Preparing for the road
18
Webbing must not be allowed to chafe
against sharp edges.
- Do not make alterations or additions to
the belt.
- Belts that have been cut, frayed, damaged
or stressed through impact should be
replaced. After impact the motorhome
anchorage points should also be checked.
- To clean use warm soapy water only.
- Periodic inspection of the installation will
ensure reliability of the seat belt.
DRIVING LICENCE
Licences issued to drivers who passed their
car driving test before 1st January 1997 include
categories B+E and C1+E which gives them
entitlement to drive motor vehicles up to
7500kg MTPLM.
Drivers who passed their test on or after this
date have category B entitlement only, which
restricts the entitlement to motor vehicles
with up to 8 passenger seats and an MTPLM
of up to 3500kg with trailers up to 750kg
MTPLM (4250kg combined) or larger trailers
providing the combination of the trailer and
towing vehicle does not exceed 3500kg and
the MTPLM of the trailer does not exceed the
unladen weight of the towing vehicle.
Drivers who passed their test on or after the 1st
January 1997 will need to take an additional
test(s) to gain the B+E and C1+E entitlement.
A number of Swift Group motorhomes have
an MTPLM greater than 3500kg, therefore
you must check you have the driving licence
entitlement for the vehicle you drive.
VEHICLE CLASSIFICATIONS
Motorhomes up to 3500kg MTPLM are P/LGV
(Private Light Goods Vehicles), motorhomes with
an MTPLM over 3500kg and up to 7500kg are P/
HGV (Private Heavy Goods Vehicles). These are
used in defining MOT classifications and vehicle
excise duty (road tax) classifications.
ADVICE ON TOWING
The towing capability of each motorhome
differs depending on the specific chassis and
engine types, (see ‘Towing Capabilities’ in your
specification handbook).
This takes account of the maximum front and
rear axle loadings as well as the minimum
front axle loading in two conditions, MRO and
MTPLM condition.
Towing in these, and any other condition
requires sensible loading and distribution of
payloads to ensure the requirements of the
towing capability table are met.
When towing, the demands on both the
vehicle and driver increase. A trailer reduces
manoeuvrability, the ability to climb hills,
acceleration and braking capacity and makes
the vehicle handle and corner differently.
It will also increase the fuel consumption of
the vehicle.
Always brake in good time. Special care must
be taken when descending gradients. Change
down before going down a steep hill so the
engine can act as a brake. Ensure that the
towing vehicle tyre pressures are correct and
adjusted for full load conditions and that the
trailer tyre pressures are as recommended by
the trailer manufacturer. Regularly check the
operation of trailer brakes and lights.
For maximum stability, when loading the trailer
ensure that the loads are properly secured during
transit. Position loads so that most of the weight
is placed close to the floor and, where possible,
immediately above or close to the axle(s).
Where the load can be divided between trailer
and tow vehicle, loading more weight into the
vehicle will generally improve the stability of the
combination. After loading the trailer, check that
the nose weight and axle loads are in accordance
with the manufacturer’s recommendations,
also check the rear and front axle loads on the
motorhome. When calculating the laden weight
of the trailer, remember to include the weight of
the trailer PLUS THE LOAD.
To Next Page
Loading...
