Swift Tourer User guide

Swift Group
Dunswell Road
Cottingham
East Yorkshire HU16 4JX
Tel 01482 875740
Fax 01482 840082
email enquiry@swiftgroup.co.uk
For more information visit
www.swiftgroup.co.uk
Issued July 2012
1099731

Tourer Owner’s
Service and
Warranty Handbook

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.swiftrgroup.co.uk)
for the most up-to-date version of your
handbook.
Customers should note that all caravans
and Motorhomes are supplied with 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.
INTRODUCTION

2
CONTENTS
Swift Talk
Swift Talk is the new 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 new 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 ............................................................................................................................ 13
Safety & security ...................................................................................................................... 35
Services .................................................................................................................................. 47
Electrics ................................................................................................................................... 69
Fitted equipment ..................................................................................................................... 91
Maintenance .......................................................................................................................... 177
Useful information .................................................................................................................. 211
CONTENTS

4

WARRANTY INFORMATION
5
WARRANTY INFORMATION
Warranty and guarantee cover ................................................................................................... 6
What to do if you require assistance .......................................................................................... 8
Supplier contacts ....................................................................................................................... 9
Touring caravans - annual service/inspection record ................................................................ 10
Annual service / inspection record stamps ............................................................................... 11

WARRANTY INFORMATION
6
WARRANTY
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
("Swift") and have absolutely no authority
to bind the manufacturer by any express or
implied undertaking or representation.
YOUR CARAVAN HAS THREE
WARRANTIES:
SuperSure Warranty
For all parts or fittings of your caravan other
than the body shell, Swift will repair (or at is
option, replace) any defective parts or fittings
for 3 years from the date of purchase (or hire
purchase) subject to conditions, terms and
exclusions below.
Body Shell Warranty
For the body shell, Swift will repair (or at its
option, replace) any defects with the body shell
for 6 years from the date of purchase (or hire
purchase), subject to the conditions, terms
and exclusions below.
Extended Body Shell Warranty
For the first owner, Swift will repair (or at its
option, replace) any defects with the body shell
for 10 years from the date of purchase (or hire
purchase), subject to the conditions, terms
and exclusions below.
Conditions
1. You must ensure that your caravan has
had an Annual Service (see clause 2
below) within 90 days before or 60 days
after each anniversary of the original date
of purchase. In order to preserve your
SuperSure Warranty, the third Annual
Service must be carried out before the
expiry of the 36 month period from the
original date of purchase. In order to
preserve your Body Shell Warranty, the
sixth Annual Service must be carried out
before the expiry of the 72 month period
from the original date of purchase. In
order to preserve your Extended Body
Shell Warranty, the tenth Annual Service
must be carried out before the expiry of
the 120 month period from the original
date of purchase. If you have not
performed an Annual Service then Swift
will not be obliged to perform any work
under the applicable warranty. Original
VAT invoices must be retained as proof
that Annual Service have been carried out.
2. The Annual Service must be carried out in
accordance with the requirements in this
handbook. You will be responsible for
any charges made for an Annual Service.
If the Annual Service is performed by an
authorised Swift Group Service Centre
then Swift warrants that the Annual
Service has been performed correctly. If
the Annual Service is performed by an
unauthorised repairer or service centre
then if the Annual Service has not been
performed in accordance with the
requirements in this handbook and/or
work has been performed on your caravan
that is defective or faulty, then Swift will not
be obliged to perform any work under this
Warranty (insofar as it relates to defective
or faulty work or defective Annual Service).
3. All new caravans must be registered with
Swift within 6 weeks of purchase as new.
4. The benefit of the SuperSure Warranty
and Body Shell Warranty may be
transferred to a new owner if the caravan
is re-sold, provided that the caravan has
been serviced in accordance with the
requirements of this handbook, and details
of the change of ownership have been
supplied to Swift using the change of
ownership form set out in this handbook
as soon as reasonably practicable after the
change.
5. The benefit of the Extended Body Shell
Warranty is non transferable to new
owners and applies only to the original
registered owner
6. If any repairs are identified as being
necessary during an Annual Service or

WARRANTY INFORMATION
7
otherwise, Swift will only pay for Warranty
work performed by an authorised Swift
Group Service Centre. The caravan must
be made available to an authorised Swift
Group Service Centre within 6 weeks of
the date the repair need was identified for
the work to be carried out. The cost of
transporting, towing or moving the caravan
by any means to or from the place of repair
is the responsibility of the owner.
7. The SuperSure Warranty, the Body Shell
Warranty and/or the Extended Body
Shell warranty only apply to caravans
purchased and used primarily within the
UK, which means that the caravan is not
used for continuous journeys outside
of the UK of longer than 90 days per
journey.
Terms
8. The Body Shell Warranty and Extended
Body Shell Warranty cover any defect with
the panels and seams of the caravan.
This includes body leaks, delamination of
panels or floor, water ingress through any
permanently sealed seam joints. NB: The
Extended Body Shell Warranty is non
transferable and only applies to the
original registered owner.
9. The SuperSure Warranty will cover in the
first 12 months any defect other than those
specified in the Exclusions below.
10. In years 2 and 3 of the SuperSure Warranty,
the Warranty will only cover any defect with
the following components:
• Water system, heater, fresh water tank,
water pump, water gauges, taps and
shower heads;
• Heating system and components;
• Main proprietary items (for example fridge,
toilet, cooker);
• Chassis and associated parts;
• Auxiliary electrics ; and
• Windows (excluding window furniture and
blinds).
In years 2 and 3 of the SuperSure Warranty, any
defect specified in the Exclusions will not be
covered.
Exclusions
11. Swift shall not be liable under this Warranty
for any defect related to or arising from the
following:
• The failure of a component for reasons of
fair wear and tear;
• Damage resulting from freezing, fire, over-
heating or accidents (whether caused by
the user or a third party);
• Misuse of any component;
• Normal deterioration, corrosion, intrusion
of foreign or harmful bodies, lack of
servicing or negligence of any person
other than Swift 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;
• Cosmetic finishes to kitchen sinks, cooker
tops, vanity units, shower trays; and/or
• 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.
12. In addition to the exclusions above, in years
2 and 3 of the Warranty Period, Swift shall
not be liable under this Warranty for any
defects related to:
• Any audio equipment;
• Any microwave; and/or
• Any TV.
Swift shall not be liable under these Warranties
if the caravan has been neglected, misused,
modified or used for hire or reward or if the
identification marks (chassis/VIN numbers) have
been removed or defaced. The caravan will be
deemed to have been neglected if it has not
been serviced and maintained as stated in this
handbook or any repairs being identified as

WARRANTY INFORMATION
8
necessary at an Annual Service or by a Swift
Group Service Centre have not been carried
out in a reasonable time.
You have legal rights under UK law
governing the sale of consumer goods.
These warranties do 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.
In the unusual event that a fault develops and
you need to claim under Body Shell Warranty
or the SuperSure Warranty, your first contact
should normally be made through the dealer
from whom the caravan was purchased. If
this is not feasible then a claim may be dealt
with by a different authorised Swift Group
Service Centre, please contact the Swift Group
Customer Care Department on 01482 875740
or enquiring on our website: www.swiftleisure.
co.uk directly for details.
CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP
There is a £50.00 administration fee to transfer
the remainder of any 3 year 'Supersure
warranty' and the 6 year 'body shell' warranty,
details of how to do this can be found at the
rear of this handbook.
The 'Extended Body Shell Warranty' is non
transferable.
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 Customer Care,
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.
ASSISTANCE

WARRANTY INFORMATION
9
SUPPLIER CONTACTS
Sargent Electrical Services
Unit 39, Tokenspire Business Park, Beverley,
East Yorkshire, HU17 0TB
Phone: 01482 678981
Fax: 01482 678987
E-mail: [email protected]
AL-KO Kober Limited
South Warwickshire Business Park
Kineton Road, Southam,
Warwickshire, CV47 0AL
Fax: 01926 818562
Email: [email protected]
Truma UK Ltd.
Park lane, Dove Valley Park,
South Derbyshire, DE65 5BG
Phone: 01283 586020
Fax: 01283 586029
Thetford Ltd.
Unit 19, Oakham Drive,
Parkwood Industrial Estate,
Rutland Road, Sheffield, S3 9QX
Phone: 0114 273 8157
Fax: 0114 275 3094
Email: [email protected]
Alde International (UK) Ltd
Huxley Close, Park Farm South,
Wellingborough, Northants, NN8 6AB
Phone: 01933 677765
Fax: 01933 674975
Email: [email protected]
Dometic (UK) Ltd
Dometic House, The Brewery,
Blandford St Mary, Dorset, DT11 9LS
Phone: 0844 626 0133
Email: [email protected]
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.

WARRANTY INFORMATION
10
SERVICE INSPECTION
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. Tyres and tyre pressures.
7. Torque wheel nuts.
8. Brake rods and linkages.
9. Hub bearings, brakes and
brake shoes.
10. Handbrake operation
and performance.
11. Suspension and shock absorbers (if
fitted).
12. 13 pin plug and cables.
13. Road lights, wiring
and reflectors.
14. Internal lights and
12V DC system.
15. Water heater - gas and 230V AC (if
fitted).
16. Hob, grill and oven (if fitted).
17. Refrigerator 230V AC, 12V DC and gas.
18. Gas system.
19. Water pump, taps and
water system.
20. Mains 230V AC system.
21. Windows and fittings.
22. Smoke alarm and battery.
23. Roof lights.
24. Furniture hinges/stays etc.
25. Exterior locks and hinges.
26. Grab handle security.
27. All internal vents.
28. Oil seals.
29. Blinds and fly screens (if fitted).
30. Carbon Monoxide detector and battery

WARRANTY INFORMATION
11
Annual service / inspection record stamps
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.
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.

WARRANTY INFORMATION
12
SERVICE INSPECTION
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.
11th SERVICE
DATE:
DEALER’S STAMP
We certify that an annual service has been
carried out in accordance with the handbook.
12th SERVICE
DATE:
DEALER’S STAMP
We certify that an annual service has been
carried out in accordance with the handbook.
13th SERVICE
DATE:
DEALER’S STAMP
We certify that an annual service has been
carried out in accordance with the handbook.
14th SERVICE
DATE:
DEALER’S STAMP
We certify that an annual service has been
carried out in accordance with the handbook.
15th SERVICE
DATE:
DEALER’S STAMP
We certify that an annual service has been
carried out in accordance with the handbook.

TOWING CODE
13
TOWING CODE
Caravan towing code ............................................................................................................... 14
Caravan terms ......................................................................................................................... 14
Towing vehicle terms ............................................................................................................... 16
Measurement of nose weight ................................................................................................... 16
Type of driving licence held ...................................................................................................... 17
Glossary & checklist ................................................................................................................ 17
Useful memory aid ................................................................................................................... 18
Preparing for the road .............................................................................................................. 20
Tyre Maintenance .................................................................................................................... 23
The Tyre Law ........................................................................................................................... 24
Pre tow check list & hitch up for AKS3004 stabiliser ................................................................. 24
13 Pin Socket .......................................................................................................................... 26
Towcar electrics........................................................................................................................ 27
Breakaway Cables ................................................................................................................... 28
Mirrors ..................................................................................................................................... 29
Moving off ............................................................................................................................... 29
Reversing ................................................................................................................................ 30
Speed limits ............................................................................................................................. 30
Caravan handling ..................................................................................................................... 30
Motorway driving ..................................................................................................................... 30
AL-KO spare wheel carrier tips ................................................................................................ 31
Changing a wheel .................................................................................................................... 31
Wheel Bolt tightening ............................................................................................................... 32
Jacking points ......................................................................................................................... 32
Stopping on a hill ..................................................................................................................... 32
Arrival on site ........................................................................................................................... 33
Exterior Door ........................................................................................................................... 33
AKS 3004 ................................................................................................................................ 33

TOWING CODE
14
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
Mass in Running Order:
The mass of the caravan equipped to the
caravan manufacturer, standard specification.
The MRO includes an allowance for gas, the
electric hook up, cables as well as the fluids
and liquids required for the normal caravan
operation.
The mass of the caravan in running order
contains provision for the masses of liquids,
gas etc. (see Mass in Running Order in
User Handbook). Part of this provision can
also be utilised as additional payload, if for
example, you wish to travel with water tanks
empty or 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 Epuipment = Maximum Technical
Permissible Mass or MRO + PE + OE =
MTPLM
Personal Effects
Those items which a user can choose to carry
in a caravan.
Note: an allowance has been provided for
in the Personal effects for a leisure battery
weighing 20kg
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, 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
From the 2011 season the method of
calculating the Mass in Running Order (MRO)
and user payload figures has changed in
order to bring it in line with European Vehicle
Directives.
Allowances for essential equipment is
now contained within the MRO of the
caravan and include the following:
LPG cylinders @ 90% capacity = 16.5kg*
Fresh water tank @ 90% capacity = 27kg*
(where fitted)
Water heater filled to 90% = 9kg*
Toilet flush tank with 2 litres of fluid = 2kg*
* Weights are typical figures and are
dependent on specification.
The leisure battery is considered to be
included in the personal effects and an
allowance of 20kg has been made for this.

TOWING CODE
15
TOWING VEHICLE TERMS
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.
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 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.
YES NO
MAYBE
85%
Equal
Fig. A Car/Caravan
weight ratios

TOWING CODE
16
MEASUREMENT OF NOSE WEIGHT
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.
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.

TOWING CODE
17
GLOSSARY AND CHECKLIST
Driving licence
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 kerb side
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 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).
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). 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.

TOWING CODE
18
USEFUL ITEMS
The depth and width dimensions include the
rim around the bottom used for securing the
battery.
Note: Batteries that are not foot mounted,
ie. without a rim, can still be fitted, but
check first that they 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 you warranty.
Note: Fitting additional equipment, such as
a motormover will reduce the caravan
allowable payload.
Note: The fitting of a motormover
may require a larger capacity
battery fitting.
Note: We do no recommend towing with
towing covers fitted as these can
obscure lights/reflectors and may rub
or damage the bodywork.
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
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
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