Secondary Braking Cable (Break Away Device); Loading And Distribution Of Weight In The Caravan And Car; Noseweight; Hitching Up - Bailey 2002 Series Owner's Manual

CARAVAN & TOW VEHICLE
Chapter 2

Secondary braking cable (Break away device)

Always ensure this is looped around a secure part of the towing bracket
or towing vehicle and secured back on itself with the spring clip provided.
Never loop it around the towball.
Warning: it is a legal requirement to use this device on the road and it
must be used.

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 the floor and mainly over the axle(s).
The remainder should be distributed to give a suitable noseweight at the
towing coupling (see next column).
Incorrect caravan loading and/or overloading of the towing vehicles rear
suspension will also result in poor towing stability.
The weight should be distributed so that each side of the caravan carries,
approximately, the same load.

Noseweight

It is recommended that the noseweight should be varied to find the
optimum for towing dependent upon the actual laden weight of the
caravan. Experience has shown that the noseweight should be
approximately 7% of the actual laden weight (i.e. between 50 and 100
kg). However, this may be limited by the towing vehicle or caravan
manufacturer's limit noseweight. Check with the car and caravan
handbook, or consult your retailer. The upper limit for the caravan
coupling head is 100kg.

Hitching up

Before hitching up always check the following:
1. All wheel bolts are tightened to the correct torque (65lbs - feet which
is equivalent to 88 Newton-metres)
2. Inspect all wheels and tyres for signs of deterioration or damage.
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