Swift Tourer Owner's Handbook Manual page 23

2. Load evenly right to left so that each
caravan wheel carries approximately the
same weight.
3. Do not load items at the extreme front or
rear since this can lead to instability due to
the 'pendulum effect'.
4. Load remainder to give a suitable nose
weight at the towing coupling.
Check nose weight.
Note: Do not overload car boot.
WARNING: All heavy and/or voluminous
items (e.g. TV, radio etc) must be stored
securely before travelling.
PLEASE TAKE CARE TO ENSURE THAT
YOU HAVE ALLOWED FOR THE MASSES
OF ALL ITEMS YOU INTEND TO CARRY IN
THE CARAVAN. e.g. optional equipment,
and personal effects such as clothing, food,
pets, bicycles, sailboards, sports equipment
etc.
WARNING: UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES
SHOULD THE MTPLM OF THIS CARAVAN
BE EXCEEDED
Towing vehicle's rear suspension
It is important that the towing vehicle's rear
suspension is not deflected excessively by the
nose weight 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 nose
weight will have on the towing vehicle's rear
suspension.
Fig. B Illustration of excessive deflection
of 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.
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 (noseweight).
• Maximum Vertical Load on the car
towball as specified by towing vehicle
manufacturer (noseweight).
• Driving licence limitations
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 nose weight.
(d) Nose of caravan is towing too high.
(e) Unsuitable towing vehicle
Galvanised steel chassis
Drilling of the galvanised steel chassis will
invalidate the warranty and must not be done.
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