Stability - Swift Vehicle Owner's Manual

The Towing Code
Sensible Loading:
How to apportion it
LIGHT MEDIUM
ITEMS ITEMS
Fig. A
Towing vehicle's rear suspension
It is important that the towing vehicle's rear
suspension is not deflected excessively by
the noseweight on the tow ball. If it is
excessive the steering and stability will be
affected. (Fig. B)
The greater the towing vehicle's tail overhang
(the distance between the rear axle and the
tow ball), the greater the effect the
noseweight will have on the towing vehicle's
rear suspension.
After trying out the caravan it may be found
that a stiffening of the rear suspension is
necessary - but note that this may give the
towing vehicle a firmer ride when not towing.
8
HEAVY
ITEMS
Fig. B Illustration of excessive deflection of vehicle's rear suspension
There are a number of suspension aids
available and advice should be sought on
which to use and how to fit. It is important to
ensure that the caravan is towed either level
or slightly nose down.
If you have any doubts about the suitability
of your towbar for towing a caravan consult
the towing bracket manufacturer.
DO NOT exceed the:
• Gross Vehicle Mass (G.V.M. on car plate).
• Maximum Technically Permissible Laden
Mass (M.T.P.L.M.) on the caravan.
• Gross Vehicle Combination Mass
(Train Weight) (G.V.C.M. on car plate).
• Maximum Permissible Towing Mass.
• Vertical Static Load on the caravan
coupling.
• Maximum Vertical Load on the car towball
as specified by towing vehicle
manufacturer.

STABILITY

All our models are of a well balanced design
and should be exceptionally good towers.
Most models have an Al-Ko stabiliser fitted
as standard. The common causes of poor
stability include:
(a) Worn springs or loose spring fixings on
the towing vehicle.
(b) Towing vehicle springs too soft.
(c) Insufficient noseweight.
(d) Nose of caravan is towing too high.