Swift Group Basecamp 2018 User guide

Swi Group
Owner’s Handbook
Basecamp
Issued July 2017
CREATING SMILES FOR LIFE

Luxury
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WHEREVER YOU ARE
Luxury mattresses &
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Duvalay luxury
sleeping bags
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Truma Aventa
Experience the ultimate comfort of Automatic Climate
Control (ACC) by upgrading your Swift caravan with the
Truma Aventa Air Conditioner.
Your vehicles heating system and the Truma Aventa work
perfectly together to keep you cosy in the winter and cool
in the summer.
Set your preferred temperature just once and let the ACC
system keep you in ultimate comfort.
www.trumauk.com
Upgrade to even more
comfort on the move
TRU17002_AZ_Aventa_UK_148x210_Swift_Caravan_RZ.indd 1 10.07.17 15:08

Truma Aventa
Experience the ultimate comfort of Automatic Climate
Control (ACC) by upgrading your Swift caravan with the
Truma Aventa Air Conditioner.
Your vehicles heating system and the Truma Aventa work
perfectly together to keep you cosy in the winter and cool
in the summer.
Set your preferred temperature just once and let the ACC
system keep you in ultimate comfort.
www.trumauk.com
Upgrade to even more
comfort on the move
TRU17002_AZ_Aventa_UK_148x210_Swift_Caravan_RZ.indd 1 10.07.17 15:08

Tel [phone]
Email [email protected] MADE IN UK
3 41 2
HOW DOES IT WORK?
You will also receive a complimentary After Care pack including the fabulous Waterless Wash, plus a range of other professional cleaning products.
www.jewelultra.com
1. EXTERIOR
• Nano-Ceramic Technology
• Fade Resistant
• Never Polish Again!
2. INTERIOR
• Easy to Clean
• Stain Resistant
• Lifetime Guarantee
®
®
If your paintwork was
magnified it would
reveal small pores in
the surface.
Road traffic dirt
gathers in the pores
and attacks
paintwork.
Your first Paint Protection
application cleanses and
fills pores in the vehicles
paintwork leaving a smooth
finish that cannot be
penetrated.
Your second application
bonds with the first to create
a hard protective skin. It
leaves a high lustre finish that
rain and dirt cannot penetrate.
Jewelultra Ltd. Diamondbrite House, Ewell Lane,
West Farleigh, MAIDSTONE. ME15 ONG.
From the Makers of Diamondbrite
Diamondbrite Leisure
The ultimate Paint and Upholstery Protection
for your Swift Basecamp
Diamondbrite Leisure is a two-step protection system for
your Swift Basecamp with a Lifetime Guarantee*
The only
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*Lifetime Guarantee applies for the length of time that the purchaser owns the vehicle and is non-transferable.
Paint Protection Upholstery and Carpet Protection
The only Swift Partner for Paint
and Upholstery Protection

1
INTRODUCTION
Dear owner
Thank you for deciding to buy one of our
new caravans.
We are sure you will enjoy many happy hours
in it and we hope the information and hints in
this handbook will heighten your enjoyment.
The handbook has been designed to give
you a general guide to the care, use and
maintenance of your caravan. Whether you
are a new or an experienced caravanner the
hints will help to protect your investment.
The information contained will answer most
of your queries, but if there are any aspects
which are not covered please consult your
appointed dealer. We would suggest you
make a note of your dealers name and
contact information below.
Dealer Name:
Telephone Number:
E-mail:
Serial Number:
Throughout the season, specifications and
equipment details contained within this
handbook may change. Please refer to our
online handbooks (www.swiftgroup.co.uk)
for the most up-to-date version of your
handbook.
Customers should note that there are two
handbooks, the User Handbook which
contains general information for the use
and care of your product and the Technical
Handbook, which contains technical
information, weights and dimensions of
your product.
First Service Due:
Dealer Contact Sales:
Dealer Contact Parts:
Dealer Contact Service:
INTRODUCTION

2
CONTENTS
Swift Talk
Swift Talk is the central forum for the Swift
community online. A place for all those united
in their love of caravanning, motorhomes,
holiday homes and touring in general, to share
their experiences, meet new friends and find
out a world of information on how to enjoy
their touring lifestyle.
The site is packed full of features that actively
encourage members, not only to liaise with the
Swift Group via the forums, but also interact
with each other through publishing their own
content, uploading and sharing photos and
video, and even posting their own blogs for the
community to follow.
Swift Talk is the first place to learn about new
product launches, events and Swift Group
news, it’s also the first place customers can
go to as a quick reference to frequently asked
questions or to actively take part in the forums;
providing valuable feedback on Swift Group
products and customer service.
The online community can even be used to
create your own groups, perfect for Owners’
Clubs, dealers and exhibitors to attract new
members, publicise and build awareness
for upcoming events, rallies and shows.
Anyone who owns, uses, or is thinking of
buying a Swift Group caravan, motorhome
or holiday home, or would just like to be part
of the growing Swift community is actively
encouraged to sign up, create their own
content, and start talking!
Just visit www.swift-talk.co.uk
and become part of a unique
online experience.
SWIFT TALK
SwiftTalk SwiftTalk
Social Network for Caravan and Motorhome enthusiasts
www.swift-talk.co.uk
I chat on

3
CONTENTS
Warranty .................................................................................................................................... 5
Towing code .............................................................................................................................. 8
Safety & security ...................................................................................................................... 32
Services .................................................................................................................................. 38
Electrics ................................................................................................................................... 58
Fitted equipment ..................................................................................................................... 90
Maintenance .......................................................................................................................... 112
Useful information .................................................................................................................. 148
Index ...................................................................................................................................... 155
CONTENTS

WARRANTY INFORMATION
5
WARRANTY INFORMATION
Supplier contacts ....................................................................................................................... 6
To view the warranty details for your vehicle please follow the link:
Back to main menu

WARRANTY INFORMATION
6
WARRANTY
Sargent Electrical Services
Unit 39, Tokenspire Business Park,
Beverley, East Yorkshire, HU17 0TB
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
AL-KO Kober Limited
South Warwickshire Business Park
Kineton Road, Southam,
Warwickshire, CV47 0AL
Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
Truma UK Ltd.
Park lane, Dove Valley Park,
South Derbyshire, DE65 5BG
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
[email protected]
Thetford Ltd.
Unit 6, Brookfields Way, Manvers,
Dearne Valley, Rotherham,
South Yorkshire, S63 5DL
Phone - 0844 997 1960
Fax - 0844 997 1961
Email - [email protected]
Alde International (UK) Ltd
Huxley Close, Park Farm South,
Wellingborough, Northants, NN8 6AB
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
Dometic (UK) Ltd
Dometic House, The Brewery,
Blandford St Mary, Dorset, DT11 9LS
Phone: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
Whale
2 Enterprise Road, Bangor,
Co. Down, Northern Ireland BT19 7TA
Phone: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
https://sargentltd.co.uk
http://www.al-ko.co.uk
https://www.truma.com/
uk/en/home/index.php
https://www.thetford-europe.com
www.alde.co.uk
https://www.dometic.com
/en-gb/uk
http://whalepumps.com/
home.aspx
Supplier contacts
A number of Swift Group suppliers manage their own Technical and Warranty related queries.
Where a customer has a question relating to a product manufactured by a company listed below,
we would advise that the first contact should be directly with them.
Back to section menu

TOWING CODE
7
TOWING CODE
Caravan towing code .............................................................................................................. 8
Caravan terms ........................................................................................................................ 8
Towing vehicle terms .............................................................................................................. 10
Measurement of nose weight .................................................................................................. 10
Type of driving licence held ..................................................................................................... 11
Glossary & checklist ............................................................................................................... 11
Useful memory aid .................................................................................................................. 13
Preparing for the road ............................................................................................................. 14
Tyre Maintenance ................................................................................................................... 17
The Tyre Law .......................................................................................................................... 18
Hitching up for AK160 ............................................................................................................. 18
Pre tow check list ................................................................................................................... 20
13 Pin Socket ......................................................................................................................... 21
Towcar electrics....................................................................................................................... 22
Breakaway Cables .................................................................................................................. 23
Mirrors .................................................................................................................................... 25
Moving off .............................................................................................................................. 25
Reversing ............................................................................................................................... 25
Speed limits ............................................................................................................................ 25
Caravan handling .................................................................................................................... 26
Motorway driving .................................................................................................................... 26
Spare wheel ........................................................................................................................... 26
Changing a wheel ................................................................................................................... 27
Wheel Bolt tightening .............................................................................................................. 27
Jacking points ........................................................................................................................ 27
Stopping on a hill .................................................................................................................... 28
Arrival on site .......................................................................................................................... 28
Exterior Door .......................................................................................................................... 29
Back to main menu

TOWING CODE
8
TOWING CODE
Caravan towing code
This Code of Practice contains
recommendations jointly reviewed and
agreed by the following organisations:
The National Caravan Council
The Caravan Club
The Camping and Caravanning Club
The Caravan Writers Guild
The Department for Transport
Scope of the Code
The Code applies to all trailer caravans of
maximum laden weight not exceeding 3500 kg
(7,700 lbs), overall width not exceeding 2.3m
(7ft 6in approximately) and overall length not
exceeding 7m (23ft approximately), excluding
the drawbar and coupling.
This is legally the maximum size of trailer
that can be towed by a motor vehicle with a
maximum gross weight of less than 3500 kg.
Caravan terms
Empty Weight
The empty weight of the caravan includes
all loose items supplied by Swift e.g. Electric
hook cable, kit bag, entrance step, portable
waste tank and central heating fluid
(where applicable).
Mass in Running Order:
The mass of the caravan equipped to the
caravan manufacturer, standard specification.
The MRO comprises the empty weight of the
caravan and includes an allowance for gas.
Note: The mass of the caravan in running
order contains provision for the masses
of liquids, gas etc. (see Mass in Running
Order in the Technical Handbook). Part
of this provision can also be utilised as
additional payload, if for example, you wish
to travel with no gas cylinders.
Maximum User Payload:
The maximum allowable weight to be put into
the caravan whilst it is being towed.
This is made up of the personal effects and the
optional equipment payloads.
The user payload is the difference between the
Maximum Technically Permissible Laden Mass
and the Mass in Running Order.
The Mass in Running Order + Personal Effects
+ Optional Equipment = Maximum Technical
Permissible Mass or MRO + PE + OE =
MTPLM
Personal Effects
Those items which a user can choose to carry
in a caravan.
Note: The Personal effects payload includes
an allowance of 20kg for a leisure battery.
Optional Equipment
Items made available by the manufacturer over
and above the standard specification of the
caravan for factory fitted options.
Maximum Technically Permissible Laden
Mass (Lower Limit):
The fully laden mass of the caravan in the
manufacturers standard specification which
is stated in the publications, technical
handbooks, brochures and weight plate and
used for car matching.
Maximum Technically Permissible Mass
(Upper Limit):
The mass takes into account specific
operating conditions including factors such as
the strength of materials, loading capacity of
tyres, etc.
Payload Definition
The method of calculating the Mass in Running
Order (MRO) and user payload figures are in
line with European Vehicle Directives.
Allowances for essential equipment is
now contained within the MRO of the
caravan and as per NCC code of Practise
(CoP) 304.
This includes the following;
LPG 1 x cylinder = 10kg
The MRO is calculated with the fresh water
tank empty.
Back to section menu

TOWING CODE
9
Note: If you travel with water in the fresh
water tank, the payload will be reduced
accordingly.
The leisure battery is considered to be
included in the personal effects and an
allowance of 20kg has been made for this.
Items fitted at the point of manufacturer (wheel
locks, hook-up cable, plastic steps, waste
containers, etc.) are included within the vehicle
MRO.
!WARNING: Under no circumstances
should the maximum technically permissible
laden mass (MTPLM) be exceeded.
Upgrading of maximum technically
permissible laden mass:
The lower (or standard) MTPLM is quoted in
the Technical Handbook, in brochures and on
the caravan weight plate. However, in some
cases it may be possible to increase this
to a higher (upper) MTPLM. (See Technical
Handbook for details).
If extra user payload is required, an upgrade
maybe available (model dependant), this
must be requested via your dealer and is
chargeable.
If required you will be issued with the following:
(i) New weight plate giving upgrade weight
details.
(ii) New NCC certificate (declaring the
upgraded MTPLM)
(iii) Manufacturers letter confirming the upgrade
for that Vehicle Identification Number.
Note: Tyre pressures may increase when
upgrading the MTPLM.
Nose weight:
The vertical weight transferred to the towing
vehicle through the coupling head.
Notes:
(i) When measuring the noseweight it is
important that the caravan is fully loaded.
Do not place extra items indiscriminately into
the caravan after this adjustment has been
made.
(ii) The caravan is intended to be towed
slightly nose heavy. The nose weight can
be adjusted by distribution of the load
within the caravan. The nose weight
should be approximately 5%-7% of the
actual laden weight (but not greater than
the hitch capacity) and at the same time
suit the towing vehicle. See section on
Measurement of Nose Weight.
(iii) It is not recommended that you tow with
just a battery, spare wheel and gas bottles
as this may exceed the permitted nose
weight. Additional payload must be placed
behind the axle to compensate for this.
Back to section menu
YES NO
MAYBE
85%
Equal
Fig. A Car/Caravan
weight ratios

TOWING CODE
10
TOWING VEHICLE TERMS
Towing vehicle terms
Kerb weight
(Mass of Vehicle in Running Order):
The weight of the towing vehicle as defined by
the vehicle manufacturer. This is normally with
a full tank of fuel, with an adequate supply of
liquids incidental to the vehicles propulsion,
without driver or passengers, without any load
except loose tools and equipment with which
the vehicle is normally provided and without
any towing bracket.
Caravan to Towing Vehicle Weight Ratio:
The towing vehicle to caravan weight ratio can
be determined by calculation and is equal to:
Actual laden weight of caravan
x 100%
Kerb weight of towing vehicle
The law requires that caravans & their towing
vehicles & the loads they carry must be in
such a condition that no danger or nuisance
is caused.
(Regulation 100 of the Road and Vehicles
[Construction and Use] Regulations 1986).
Note: The towing vehicle manufacturer’s
limit is, in some cases, less than the kerb
weight.
Mass in Running Order:
Caravanners can use a public weigh bridge to
establish the mass in running order.
Note: Weigh bridges have varying weight
tolerance levels.
Maximum Permissible Towing Mass:
The weight defined by the vehicle
manufacturer as being the maximum that the
vehicle is designed to tow at.
Train Weight (Combination Weight):
The maximum combined weight of the towing
vehicle and trailer combination as specified by
the towing vehicle manufacturer.
Measurement of nose weight
Nose weight may be measured using a
propriety brand of nose weight indicator.
Such equipment is obtainable at your
Caravan Dealer.
Note: These indicators have a varying
tolerance level and may not be accurate.
Another simple method is to use bathroom
scales under the coupling head with a piece of
wood, fitted between the coupling head and
the scales, of such length that the caravan
floor is horizontal with the jockey wheel raised
clear of the ground. (Fig. A)
LEVEL
GROUND LINE
430mm
±35mm
Fig. A Measuring nose weight
Nose weight can be adjusted simply by
distribution of weights in the caravan.
Always lower jockey wheel before entering
the caravan and then raise before measuring
again. (See Loading).
Note: The height of the towball on the
towing vehicle, when laden, is also critical.
!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.
Back to section menu

TOWING CODE
11
DRIVING LICENCE / GLOSSARY AND CHECKLIST
Driving licence
If you passed your car test before 1st January
1997 you are generally entitled to drive a
vehicle and trailer combination up to 8,250kg
maximum authorised mass (MAM). This is
the weight of a vehicle or trailer including the
maximum load that can be carried safely when
it’s being used on the road.
You can also drive a minibus with a trailer over
750kg MAM.
If you passed your driving test after 1st
January 1997 and have an ordinary category
B (car) licence, you can:
• Drive a vehicle up to 3,500kg MAM towing a
trailer of up to 750kg MAM
• Tow a trailer over 750kg MAM as long as
the combined MAM of the trailer and towing
vehicle is no more than 3,500kg
For anything heavier you need to take a
category B+E driving test.
From 19th January 2013, drivers passing a
category B (car) test can tow:
• Small trailers weighing no more than 750kg
• A trailer over 750kg as long as the combined
weight of the trailer and towing vehicle is no
more than 3,500kg MAM
If you want to tow a trailer weighing more
than 750kg, when the combined weight of
the towing vehicle and trailer is more than
3,500kg, you’ll have to pass a further test
and get B+E entitlement on your licence.
Glossary & checklist
Awnings - Can consist of just a simple top
sheet but may extend to a five sided frame
tent attached to the side of the caravan.
Fire blanket - approved to BS 6575 is ideal
for dealing with ‘fat pan’ fires.
Fire extinguisher - It is strongly
recommended that a fire extinguisher is carried
in the caravan. (For suitable types see Safety
and Security).
Gas bottles - Bottled L.P. gas is the most
convenient portable source of fuel. Ideally, two
bottles are required for a constant supply.
An initial deposit is payable on each cylinder.
We recommend the use of 6kg Calor Light
Propane bottles. One position for use and one
for storage only. (For detailed information see
Services - Gas).
Jack - A suitable jack is essential (screw,
scissor, side mounted or air jack type).
Many car jacks are unsuitable. Ensure the
lifting capacity of the jack is suitable for your
caravan.
Levellers - Levellers help level the caravan
from side to side before unhitching. Proprietary
products can be purchased from your caravan
dealer and need to be positioned as indicated
by a spirit level.
Spare Wheel - It is always advisable to carry
a spare wheel with your caravan.
Spirit Level - A spirit level is extremely useful
when siting the caravan.
Stabiliser - Stabilisers help to dampen the
side to side movement of the caravan.
Torque Wrench - A torque wrench is the only
way that the exact recommended torque can
be achieved for wheel nuts and bolts. (See
Preparing for the Road).
Back to section menu

TOWING CODE
12
GLOSSARY AND CHECKLIST
Towing Bracket - Never use cheap
alternatives, obtain one manufactured by
a reputable company complying with the
relevant standards.
Any light passenger vehicle registered in the
UK on or after August 1st 1998 will require a
type approved towbar and towball
(to 94/20/EC or UN ECE R55).
Failure to fit a homologated towbar and
towball could result in a prosecution and
invalidation of your insurance cover.
Always check with your car manufacturer or
towbar manufacturer if in doubt.
Wooden Blocks - Wooden blocks typically
25cm square and 2cm thick are ideal for
placing under corner steadies and jockey
wheel when the ground is uneven or soft.
Water Containers - Two containers are
required, one to carry fresh water to the
caravan and one for waste water, which needs
to be disposed of properly. Several types
are available including jerry cans, Aquarolls,
wastemaster, etc .
13 Pin Socket - One socket fitted to the
car to accept corresponding plugs from the
caravan this energises the road lights and
caravan auxiliary circuits.
12 Volt Battery - A deep cycling, heavy duty
rechargeable leisure type battery should be
purchased to provide back-up power for
lights and other electrical appliances. (See
Battery). The securing arrangements for the
battery compartment require a leisure battery
complying with EN 60095-2 in particular those
with ledges for fastening to the lower edge
of the long sides. The maximum battery size
that can be fitted is 225mm high, (including
terminals) x 175mm deep x 353mm wide.
The depth and width dimensions include the
rim around the bottom used for securing the
battery.
Note: Check first that the battery will fit
within the battery box and can be secured
before purchasing.
!WARNING: Your caravan dealer should
be consulted if additional equipment is to be
fitted as strong points may or may not be
provided in the design.
Caravan motor movers
The design and fitment of a caravan motor
mover shall be in accordance with the NCC
Code of Practice 305 and you should ensure
you receive a signed installation certificate of
compliance from the installer.
Failure to do so may invalidate your
warranty.
Note: Fitting additional equipment, such
as a motor mover will reduce the caravan
allowable payload.
Note: The fitting of a motor mover
may require a larger capacity battery fitting.
Note: If a towing cover is fitted, care should
be taken not to obscure lights, reflectors
and protect against rubbing or damaging
the bodywork.
Back to section menu

TOWING CODE
13
USEFUL ITEMS
Useful memory aid
Car
External mirrors
Fire extinguisher
Jack
Petrol can
Spare bulbs
Spare keys
Spare wheel
Tool kit
Towball cover
Tyre pressure gauge
Warning triangle
Tyre pump
Hi-Vis tabard(s)
Breathalyser kit (some Euro
countries)
Headlight stickers (Beam
deflectors)
Caravan
Awning pegs and poles
Awning ground sheet
Bucket
Corner steady brace
Corner steady pads
Coupling lock
Door mat
Fire blanket
Fire extinguisher
Fresh water container
Gas cylinders
Jack
Levelling boards
Mallet
Site/caravan mains lead
Spare bulbs -
(Mandatory in E.C.)
Spare 12v fuses
Spare high pressure gas hose
Spare wheel
Spirit level
Toilet fluid
Waste water container
Wheel brace
Personal
After sun cream
First Aid Kit
Flannels
Hairbrush and comb
Make up. etc.
Raincoats
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Scissors
Shampoo
Shaving kit
Shoe cleaning kit
Soap
Sun tan oil
Wellington boots
Domestic
Adhesive tape
Air freshener
Aluminium foil
Ashtrays
Bedding
Bin liners
Binoculars
Bottle opener
Breadboard
Brush and dustpan
Butter dish
Camera
Carving knife
Chairs
Clock
Clothes brush
Clothes line
Coat hangers
Coolbox
Colander
Crockery
Cruet
Corkscrew
Cutlery
Dish cloth and brush
Dusters and polish
Disposable cloths
Egg cups
Floor cloth
Fly spray
Food
Food mixer
Frying pan
Glasses
Grill pan
Jugs
Kettle
Kitchen roll
Kitchen tools
Matches
Measuring jug
Milk jug
Mixing bowl
Needles and thread
Oven gloves
Pegs
Piezo Gas lighter
Potato peeler
Radio
Rubbish bin
Saucepans
Scissors
Sieve
Sugar bowl
Shopping bags
Sleeping bags
Tea pot
Tea strainer
Tea towels
Table cloths
Table mats
Television
Tin opener
Tissues
Toilet paper
Torch
Towels
Toys & Games
Vacuum cleaner
Washing up bowl
Documents
Bank and credit cards
Caravan Certificate
Cheque book
CRIS document
Driving licence
Green Card
Insurance (some Euro
countries)
Maps and guides
Money
MOT Certificate
Vehicle Registration
Documents
Gadgets
Mobile phone & charger
Back to section menu

TOWING CODE
14
PREPARING FOR THE ROAD
Preparing for the road
Pre-load checklist
!WARNING: Never enter the caravan
without first lowering the four corner
steadies with the brace provided.
Before loading check:
- loose articles are stowed securely.
Do not stow tins, bottles or heavy items in
overhead lockers prior to towing.
- all lockers and cupboard doors are closed
and secured, including the bathroom door.
- all bunks are secure.
- ensure shower door is secure
- all rooflights are closed and secured.
- main table is stored in its transit position.
- television aerial is lowered and locked
where applicable
- fridge is on 12V operation and door lock
is set.
- all windows and service doors are fully
closed and latched. Never tow with windows
on night setting. Leave all curtains and blinds
open to aid rear visibility.
- gas cylinders are correctly positioned,
secured and turned off, unless using en route
heating.
- battery is secure and mains connecting cable
is disconnected and stowed.
- Ensure control panel settings are correct
for 12v fridge operation. See control panel
instructions for detail.
- Exterior door is closed and locked
!WARNING: Turn off gas appliances
except en route heating (if fitted).
!WARNING: Do not travel with televisions
or microwaves in overhead lockers unless
the appliance was supplied fitted to your
caravan by the manufacturer.
!WARNING: Always disconnect the
electrical connector between the towing
vehicle and the caravan before connecting a
LV supply to the caravan.
(a)
(c)
Fig. A Loading your caravan
(b)
(d)
Fig. A Sensible loading
Light Medium Heavy
Back to section menu

TOWING CODE
15
How to apportion it
1. Load heavy items low down near the floor
and mainly over or just in front of the axle(s)
(Fig. A).
2. Load evenly right to left so that each
caravan wheel carries approximately the
same weight.
3. Do not load items at the extreme front or
rear since this can lead to instability due to
the ‘pendulum effect’.
4. Load remainder to give a suitable nose
weight at the towing coupling.
Check nose weight.
Note: Do not overload car boot.
!WARNING: All heavy and/or voluminous
items (e.g. TV, radio etc) must be stored
securely before travelling.
!WARNING: Please take care to
ensure that you have allowed for the
masses of all items you intend to carry
in the caravan. e.g. optional equipment,
and personal effects such as clothing, food,
pets, bicycles, sailboards, sports equipment
etc.
!WARNING: under no circumstances
should the MTPLM of this caravan be
exceeded
Towing vehicle’s rear suspension
It is important that the towing vehicle’s rear
suspension is not deflected excessively by the
nose weight on the tow ball. If it is excessive
the steering and stability will be affected.
(Fig. B)
The greater the towing vehicle’s tail overhang
(the distance between the rear axle and the
tow ball), the greater the effect the nose
weight will have on the towing vehicle’s rear
suspension.
Fig. B Illustration of excessive deflection
of vehicle’s rear suspension
After trying out the caravan it may be found
that a stiffening of the rear suspension is
necessary - but note that this may give the
towing vehicle a firmer ride when not towing.
There are a number of suspension aids
available and advice should be sought on
which to use and how to fit. It is important to
ensure that the caravan is towed either level or
slightly nose down.
If you have any doubts about the suitability of
your towbar for towing a caravan consult the
towing bracket manufacturer.
Do not exceed the:
• Gross Vehicle Mass (G.V.M. on car plate).
• Maximum Technically Permissible Laden
Mass (M.T.P.L.M.) on the caravan.
• Gross Vehicle Combination Mass (Train
Weight) (G.V.C.M. on car plate).
• Maximum Permissible Towing Mass.
• Vertical Static Load on the
caravan coupling (noseweight).
• Maximum Vertical Load on the car towball
as specified by towing vehicle manufacturer
(noseweight).
• Driving licence limitations
Back to section menu

TOWING CODE
16
Stability
All our models are of a well balanced design
and should be exceptionally good towers.
The common causes of poor stability include:
a. Worn springs or loose spring fixings on the
towing vehicle.
b. Towing vehicle springs too soft.
c Insufficient nose weight.
d Nose of caravan is towing too high or to low.
e Unsuitable towing vehicle.
Galvanised steel chassis
Drilling of the galvanised steel chassis will
invalidate the warranty and must not be done.
Suitable towing vehicles
The caravan is manufactured for towing behind
normal road cars and is not suitable for towing
behind commercial vehicles.
It is strongly recommended that whenever
a caravan is to be towed over rough terrain,
e.g. a field or track, great care should be
taken to ensure that no undue stress is placed
upon the caravan via the hitch mounting, i.e.
reduce speed. If in doubt, please consult the
chassis manufacturer and the towing vehicle
manufacturer who will advise.
Touring caravans based on standard AL-KO
chassis can be towed by four wheel drive off
road leisure vehicles providing the unit is used
to tow in a like manner to a conventional road-
going car and driven in the same considered
manner.
Towbar manufacturers should be consulted
before towing an uncompensated twin axle
caravan.
Snaking
This is a term used to denote an unstable car
and caravan combination where the caravan
‘weaves’ from side to side often causing a
similar swaying movement in the car itself.
Causes:
1. Unsuitable or unbalanced outfit.
2. Incorrect loading or weight distribution.
3. Excessive speed especially downhill.
4. Side winds.
5. Overtaking.
6. Being overtaken by a large fast
moving vehicle.
7. Erratic driving.
8. Incorrect tyre pressures, car and caravan
9. Incorrect vehicle towball height
10. Worn hitch head or towball
Cures
Cases of persistent snaking can be alleviated
by the use of a stabiliser.
On the road
If you do find your outfit snaking, try to keep
the steering wheel in a central position as far
as possible, decelerate and avoid braking if
possible.
STABILITY
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TOWING CODE
17
Types of tyres fitted
The original tyres fitted by the manufacturer are
suitable for towing at a maximum speed of up
to 81 mph (130 kph).
Tyres
Caravan manufacturers choose the type,
size, profile, load carrying capacities and
speed ratings to match the design masses
of their vehicles, adjusting the tyre pressures
to suit. Only change the type of tyres on your
caravan on expert advice from the caravan
manufacturer, or tyre manufacturer.
Tyre maintenance
Tread depth
Pay special attention to the amount of tread
remaining on your tyres, and measure them
regularly. Always replace tyres before they
reach the minimum legal limit of 1.6mm.
Periodically tyres should be rotated to equalise
wear in the same manner as car tyres.
Pressures
The caravan manufacturers plate (fixed
adjacent to exterior door) and Technical
handbook contains information about caravan
loading and the required adjustments to
tyre pressures, which should be followed for
safety (these pressures relate only to the tyres
originally fitted to the caravan). Tyre pressures
should always be checked and corrected prior
to each journey. It is vital that tyre pressures
are maintained at the levels recommended by
the manufacturer to ensure maximum tyre life,
safety and handling characteristics.
Please also remember to check your spare
tyre pressure as it can be easily overlooked.
Over or under-inflating tyres is likely to
seriously impair their performance and may
compromise the safe use of the vehicle.
Over-inflation increases overall tyre diameter,
decreases the amount of tread in contact with
the road, decreases sidewall flexibility and
affects road-adhesion.
Under-inflation decreases overall tyre diameter,
increases sidewall flexing, generates higher
tyre operating temperatures and difficult
vehicle handling characteristics. Running an
under-inflated tyre may cause premature tyre
failure. Both over and under-inflation adversely
affect tyre life.
Tread
Keep tyre treads clean of stones and other
foreign bodies, and check regularly for
damage to the tread and sidewalls. It is vitally
important that any damage is checked out
by a tyre expert and any necessary repairs or
replacements are carried out immediately.
Tyre valves
Check tyre valves carefully. Ensure the caps
are in place free from dirt/ debris and that there
is no evidence of cracking or damage to the
valve stem.
Tyre Ageing
Rubber compounds used in tyres contain
chemicals that help to slow down the natural
aging process of untreated rubber. However,
tyres do deteriorate with age, which increases
the risk of tyre failure, and there are many ways
in which this can be spotted:
• Cracking/crazing on the side wall of the tyre,
caused by its flexing
• Distortion of tyre tread
• Deformation of the carcass of the tyre
There will also be a deterioration of the ride
quality caused by vibrations through the
tyre. This may signify the tyres performance
has been affected by age and should be
investigated as soon as possible
Note: It is recommended that tyres are
replaced after 5 years from the date of first
inflation. The date of first inflation is normally
within a few days of the date of manufacture
of the vehicle they are fitted to, and this
date can be determined from the gas and
/ or electrical certificate supplied with the
caravan.
We recommend that tyres that are over 5
years old (from first inflation) are inspected
and passed as fit for use by a qualified
technician. It is possible that in the event of
a tyre failure, an insurer may not cover any
losses incurred if the tyre is over 5 years
(from first inflation) and was not inspected
no more than 12 months prior to the
incident.
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