CARAVAN AND TOW VEHICLE
that the nose weight should be approximately
7% of the actual laden weight (i.e. between 50
and 100kg). However, this may be limited by
the towing vehicle or caravan manufacturer’s
limit nose weight. Check with the car
handbook, or consult your retailer. The upper
limit for the caravan coupling head is 100kg.
Before hitching up the vehicle always check the
following:
1. All wheel bolts are tightened to the correct
torque. When fitted with alloy wheels, bolts
should be tightened to a torque of 130Nm
(Newton metres). For the steel spare wheel
supplied with the caravan the wheel bolts
should be tightened to 120Nm.
2. Inspect all wheels and tyres for signs of
deterioration or damage.
3. Tyre pressures are correct.
4. Ensure all loose articles are stowed
securely. Do not store heavy items in roof
lockers. Televisions and other heavy items
must always be secured at floor level when
towing.
5. All lockers and cupboard doors are closed
and secured.
6. All bunks are secure.
7. All rooflights, extractor fans and sunroofs
are closed and secured.
8. Tables are secured in their transit position.
9. Fridge is on 12v operation and the door lock
is set (if required).
10. All windows are fully closed and latched.
Never tow with windows on night setting.
11. Gas cylinders are correctly positioned,
secured and turned off, and the gas box is
shut and locked.
12. Ensure no loose items are stored in the gas
box and it is not over filled with equipment,
as this may cause impact damage to the
inside of the panel.
13. Battery is connected and the battery is
secure.
14. All external doors, flaps and ventilation
ducts are closed and secure, with their
relevant covers in place.
15. Before commencing any journey always
ensure that the rooflights are closed and
both handles are securely fastened.
16. It is recommended that a minimum of 2
people work together when hitching up the
caravan to the tow vehicle.
1. Ensure that the caravan is in a suitable
position, and secure with the handbrake
fully on.
2. Fully raise all four corner steadies.
3. Shut and lock the caravan exterior.
4. Gauge the height of the car’s towball then
raise or lower the height of the caravan’s
towing hitch to ensure that it is high
enough to pass over it cleanly and not hit
the towball. Rotating the caravan’s jockey
wheel handle can do this: Clockwise to
lower, anti-clockwise to raise.
5. The assistant should position themselves
by the front near side of the caravan so
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