PREPARING FOR THE ROAD
Loading your vehicle
All models manufactured by Auto-Trail are of a well-balanced design. The most common causes of poor stability
include:
• Poor weight distribution inside the vehicle
• Incorrect tyre pressure (see table below)
Try to load heavy items as close to the floor as possible, between the axles and as evenly as possible side to side.
The table should remain in its dedicated storage position whilst the vehicle is in motion.
TOP TIP
Always adhere to the below tyre pressures in your Excel motorhome:
5 TOGETHER WE’RE GOING PLACES For more information visit www.auto-trail.co.uk 6
TYRE SIZE:
COLD BARS
TYRE PRESSURE: COLD BARS
Front Axle Rear Axle
225/75 R 16 CP 5.5 5.5 (Delaware/Scout)
225/75 R 16 CP 5.5 3.8 (Comanche)
Vehicle weights
The weights of your vehicle are listed below, and can also be found on the type approval label located in the
engine bay of your vehicle.
Also included on the secondary weight plate is the following information:
• Type approval number of the vehicle
• Maximum authorised vehicle weight (must never be exceeded when vehicle is in use)
• Gross train weight (maximum authorised vehicle weight plus allowance for a trailer)
• '1' is the maximum authorised weight for the individual front axle
• '2' is the maximum authorised weight for the individual rear axle
Please note: if you add both maximum authorised axle weights together it will normally give you a larger figure
than the maximum authorised weight quoted on the plate. You must ensure that both the individual axle weights
and the overall vehicle maximum authorised weight are never exceeded.
When calculating the weight, please ensure you factor in all items you intend to carry in the motorhome. This
includes passengers, equipment, luggage, pets, food, sports equipment etc.
*Numbers correct as of May 2023
Vehicle handling
Please remember that your motorhome is much larger
than a standard car when carrying out any manoeuvres.
• Allow longer to speed up when overtaking.
• Do not swing out suddenly.
• Carry out all manoeuvres as smoothly as possible.
• Use the nearside wing mirror to check vehicle has
cleared obstacle when overtaking.
• Take care not to bump the kerbs with the wheels.
• Reduce speed accordingly in strong winds, going
downhill or in poor visibility.
• Large, high-speed vehicles can cause air bueting.
Please take extra care when passing or being
passed by a high-sided vehicle.
Driving abroad
Please ensure that you are familiar with the relevant
laws and regulations that apply in the country you are
travelling in. These vary from country to country and
are your responsibility to ensure you comply.
Reversing
Proficiency at reversing can only
be achieved with practice, and we
would recommend that you first
practice in a large, open area.
Many organisations also run training
courses which may help. If your
motorhome has been fitted with a
visual reversing aid, please continue
to use self-judgement and remain
vigilant whilst reversing. Auto-Trail
will not accept any responsibility for
any accident caused by a driver's
negligence.
Satellite navigation
Your vehicle may be fitted with an
audio/visual navigation aid. This is
designed to assist the driver whilst
travelling, but it not to replace
the driver's self-judgement as to
the suitability of a specific route
for their vehicle. Auto-Trail will
not accept responsibility for any
accident caused by a driver's
negligence.
Selecting a pitch
When selecting a pitch, do not
park in a position that will obstruct
others, and try to find an area
which is dry, reasonably level and
preferably with a hard base. If you
have no alternative but to pitch on
a slope, ensure that when you leave
you are driving down the slope.
It is always good practice to chock
the wheels of the motorhome
when parked on a slope or slippery
surface, even when the brakes are
applied. In poor site conditions,
please keep engine revs as low as
possible to try and avoid wheel
spin, and try to steer as straight as
possible.
Vehicle levelling
Levelling of the motorhome on
your chosen pitch must be carried
out in both directions for the
refrigerator and other equipment to
function correctly. You can do this
by using proprietary levelling ramps
or boards.
Seatbelts
Passengers should only be carried
in designated passenger seats
fitted with three-point seat belts.
Children should be seated on
bolster cushions or correctly fitted
child seats when the vehicle is in
motion.
Refuelling
Please ensure that all appliances
and isolation valves are closed
before refuelling your vehicle.
MODEL LENGTH WIDTH HEIGHT
MAX.
GROSS
WEIGHT
MASS IN
RUNNING
ORDER
ESSENTIAL
HABITATION
EQUIPMENT
USER
PAYLOAD
MASS OF
CONVENTIONAL
LOAD
MASS FOR
PERSONAL
EFFECTS
MASS FOR
OPTIONAL
EQUIPMENT
Delaware 8.07m 2.35m
3.03m (low)
3.10m (high)
4,500kg 3,700kg 0kg 800kg 75kg 100kg 625kg
Scout 8.07m 2.35m
3.03m (low)
3.10m (high)
4,500kg 3,680kg 0kg 820kg 225kg 120kg 475kg
Comanche 8.79m 2.35m
3.03m (low)
3.10m (high)
5,000kg 4,050kg 0kg 950kg 75kg 108kg 767kg
PREJOURNEY CHECKLIST
• Ensure all items are stowed securely, with minimal
heavy items in overhead lockers.
• Close and secure all lockers and cupboard doors.
• Secure all beds and bedding.
• Close and secure skylights.
• Secure table in its allocated position.
• Ensure fridge is on 12v operation.
• Close and latch all windows.
• Leave curtains and blinds open to aide visibility.
• Ensure leisure battery is secure.
• Ensure all gas appliances are turned o where
applicable, and that the gas bottles are correctly
positioned and secured. These models are designed to
allow the heating system to be used whilst the vehicle is
in motion. To facilitate this, they have been fitted with
a regulator that will shut o the gas supply from the
regulator in the event of an accident. In these models
the LPG supply from the gas bottle can be left open
should you chose to use the heating whilst travelling.
• Turn o the LPG supply at the gas bottle valve.
• Ensure that seat swivels are locked in the forward
facing position.
• If relevant, ensure your pop-top roof is lowered and
securely latched.
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