Swift Owner's Handbook - Swift Group

The Towing CodeWheel RimsThe majority of caravans manufactured since1993 have been fitted with steel wheel rimswhich are the wider 5J size incorporating adouble safety hump rim which conforms toEuropean standards of safety. The alternativeto steel wheel rims are alloy wheel rims.If you are in any doubt, have your wheelschecked by a competent tyre supplier.Hitch head load capacityThe maximum vertical static load which canbe put upon the hitch head when connectedis either 75kg or 100kg. Please refer to thetechnical data in your handbook.(But see also vehicle manufacturer’s weightlimits on towball loading.)PRE-TOW CHECKLIST AND HITCH-UPCheck Gas Locker, Battery Locker (if fitted)and Cassette Toilet (if fitted) door/s aresecure.Check wheelnuts, tyre pressures and tyreconditions.Fully raise all four corner steadies. (Fig. A).Pick up any levelling pads or levellingboards.Check rooflights/vents are securely closed.Switch off gas supply and change over toelectricity if required.Lock the caravan exterior door.Fig. A Winding Corner SteadyAn assistant can help in the hitchingoperation by standing on the left hand sideof the drawbar (facing rear of car) andextending an arm horizontally to indicateposition of the coupling. When reversing aimthe towball of the car directly at the caravandrawbar. Remove towball cover and keep incar.Adjust the jockey wheel to ensure the cup ishigh enough to slide over the towball.Release caravan handbrake.Position cup over greased towball, releasesafety catch and lift handle (Fig. B). The hitchhead is fitted with a visual indicator to showwhether or not it is properly connected to thetowball. A green band will show immediatelyFig. B Safety Catch and Handlebelow the red indicator button on the hitchhead when a proper connection has beenmade. (See Fig. D, Page 11)WARNING: Serious damage will occurunless the locking button is depressedfirst and the handle lifted forward beforethe caravan is lowered manually. Thisprevents the noseweight beingtransmitted through the locking button.WARNING: If the green band is showingwhen the hitch head is not connectedto the towball there is a fault - contactyour Dealer.10