Swift Owner's Handbook - Swift Group

The Towing CodeMEASUREMENT OF NOSEWEIGHTNoseweight may be measured using apropriety brand of noseweight indicator.Such equipment is obtainable at yourCaravan Dealer.Note: These indicators have a varyingtolerance level.Another simple method is to use bathroomscales under the coupling head with a pieceof wood, fitted between the coupling headand the scales, of such length that thecaravan floor is horizontal with the jockeywheel raised clear of the ground. (Fig. A)Noseweight can be adjusted simply bydistribution of weights in the caravan. Always4Fig. A Measuring Noseweightlower jockey wheel before entering thecaravan and then raise before measuringagain. (See Loading).Note: The height of the towball on thetowing vehicle, when laden, is also critical.TYPE OF DRIVING LICENCEHELDIn order to be able to tow a caravan a drivermust hold a Category B licence. Those cardrivers who passed their tests prior to 1January 1997 would have automaticallyobtained Category B+E. However, anyonewho passed their test after 1 january 1997will need to take a further test in order toobtain a Category B+E if they wish to tow acar and caravan combination whose trainweight exceeds 3,500kg, or up to 4,250 ifthe caravan is less than 750kg or if thecaravan’s Maximum Technically PermissibleLaden Mass exceeds the unladen weight ofthe car.Note: The unladen weight of a car isnormally less than the kerbside weight.GLOSSARY & CHECKLISTAwnings - Can consist of just a simple topsheet but may extend to a five sided frametent attached to the side of the caravan.Fire blanket - approved to BS 6575 is idealfor dealing with ‘fat pan’ fires.Fire extinguisher - It is stronglyrecommended that a fire extinguisher iscarried in the caravan. (For suitable typessee Safety and Security).Gas bottles - Bottled L.P. gas is the mostconvenient portable source of fuel. Twobottles are required for a constant supply. Aninitial deposit is payable on each cylinder.We recommend the use of 6kg Propane or7kg Butane bottles. One position for use andone for storage only. (For detailedinformation see Services - Gas).Jack - A suitable jack is essential (screw,scissor, side mounted or air jack type). Manycar jacks are unsuitable.Levellers - Levellers help level the caravanfrom side to side before unhitching.Proprietary products can be purchased fromyour caravan dealer and need to bepositioned as indicated by a spirit level.Spare Wheel - It is always advisable to carrya spare wheel for your caravan.Spirit Level -A spirit level is extremely usefulwhen siting the caravan.Stabiliser -Stabilisers help to dampen theside to side movement of the caravan. Oneend fits to the car’s towing bracket and theother end to the caravan. (See Stability)