Swift Group Elegance User guide

Introduction
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.
HAPPY CARAVANNING!

CONTENTS
Warranty Information
The Towing Code
Safety and Security
Services
Electrical Equipment
Fitted Equipment
Maintenance
General Data

WARRANTY
INFORMATION
Warranty and guarantee cover ................................................ 2
6 year body shell integrity guarantee...................................... 2
3 year supersure manufacturer’s guarantee .......................... 2
General terms and conditions ................................................. 3
What to do if you require assistance ...................................... 6
Annual service/inspection record............................................ 7
Annual service/inspection record stamps .............................. 8

2
All the illustrations and descriptive matter in
this handbook are intended to give a
general idea of the caravan. Changing
market and supply situations and our policy
of continuous product development may
prevent us from maintaining the exact
specifications detailed in this handbook.
We therefore reserve the right to alter
specifications as materials and conditions
demand.
Dealers are not agents of Swift Group
Limited, the manufacturer of Swift Group
caravans, and have absolutely no authority
to bind the manufacturer by any express or
implied undertaking or representation.
WARRANTY AND GUARANTEE COVER
All Swift Group caravans have a 6 year
body shell integrity guarantee and a 3 year
SuperSure manufacturer's warranty from
the date of purchase (or hire purchase),
which are subject to a chargeable annual
service, inspection and moisture survey
(“Annual Service”) being carried out at an
authorised Swift Group Service Centre.
Original VAT invoices must be retained as
proof of Annual Services being carried out.
In the unusual event that a fault develops
and you need to claim under this Warranty
and Guarantee, your first contact should
normally be made through the dealer from
whom the caravan was purchased.
In certain circumstances, arrangements can
be made to have the claim dealt with by a
different authorised Swift Group Service
Centre – see final paragraph below for
details. It is the responsibility of the
Purchaser to deliver the caravan to and
collect the caravan from the Service Centre
for all warranty work.
During the warranty period, subject to the
exclusions set out in this section of the
handbook and provided the warranty claim
is authorised by the manufacturer, Swift
Group Limited, the authorised Swift Group
Service Centre will repair (or at the option of
the manufacturer, replace) all defective
parts of the caravan at the expense of the
manufacturer. Swift Group Ltd reserves the
right to examine the caravan prior to
commencement of repairs or replacement
of parts.
6 YEAR BODY SHELL INTEGRITY
GUARANTEE (“GUARANTEE”)
The Guarantee extends to the
following items:-
Body leaks and delamination: water ingress
through any permanently sealed seam
joints or delamination of panels and floor,
being part of the original manufacturer’s
construction.
The manufacturer will honour the Guarantee
for 72 months from the date of purchase,
provided that the caravan has had an Annual
Service, within 90 days before or 60 days after
each anniversary of the original date of
purchase (or hire purchase). The sixth Annual
Service must, however, be carried out before
the expiry of the 72 month period from the
original date of purchase (or hire purchase).
Specific exclusions from the Guarantee:-
Seams and panels requiring repair must be
part of the original construction of the caravan
and must not have been tampered with or
repaired otherwise than by Swift Group Ltd or
an authorised Swift Group Service Centre.
Also see general terms and conditions.
3 YEAR SUPERSURE MANUFACTURER'S
WARRANTY (“WARRANTY”)
The manufacturer will honour the Warranty for
36 months from the date of purchase (or hire
purchase), provided that the caravan had an
Annual Service within 90 days before or 60
days after each anniversary of the original date
of purchase (or hire purchase).
The third Annual Service must, however, be
carried out before the expiry of the 36 month
period from the original date of purchase
(or hire purchase).
Warranty

Warranty
3
In the first 12 months the Warranty will
cover:-
Faults arising from a manufacturing defect but
not those which are a result of normal wear
and tear or those which relate to replacement
light bulbs.
Also not covered under the first year are faults
resulting from accidental damage or damage
caused by misuse of any component part of
the caravan.
In the years two and three the Warranty
will cover:-
1. All original components of the caravan
including permanently fitted equipment
forming part of the manufacturer's
original specification.
2. Water ingress and body delamination.
Specific exclusions from the Warranty
during years two and three:-
• Glass including heat shields,
sink lids, mirrors.
• Paintwork including all exterior paint,
heat shields, heater cases and all other
painted surfaces.
• Decals, mirror transfers, resin badges.
• GRP/ABS A frame covers, wheel spats
and skirts.
• Soft furnishings including upholstery,
curtains, pelmets.
• Carpets, lino and floor coverings
including door mats, shower mats.
• Work surfaces, tables, and flaps.
• Wallboards, ceiling boards and all other
interior décor finishes.
• Window catches, stays and
associated fittings.
• Blinds and flyscreens including door,
Heki and other rooflights.
• All hinges, catches, knobs, stays and
handles (interior and exterior).
• Replacement of bulbs, fluorescent
tubes, fuses and electrical connections
including 12n and 12s plugs, high level
brake lights and bulb contacts.
• Audio equipment including radios,
speakers, aerials and associated parts.
• Corner steadies.
• Fair wear and tear, accidental damage or
any damage caused by the misuse of
any component fitted by the
manufacturer.
• Microwave
• Routine maintenance items which are
part of the Annual Service including
brake shoes, one shot nuts, lubricants,
AKS pads, rubber gas hose, the
cleaning of the heater and fridge flues,
the replacement of gas jets, the
resealing and/or replacement of shower
room sealant, and the adjustment and
lubrication of locks.
GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Provided that the caravan is used only for
its ordinary and intended purpose and has
not been subject to any treatment or
conditions which could not be reasonably
foreseen by Swift Group Ltd, the Warranty
and Guarantee will be honoured subject to
the following General Terms and Conditions
which apply to all three years of the
Warranty period and all six years of the
Guarantee period. The caravan is not
covered for:-
• The failure of a component for reasons
of fair wear and tear.
• Damage resulting from accidents.
• Damage resulting from freezing,
over-heating or fire.
• Misuse or abuse of the caravan or
of any component.
• Tyres, wheels and jockey wheels
• Cosmetic finishes to kitchen sinks,
cooker tops, vanity units, shower trays.

Warranty
• Normal deterioration, corrosion, intrusion of
foreign or harmful bodies, lack of servicing
or negligence of any person other than the
Swift Group Limited which causes
stoppage of or impairment to the function
of any component of the caravan.
• Replacement of parts which have reached
the end of their effective working life
because of age and/or usage.
• Cleaning or adjustment of any assemblies.
• Towing other than by private cars or 4x4
vehicles used in place of cars.
• The cost of transporting, towing or
moving the caravan by any means
(or consequential costs relating to
transportation), to or from the place
of repair, which is the responsibility of
the owner.
The Warranty and the Guarantee will be
invalidated if the caravan has been neglected,
misused, modified, used for hire or reward or
any commercial use, or has been used in
competitive events. The caravan will be
deemed to have been neglected if it has not
had an Annual Service or has otherwise not
been serviced and maintained as required by
this handbook.
The Warranty and the Guarantee only apply
to caravans purchased and used within the
UK, and for continuous journeys abroad of
no longer than 90 days per journey.
If any repairs are identified as being
necessary during an Annual Service, the
caravan must be made available to an
authorised Swift Group Service Centre
within 6 weeks for the work to be carried
out. All new caravans must be registered
with the Swift Group Ltd within 6 weeks of
purchase as new.
The benefit of this Warranty and Guarantee
may be transferred to a new owner if the
caravan is sold, provided that the caravan
has been serviced by an authorised Swift
Group Service Centre in accordance with
the requirements of this handbook, and
details of the change of ownership have
been supplied to Swift Group Ltd using the
change of ownership form set out in this
handbook. Failure to notify Swift Group Ltd
of a change of ownership within 30 days of
such a change will invalidate the Warranty
and Guarantee.
Swift Group Ltd’s liability under this
agreement shall be limited to supplying
labour and materials of a value not
exceeding £2,500 including VAT in respect
of each claim or series of claims. No liability
arises under this Warranty and Guarantee in
respect of consequential loss, costs,
damage, accidental or fire damage or any
losses incurred by accident or fire. No
liability of any kind arises under this
Warranty and Guarantee in respect of third
parties or bodily injury.
You have legal rights under UK law
governing the sale of consumer goods.
This Warranty and Guarantee does not
affect your legal rights.
The name and address of the warranty and
Guarantee provider is:-
Swift Group Limited,
Dunswell Road,
Cottingham,
East Yorkshire,
HU16 4JX.
To make a claim under this Warranty or
Guarantee, contact the Swift Group Service
Centre which supplied your caravan.
Alternatively, details of your nearest
authorised Swift Group Service Centre can
be obtained by contacting the Swift Group
Customer Care Department on 01482
875740 or enquiring on our web site:
www.swiftleisure.co.uk
4

Assistance
6
WHAT TO DO IF YOU REQUIRE ASSISTANCE
Congratulations on purchasing your new caravan. We are confident that you will enjoy
many happy holidays. However, should you have an enquiry or require assistance with a
problem, we hope that this guide will be of assistance to you.
If you have a problem, or enquiry with regards to your new caravan, please follow
these steps:
1. Check the Owners Handbook, paying particular attention to the fault finding advice at
the back of the book.
2. Contact your supplying dealer for assistance.
If you need to contact the Swift Group, please be aware of the following:
1. When contacting Swift Supercare, please quote your name, postcode and serial number
of your caravan.
2. In most instances, the Customer Care Team will involve your dealer in resolving the issue
you are experiencing.
3. If you are contacting the company by email, letter or fax, the Customer Care Team will
respond to you within five working days from the date of receiving the correspondence.
4. If you are calling the Customer Care Team, please avoid where possible, Mondays and
lunch times.
5. Please be aware that the Swift Group cannot send parts direct from the factory. In all
cases, without exception, your dealer must place the order for you.

TOURING CARAVANS - ANNUAL SERVICE/INSPECTION RECORD
In order to comply with the warranty, you must have your caravan inspected and serviced
by an authorised Swift Group Service Centre at least once per year.
It is important that the Owner’s Handbook is stamped on the appropriate page by the
authorised Swift Group Service Centre. Failure to do this will invalidate the warranty and the
transfer of the warranty on the change of ownership.
The inspection should take approximately two to four hours and will cover the areas dealt
with in the annual service check list. Any areas requiring service and/or maintenance will be
highlighted by your dealer and we recommend that you authorise any necessary work to be
carried out.
NB. It is essential, to validate the warranty, that an annual inspection be carried out by an
authorised Swift Group Service Centre covering the items listed.
1. Damp and lamination test.
2. Coupling head and breakaway cable.
3. Jockey wheel.
4. Chassis and chassis to body security.
5. Corner steadies.
6. Folding step (if fitted).
7. Tyres and tyre pressures.
8. Torque wheel nuts.
9. Brake rods and linkages.
10. Hub bearings, brakes and brake shoes.
11. Handbrake operation and
performance.
12. Suspension and shock absorbers
(if fitted).
13. 12N and 12S 7-pin plugs and cables.
14. Road lights, wiring and reflectors.
15. Internal lights and 12V DC system.
16. Water heater - gas and 230V AC
(if fitted).
17. Hob, grill and oven (if fitted).
18. Refrigerator 230V AC, 12V DC
and gas.
19. Gas system.
20. Water pump, taps and water system.
21. Mains 230V AC system.
22. Windows and fittings.
23. Smoke alarm and battery.
24. Roof lights.
25. Furniture hinges/stays etc.
26. Exterior locks and hinges.
27. Grab handle security.
28. All internal vents.
29. Oil seals.
30. Blinds and fly screens (if fitted).
7
Service/Inspection

8
ANNUAL SERVICE/INSPECTION RECORD
CARAVAN MODEL YEAR
CHASSIS NUMBER
1st SERVICE
DATE:
DEALER’S STAMP
We certify that an annual service has been carried out in
accordance with the handbook.
2nd SERVICE
DATE:
DEALER’S STAMP
We certify that an annual service has been carried out in
accordance with the handbook.
3rd SERVICE
DATE:
DEALER’S STAMP
We certify that an annual service has been carried out in
accordance with the handbook.
4th SERVICE
DATE:
DEALER’S STAMP
We certify that an annual service has been carried out in
accordance with the handbook.
Service/Inspection

9
5th SERVICE
DATE:
DEALER’S STAMP
We certify that an annual service has been carried out in
accordance with the handbook.
6th SERVICE
DATE:
DEALER’S STAMP
We certify that an annual service has been carried out in
accordance with the handbook.
7th SERVICE
DATE:
DEALER’S STAMP
We certify that an annual service has been carried out in
accordance with the handbook.
8th SERVICE
DATE:
DEALER’S STAMP
We certify that an annual service has been carried out in
accordance with the handbook.
9th SERVICE
DATE:
DEALER’S STAMP
We certify that an annual service has been carried out in
accordance with the handbook.
10th SERVICE
DATE:
DEALER’S STAMP
We certify that an annual service has been carried out in
accordance with the handbook.

THE
TOWING
CODE
The Caravan Towing Code .................................................... 12
Scope of the Code ............................................................... 12
Caravan Terms ........................................................................ 12
Weights ................................................................................ 12
Towing Vehicle Terms ............................................................ 13
Weights ................................................................................ 13
Measurement of Noseweight ................................................ 15
Type of Driving Licence Held ..................................................15
Glossary & Checklist .............................................................. 15
Preparing for the Road .......................................................... 18
Checklist .............................................................................. 18
Loading & Distribution ......................................................... 18
Stability ................................................................................ 19
Pre-tow Checklist ................................................................. 21
Moving Off ............................................................................... 27
Reversing ................................................................................ 28
Speed Limits ........................................................................... 28
Caravan Handling ................................................................... 28
Motorway Driving ................................................................... 28
Changing a Wheel .................................................................. 29
Jacking Points ........................................................................ 30
Stopping on a Hill ................................................................... 30
Arrival on Site ......................................................................... 30

The Towing Code
THE 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
Mass in Running Order:
The mass of the caravan as stated by the
caravan manufacturer, as new with standard
fixtures and fittings.
Note: Because of differences in the weight
of materials supplied for the construction of
caravans, a tolerance has been allowed for
in the Mass in Running Order weight.
Maximum User Payload:
The maximum allowable weight to be put
into the caravan whilst it is being towed. This
is made up of 3 sections:
Personal effects, optional equipment and
essential habitation equipment.
The user payload is the difference between
the Maximum Technically Permissible Laden
Mass and the Mass in Running Order.
Essential Habitation Equipment:
Those items and fluids required for safe and
proper functioning of the equipment for
habitation as defined by manufacturer of the
caravan.
Personal Effects:
Those items which a user can choose to
carry in a caravan and which are not
included as Essential Habitation Equipment
or Optional equipment.
Optional Equipment:
Items made available by the manufacturer
over and above the standard specification of
the caravan.
Maximum Technically Permissible Laden
Mass:
The maximum weight for which the caravan
is designed for normal use when being
towed 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 caravan
be exceeded.
Upgrading of maximum technically
permissible laden mass:
The standard/declared MTPLM quoted in the
specification handbook and on new caravan
weightplates maybe of lower value than the
maximum possible. If extra user payload is
required, an upgrade maybe available (model
dependant), this must be requested via your
dealer.
If required you will be issued with the
following:
(i) New weightplate giving upgrade
weight detail
(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
Nose weight:
That part of the static mass of the caravan
supported by the towing device on the rear
of the towing vehicle.
12

The Towing Code
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 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 the
permitted nose weight. Additional
payload must be placed behind the axle
to compensate for this.
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).
Power to weight ratio:
No hard and fast rules can be stated but,
here is a general guide.
(a) Conventional petrol engines with a
capacity up to approximately 1500 cc
should be adequate for towing a
caravan weighing around 85% of the
kerb weight of the towing vehicle.
(b) Above 1500 cc such engines should
manage a caravan weighing up to 100%
of the kerb weight of the towing vehicle
and still give adequate performance.
13
Fig. A Car/Caravan Weight Ratios
YES NO
MAYBE
85%
EQUAL

The Towing Code
Note: The towing vehicle manufacturer’s limit
is, in some cases, less than the kerb weight.
Vehicles with automatic transmission may
need an oil cooler fitting or the SAE rating of
the gearbox oil increasing when towing. The
advice of the vehicle manufacturer should be
sought.
Mass in Running Order:
Caravanners can use a public weighbridge to
establish the mass in running order.
Note: Weighbridges 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.
Train Weight (Combination Weight):
The maximum combined weight of the
towing vehicle and trailer combination as
specified by the towing vehicle manufacturer.
14

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.
TYPE OF DRIVING LICENCE
HELD
In order to be able to tow a caravan a driver
must hold a Category B licence. Those car
drivers who passed their tests prior to 1
January 1997 would have automatically
obtained Category B+E. However, anyone
who passed their test after 1 january 1997
will need to take a further test in order to
obtain a Category B+E if they wish to tow a
car and caravan combination whose train
weight exceeds 3,500kg, or up to 4,250 if
the caravan is less than 750kg or if the
caravan’s Maximum Technically Permissible
Laden Mass exceeds the unladen weight of
the car.
Note: The unladen weight of a car is
normally less than the kerbside weight.
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. Two
bottles are required for a constant supply.
An initial deposit is payable on each cylinder.
We recommend the use of 5kg or 6kg
Propane or 7kg Butane 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.
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.
MEASUREMENT OF NOSEWEIGHT
Noseweight may be measured using a
propriety brand of noseweight indicator.
Such equipment is obtainable at your
Caravan Dealer.
Note: These indicators have a varying
tolerance level.
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)
Noseweight can be adjusted simply by
distribution of weights in the caravan.
15
430mm
35mm
Fig. A Measuring Noseweight
+
-
The Towing Code

The Towing Code
16
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. One
end fits to the car’s towing bracket and the
other end to the caravan. (See Stability)
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).
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 (S registered
plate) will require a type approved towbar
and towball (to 94/20/EC). 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,
folding cans and wheeled containers.
12N & 12S Sockets - Two sockets
designated 12N and 12S are fitted to your
car to accept corresponding plugs from the
caravan. These are necessary to energise
the road lights and caravan auxiliary circuits
respectively.
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 and having a
maximum height of 190mm and width of
175mm.
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.
Note: Fitting additional equipment will
reduce the caravan allowable payload.

17
Useful memory aid for other items.
Car
Distilled water
External mirrors
Fan belt
Fire extinguisher
Jack
Jump leads
Petrol can
Socket set
Spare bulbs
Spare keys
Spare wheel
Tool kit
Towball cover
Tow rope
Tyre pressure gauge
Warning triangle
Tyre Pump
Caravan
Awning pegs and poles
Awning ground sheet
Battery 12 volt charger
Bucket
Corner steady brace
Corner steady pads
Coupling lock
Door mat
Fire blanket
Fire extinguisher
Fresh water container
Gas cylinder
Gas regulator
Jack
Levelling boards
Mallet
Site/caravan mains lead
Spare bulbs
(Mandatory in E.C.)
Spare 12v fuses
Spare 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
Bin liners
Binoculars
Bottle opener
Breadboard
Breadbin
Brush and dustpan
Butter dish
Camera and films
Carving knife
Cassette recorder
Chairs
Clock
Clothes brush
Clothes line
Coat hangers
Coffee percolator
Coolbox
Colander
Crockery
Cruet
Corkscrew
Cutlery
Dish cloth and brush
Dusters and polish
Disposable cloths
Egg cups
Electrical extension lead
Floor cloth
Fly spray
Food
Food mixer
Frying pan
Glasses
Grill pan
Jugs
Kettle
Kitchen roll
Kitchen tools
Litter bin
Matches
Measuring jug
Milk jug
Mixing bowl
Needles and thread
Oven gloves
Pegs
Piezo Gas lighter
Potato peeler
Pressure cooker
Radio
Rubbish bin
Salad shaker
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
Bail Bonds
(some Euro countries)
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
The Towing Code

The Towing Code
18
Fig. A Loading your caravan
(a)
(c)
(b)
(d)
WARNING: Turn off gas appliances
except those heating appliances
designed to function while the vehicle is
in motion.
WARNING: Do not travel with televisions
or microwaves in overhead lockers
unless the appliance was supplied fitted
to your caravan by the manufacturer.
LOADING AND DISTRIBUTION OF
WEIGHT IN THE CARAVAN
Do not exceed recommended maximum
loading for your caravan.
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
noseweight at the towing coupling.
Check noseweight.
Note: Do not overload car boot.
Note: Please take care to ensure that you
have allowed for the masses of all items
you intend to carry in the caravan.
WARNING: All heavy and/or voluminous
items (e.g. TV, radio etc) must be stored
securely before travelling.
PREPARING FOR THE ROAD
PRE-LOAD CHECKLIST
Caution: 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.
- all bunks are secure.
- all rooflights are closed and secured.
- main table is stored in its transit position.
- fridge is on 12v operation and door lock
is set.
- all windows 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.
- battery is secure and mains connecting
cable is disconnected and stowed.
- 12v distribution panel selector switch is
set to the van position.
WARNING: The fridge will only operate
in transit when the 12V distribution panel
selector switch is in the 'VAN' position.

19
Towing vehicle’s rear suspension
It is important that the towing vehicle’s rear
suspension is not deflected excessively by
the noseweight 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
noseweight will have on the towing 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.
• Maximum Vertical Load on the car towball
as specified by towing vehicle
manufacturer.
STABILITY
All our models are of a well balanced design
and should be exceptionally good towers.
Most models have an AL-KO stabiliser fitted
as standard. 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 noseweight.
(d) Nose of caravan is towing too high.
Fig. A Fig. B Illustration of excessive deflection of vehicle’s rear suspension
Sensible Loading:
How to apportion it
LIGHT
ITEMS
MEDIUM
ITEMS
HEAVY
ITEMS
The Towing Code

The Towing Code
20
Galvanised steel chassis
Drilling of the galvanised steel chassis will
invalidate the warranty and must not be
done.
Towball
The AL-KO stabiliser is designed to be used
with a swan neck, fixed or detachable
towball. If you use a 'bolt on type' towball
you may need to replace your towball with a
special extended neck towball.
If you have a bolt on type towball you should
ask your dealer to check clearance around
the towball to allow for the stabiliser to
articulate.
The AL-KO extended neck towball (available
from your dealer) is approved and marked
with the approval number EC94/20. Failure
to provide enough clearance around the
towball may invalidate your stabiliser
warranty.
AK160 Coupling Head
If your caravan is fitted with an AK160
coupling head the Towball must be lightly
greased.
Stabiliser Friction Pads
The AL-KO stabiliser uses 'friction pads'
inside the coupling head to clamp the
towball. These pads must be kept free from
grease and contamination from the towball.
The friction pads should last approximately
50,000km (30,000 miles) under normal use, if
correctly maintained.
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 farmer’s 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 manufac-
turer 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:
i) Unsuitable or unbalanced outfit.
ii) Incorrect loading or weight distribution.
iii) Excessive speed especially downhill.
iv) Side winds.
v) Overtaking.
vi) Being overtaken by a large fast moving
vehicle.
vii) Erratic driving.
viii) Insufficient tyre pressures.
ix) Mixing radial and cross ply tyres.
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.
OTHER IMPORTANT TOWING
CONSIDERATIONS THAT COULD AFFECT
STABILITY
Types of tyres fitted
The original tyres fitted by the manufacturer
are suitable for towing at maximum speed of
up to 81 mph (130 kph).
Maintenance checks should be carried out
regularly for wear and tear.
Tyre pressures must be maintained, under
inflation could lead to premature tyre failure.
Replacement tyres must be of the same size,
load and speed index.
Periodically tyres should be rotated to
equalise wear in the same manner as car
tyres.
Do not mix four ply/six ply/eight ply tyres on
the same axle.