The Towing Code
16
When the breakaway cable is attached,
check to ensure:
a) that the cable cannot snag in use on the
caravan coupling head, jockey wheel,
stabiliser or accessory e.g. bumper
shield, cycle carrier etc.
b) 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 applying the brakes.
c) that it is not slack and 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 brakes prematurely.
Having followed this advice, should you feel
that a satisfactory coupling arrangement
cannot be achieved, consult your Swift
Group dealer or towbar supplier.
MIRRORS
The driver of the towing vehicle must have
an adequate view of the rear.
If there is no rear view through the caravan it
is essential that additional exterior towing
mirrors are fitted. This is mandatory in some
European countries and drivers can face
instant fines if extension mirrors are not fitted.
Caution: Any rear view mirror must not
project more than 200 mm outside:
a) the width of the caravan when being
towed.
b) the width of the towing vehicle when
driven solo.
Note: Any rear view mirror fitted shall be ‘e’
marked and cover the field of view as
stipulated by type approval requirements
(Regulation 33 of the Road Vehicles
[Construction and Use] Regulation 1986).
MOVING OFF
Let the clutch in smoothly.
Allow more engine speed to produce the
power to move the additional weight of the
caravan.
Reduce wear and tear on clutch and
transmission by taking extra care.
Change gears smoothly.
Try not to jerk the clutch.
Fig. 3A
Fig. 3B
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