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Follow these guidelines:
• Never exceed the MTPLM. Remember that the weight of any optional extras that you may have added
will need to be considered in your weight calculations, e.g. a caravan mover
• In general, the higher the noseweight, the better the stability of the combination. Experience has shown that
a noseweight in the region of 5% to 7% of th acual leden weight of the caravan is safest. However, the maximum noseweight will always be limited by the lowest of the car, towbar or caravan coupling vertical load limits.
• The way the caravan is loaded is critical. Heavy items placed at the front and rear or stored at height could destabilise the caravan under tow. The safest course is to place heavy items directly on the floor, close to the caravan axle, and in a manner to achieve the correct noseweight. All loads should be restrained as loose items within a caravan can move and create an unstable condition.
• A stabiliser should never be used as a remedial measure when a caravan/car combination has poor stability. However, a good stabiliser can make a well balanced caravam/car combination easier to handle on poor road and in windy conditions.
Remember:
Keep it light----
Keep it low----
Keep it even----
Place it over the axle
The loading process
Follow these simple steps before each trip:
1.--Ensure that the handbrake of your caravan is fully engaged, the wheels are chocked and the corner stabilisers are down.
2.--Weigh items before loading to ensure that you remain within your payload allowance.
3.--Load location:-
----- Heavy items (e.g. your awning) on the floor directly over the axle/s.
----- Medium weight items, e.g. external furniture, barbecue, water carrier should be placed on the floor, close to the axle/s.
----- Only light items should be stored in the overhead lockers.
4.--Remember:
----- Fixed beds. If your caravan has a rear fixed bed, do not fill the base with heavy items.
----- Fluids. Empty water tanks or containers and toilet cassette before moving off.
----Note: Carry a small container of water in the fridge for en route drinks rather than a part-full container.
5.--Ensure that all itemsare secured to prevent them moving about in transit.
6.--When all items are loaded safely, raise the corner steadies, remove any chocks from the wheels and check the noseweight.
----Use a proprietary noseweight gauge, follow the maker’s instructions and ensure that the measurement is made at the tow hitch
----connection point.
7.--If the noseweight is not correct then adjust the position of the items within the caravan until you achive the correct value.
----(You might need to take some items out). Do not move heavy items to the front or the rear of the caravan to achive this.
----Concentrate the load above the axle/s.
8.--Finally, be mindful that the weight is distributed evenly in the caravan, so each wheel carries approximately the same load.
You are now ready to connect up to the car.