23
CARAVAN AND TOW VEHICLE
Operation - In the event of the main coupling of
the trailer separating from the towing vehicle,
the cable should be able to pull tight, without
any hindrance, engaging the trailer’s brakes.
The breakaway cable should never
become taut during normal use.
Regularly check the cable and clip for damage.
If in doubt, contact your trailer or towbar
supplier or your service agent.
Make sure the cable runs as straight as
possible and goes through a cable guide
underneath the trailer coupling.
Determine whether or not the towbar has
a designated attachment point (i.e. a part
specifically designated by its manufacturer for
a breakaway cable).
Where a designated attachment point is
provided on the towbar:
• Pass the cable through the attachment
point and clip it back on itself.
Where no designated attachment point has
been provided on the towbar:
• Fixed ball: Loop the cable around the neck
of the towball. Use only a single loop.
• Detachable ball: You must seek
guidance on procedure from the towbar
manufacturer or supplier.
OTHER MEANS OF ATTACHMENT
It is a legal requirement that the
secondary breakaway cable is used
when towing.
In some instances it may be possible to attach
the cable assembly:
• To a permanent part of the towbar
structure, as long as this meets the
approval of the towbar manufacturer/
supplier,
• To an accessory sold for the specific
purpose of breakaway cable attachment.
When the breakaway cable is attached, check
to ensure:
• That the cable cannot snag in use on the
caravan coupling head, jockey wheel, or
any accessory, e.g. a stabiliser, bump shield,
cycle carrier, etc.
• That there is sufficient slack in the cable
to allow the towing vehicle and caravan
to articulate fully without the cable ever
becoming taut and apply the brake. For
peace of mind you might wish to check the
state of the cable by positioning the caravan
and towing vehicle at extreme angles before
setting off.
• That it is not so slack that it can drag on the
ground. If left loose, the cable may scrape
along the ground and be weakened so that
it subsequently fails to do its job. The cable
may also be caught on an obstacle when in
motion, thus engaging the caravan’s brakes
prematurely.
Having followed this advice, should you feel
that a satisfactory coupling arrangement
cannot be achieved, consult your trailer/towbar
supplier or service agent.
LOADING AND DISTRIBUTION OF WEIGHT IN THE
CARAVAN AND CAR.
Equipment and personal effects should be
loaded in the caravan so that any heavy items
are low down near to the floor and mainly over
the axles.
The remainder should be distributed to give a
suitable nose weight at the towing coupling.
It should be noted that with certain layouts
or models it may be necessary to load heavy
items, such as awnings, in the middle of the
floor to achieve an acceptable and safe nose
weight. It may not be possible to achieve the
desired nose weight with all items stored out of
sight in lockers and bed boxes (bunks).
Please take care that you have allowed for the
weight of all items you intend to load into the
caravan.
NOSE WEIGHT
It is recommended that the nose weight
should be varied to find the optimum weight
for towing, dependent upon the actual laden
weight of the caravan. Experience has shown
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