and follow all the manufacturer’s specific precautions when using, and servicing the battery and
connected appliances.
Wear eye protection and gloves.
Keep unit away from moist or damp areas.
Avoid dropping any metal tool or object on the battery. Doing so could create a spark or short circuit
which goes through the battery or another electrical tool that may create an explosion.
Warning
Shock Hazard! Keep Away From Children
Avoid moisture. Never expose unit to snow, water, etc.
Inverter Unit provides 230 VAC, treat the AC output socket the same as regular wall AC sockets at
home.
Read and understand the information in the appliance manuals before operating this equipment
The 240v electrical system in your caravan has been cerfied by a trade qualified person. Under no circumstances
should an unqualified person interfere with, modify, or repair this system. An RCD safety device is fied to this caravan
for your safety.
• Always use a 15amp lead to connect to mains power.
• Do not modify the earth pin to accommodate a lesser lead.
• When connecng to 10amp mains, always use an approved adapter.
• Never coil power leads when in use. Lay the lead out in lengths in a safe manner that prevents
creang a trip hazard.

9
Vehicle Electrical Requirements
Brake Controller
All MDC campers and caravans require an electric brake controller to be fied to the tow vehicle by law. There is a wide
range of controllers available that are suitable.
Correct Vehicle Wiring for MDC Caravans
To comply with naonal laws on breakaway systems, you must supply a maintenance charge to the baery/baeries that
power the system should it be acvated. In all MDC products, the breakaway is powered by the house baeries in the
caravan. For this purpose and Anderson plug connecon is fied to all MDC caravans on the drawbar. Your vehicle will
need to be fied with a power supply to a 50 amp Anderson plug near the towbar so the trailer can be connected. The
vehicle only needs to supply power while it is running so a voltage sensive relay or switching device may be used to
protect the start baery when the car engine is stopped.

10
Trailer Lights
Plug Type – 12 Pin Flat (Not Negoable)
Charging Camper/Caravan While Driving
Plug Type – 50 amp Anderson Plug.
Vehicle with or without smart alternator:
The Anderson plug can be connected to the start baery on the vehicle and should include the following to protect the
start baery.
1. 50 amp relay to stop power supply when vehicle is not running
2. 50 amp fuse or circuit breaker at the baery
Notes: The Projecta IDC25 DC to DC controller fied in your MDC trailer is programmed to favour the solar panel input
exclusively unl it drops below a threshold voltage input. By providing accessory power to the number 12 pin, the trigger
for the IDC25 will be set off to take power from both the Anderson plug and the solar panels. It will also trigger the
IDC25 to acvate the vehicles ECU to make the alternator provide power to fully charge the mulple baeries in your
camper or caravan.

11
Gas & Appliance Safety
Gas Cerficaon
Your Caravan has been supplied gas tested and certified. Any additions or alterations to the gas
system must be performed by an authorized person and will require re-certification and testing.
Also note any alterations may affect your warranty on both the system and appliances.
General Safety
•Your Caravan may have several gas safety labels affixed throughout containing important
information. Allinstructions are to be followed and the labels shall not be removed for any reason.
•Make sure to close appliance valves before opening the cylinder valves.
•Where readily accessible, check connections at the appliances, regulator, hoses and cylinders
periodically forleaks with soapy water (or an equivalent) – this should be done every time a cylinder
is changed or at least annually.
CAUTION – the ammonia present in some soaps and detergents can react with brass fings and
cause such fingsto crack aer a short period of me. Therefore, cauon should be exercised when
using soap soluons on brass fings and all connecons should be rinsed thoroughly with fresh water
as soon as possible aer the applicaon of the soap soluon.
•Never use a match or flame when checking leaks.
•Never use cooking appliances for comfort heating.
•In the event of a fire, immediately close cylinder valve if safe to do so.
•Appliances must not be altered without the authorisation of the manufacturer.
•In the event of an accidental gas leak, close cylinder valve and ventilate the area using a safe
method until the air is clear.
•Flexible hoses are used between the LP Gas Cylinder and regulator as well as between your slide-
out kitchen cooker (if fitted) and the gas bayonet. These flexible hoses are easily accessible and
shall be inspected regularly by a competent person.
Gas Cylinder Safety
•LP Gas cylinders have a 10-year lifespan between inspection and re-certification. Always use gas
cylinders that
are within their compliance date.
•For drawbar mounted cylinders (if applicable), orient the cylinder relief valves of both cylinders
discharge awayfrom both the trailer and towing vehicle as shown.
•For gas cylinders stored in a dedicated LP Gas Locker ensure the locker is kept closed at all times
unlesschanging or operating the cylinders.
•Close cylinder valves when appliances are not in use or while refuelling is in progress.
•Ensure cylinder valves are closed to prevent the unintended release of gas from a cylinder.
45˚
45˚

12
Gas Appliance Safety
•Gas appliances are certified and have a flame safeguard feature to stop gas flow in the event of the
flame goingout. Never interfere with this function or replace appliances with a non-certified type.
•Slide-out kitchens with cookers should only be operated with an annex fully erected. Failing to do
so may affectthe safety and operation of the gas appliance.
•Slide-out kitchens with cookers must only be used with a flexible connecting hose that is
disconnected from thegas bayonet fitting when in its stored position. Under no circumstances
permanently connect this appliance.
•Only approved and suitable gas appliances with flame safeguard systems shall be connected to the
gas bayonet(if fitted).
Removing the Flue Cover
Cauon! To use your inbuilt Truma hot water system, the external flue covers must be removed prior to starng the
unit.
First, open the flue dust cover shown.
Remove lockable cover Remove plasc cover Ready for use
Caution
To use your inbuilt Tr u m a hot water system, the external flue covers
must be removed prior to starng the unit.
Ventilation and Flues
•Check all permanent ventilators, flues (if applicable) and vents to ensure they are clear, open and
unrestricted.
•Any supplied or 3rd party vent cover(s) (e.g. low level door vent) should only be used for covering the
vents during storage between use with all LP gas system valves closed. All vents (e.g. low level door vent)
shall be uncovered at all times the Caravan is in use.
Isolang Appliances
Internal gas appliances have an isolaon valve fied in the gas line. During travel these should be turned to the off
posion where praccal and always turn the valve on the acve gas bole off when towing or refuelling.

13
Using the Caravan
Weights and Payload Capacies
The informaon plate aached to the drawbar of your caravan displays the relevant weights and weight capacies
of the van.
How to Load Your Caravan
It is important to load your caravan correctly to distribute weight evenly and achieve a suitable ball weight load and
prevent loading in a manner that can cause a Caravan to sway and/or roll excessively le and right. The industry opmum
ball weight on a caravan is between 9 and 11% of the total Caravan weight. AusRV Caravans fit into this category and
10% should be used as the starng point.
WARNING: BALL LOADING (DOWNWARD LOAD ON TOW HITCH) MUST NOT EXCEED 350KG OR THE
MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE LOAD BY THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURER OR TOW BAR RATING, WHICH EVER IS
THE LOWEST. Exceeding these limits may result in an accident causing serious injury or death and/or property damage.
• Always load evenly to both sides of the caravan
• Load heavy weight over or as close to over the axle as possible and as low as possible
• Overhead cupboards should only be used for lightweight items such as clothes, personal items, bedding etc.
• Heavy cooking equipment should be stored in lower cupboards.
• Tinned food, boled goods for cooking etc should be stored in the pantry cupboard.
• Never load in a manner that causes the ball weight to exceed the limit of the tow vehicle.
• Ensure no items can move during travel. Secure all items to prevent damage to the caravan.
• Consider water tank levels and how they may affect the balance front and back and the percentage of ball
weight.
• Never store heavy items in overhead cupboards.
Load Distribuon Guide
The diagram below illustrates best placements of items based on weight
Ball Weight
When loading your caravan, the ideal ball weight once loaded is around 10% of the total weight of the caravan. Use
a ball weight scale to idenfy the ball weight and load the caravan in a manner that achieves the desired
percentage.
Effects of Weight Distribuon
The distribuon of weight in a caravan can influence the handling and performance of the van. Overloading the
front or rear may cause adverse handling and sway. Addionally, overloading the front or back can induce a
pendulum effect that can cause dangerous sway and cause an accident.

14
Tyre Pressures
Tyre pressures have a large effect on the handling of your caravan. Tyres that are under the recommended
pressure for the caravans’ actual weight can cause a dangerous sway. It is important to follow the correct pressure
guide.
The guide below indicates pressure for the axle load stated or GTM not the ATM which includes ball weight.
Pressures are cold inflaon applicable to the standard Goodride 265/75R16 tyres fied.
Actual Weight
Pressure PSI
Single Axle
Pressure Kpa
Single Axle
2400kg 55psi 379Kpa
2500kg 58psi 400Kpa
2600kg 60psi 414Kpa
2700kg 63psi 434Kpa
2800kg 65psi 448Kpa
2900kg 68psi 469Kpa
3000kg 70psi 483Kpa
Pre-Trip Inspecon
Tyres
Before any trip check the following
•Correct tyre pressures
•Tyres are in good condion free from damage and uneven wear.
•Tread is of legal and acceptable depth.
Wheel Nuts
•Ensure wheel nuts are tensioned to the correct torque using a torque wrench.
•All wheel nuts are in place.
Hitch and Chains
•Ensure hitch and chains are free of damage.
•Hitch locking mechanism funcons correctly.
•Hitch is properly lubricated.
•Hitch arculates correctly.
Fire Exnguisher
•Exnguisher is properly mounted and within date.
•Exnguisher charge gauge is in green.
Brakes & Breakaway System
•Brakes operate correctly when both operated by manual control and via pedal.
Lights
•Ensure all trailer lights are funconing.

15
Seng Up the Caravan
Finding a Suitable Spot
When choosing a spot to set up your caravan, start with a flat area with no overhanging trees. Birds and bats
occupying trees can defecate leaving droppings on your caravan that can damage paint and leaves and sap can also
stain the coang. Ensure you are not camping in an area prone to flooding or with bad drainage in the event of rain.
Even the slightest hollow in the ground can put you in a mini lake. In hot weather, if possible, set your caravan up
so the sun’s arc goes from front to back or back to front with the annex/awning in the general direcon the sun is
arcing across. Doing this will keep the bulk of the caravan in shade and the inside cooler as it will be shaded by the
awning.
Using Wheel Chocks and Ramps
The stabiliser legs on your caravan are not designed for supporng the full weight of the trailer, they are there to
stabilise it once it is level. Using your stabilisers as a liing mechanism will void your warranty as will extending
them with a “rale gun” or “impact wrench”. Levelling front to back can be done by raising and lowering the jockey
wheel prior to adjusng the stabiliser legs. Geng the trailer level from le to right should be done with drive on
stepped ramps as illustrated below. Once levelled the legs can be lowered to keep the trailer stable. On so ground
you may want to use mber sole boards under the stabiliser feet.
Operang the Jockey Wheel
The rated load capacity of a jockey wheel is achieved when the jockey wheel is retracted to its lowest posion.
When moving the trailer on the jockey wheel, always lower it as far as possible but sll allowing the wheel to swivel
as you steer the trailer.

16
Stabiliser Legs
Stabiliser legs are installed to stabilise the caravan or camper when setup. Stabiliser legs should never be used to
jack a trailer as they are comprised of small bevel gears held in place by small roll pins that will break if overloaded.
Stabilisers are best set vercal or 90 degrees to the chassis where possible. When set and an angle the user must
be careful not to overload them causing locking pins or the leg itself to bend. Never use impact wrenches to wind
the legs, the impact may damage the gears. When using a power tool, use an electric drill with a safety clutch set
low to medium to avoid injury or damage to the stabilisers.
Electric Awning
When extending the awning always support to front as it extends. Do not allow the awning to carry the full
extended weight as this may damage the hinges. Support the end manually by hand or by using the extendable legs.
Never allow water to pool on the awning, during rain lower one side to a level that allows the water to freely run
off and not pool. In light to moderate breeze guy ropes should be used. In stronger winds the awning should be
retracted completely. Always set the awning for wet condions if leaving up overnight in case of unexpected rain. If
high winds are possible, pack the awning away overnight. It is your responsibility to know the weather predicon.
During rain, the awning should be lowered on one side as illustrated below.
To use guy ropes with your awning you should purchase sail track inserts pictured below that slide into the sail
track on the awning fascia. The displayed item is available from the brand Thule.