Loading And Distribution Of Weight In The Caravan And Car - Bailey Caravan Owner's Manual

2
Caravan & Tow Vehicle
Where no designated
attachment point has been
provided on the towbar:
Fixed ball - Loop the cable around
the neck of the towball. If you fit the
cable like this, use a single loop only.
See Figs. b and c.
Detachable ball - You must seek
guidance on procedure from the
towbar manufacturer or supplier.
Other means of attachment:
In some instances it may be possible to attach the cable assembly:
Either:
a) to a permanent part of the towbar structure, as long as this meets the approval of the towbar
manufacturer/supplier,
Or:
b) to an accessory sold for the specific purpose of breakaway cable attachment.
When the breakaway cable is attached, check to ensure:
a) that the cable cannot snag in use on the trailer coupling head, jockey wheel, or any accessory, e.g.
a stabiliser, bumper shield, cycle carrier, etc.
b) that there is sufficient slack in the cable to allow the towing vehicle and trailer to articulate fully
without the cable ever becoming taut and applying the brakes.
▲ For peace of mind you might wish to check the state of the cable by positioning the trailer
and towing vehicle at extreme angles before setting off.
c) that it is not so slack that it 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 trailer brakes prematurely.
Having followed this advice, should you feel that a satisfactory coupling arrangement cannot be achieved,
consult your trailer or towbar supplier or service agent.
▲ It is a legal requirement that the secondary break away cable is used when towing.
2.2.6

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 illustration).
It should be noted that with certain layouts or models it may be necessary to load heavy items, such as
awnings in the middle of the floor to achieve an acceptable and safe nose weight. It may not be possible
to achieve the desired nose weight with all items stored 'out of sight' in lockers and bed boxes (bunks).
2-4
Fig b
Fig c