Swift Owner's Handbook - Swift Group

Maintenancecleaning materials at all and ensure watertemperatures do not exceed 70°C, (puttingcold water in first is suggested). After everyuse it is essential that you rinse with cleanwater only and wipe with a soft damp cloth.Failure to follow these simple instructionsmay result in premature failure or crackingwhich will not be covered by any guarantees(including extended warranties).FurnitureA simple wipe over with a damp cloth shouldbe all that is required. Polishing with aproprietary brand of wax polish enhancesand maintains furniture in showroomcondition.It must be remembered that because theframes of the doors are made of ash, whichis a natural product, they can be affected bytemperature and humidity and may bowunder certain conditions. As conditionschange they should revert to their originalpositions.WINTERISATION/STORAGEThis is probably an opportune moment toarrange for the caravan to have its annualservice at your appointed dealer.The following applies wherever your caravanis stored particularly during the wintermonths.Do not park near trees or larch type fences,due to possible wind damage.Keep any grass around the floor of thecaravan short, to maintain air flow and stopany possible damp getting into the caravan.It is advised that the caravan is ventilatedregularly throughout the winterisation/storage period, opening windows, doorsand rooflights when possible.GeneralAll moving parts should be checked for freeoperation.Clean all cooking appliances and refrigerator.Lubrication should be carried out at thepoints illustrated in the general notes onchassis maintenance (page 98).Charge up the on-board battery every 2months.Check alarm battery condition every 2months and charge if necessary.Leave the refrigerator door open.Leave furniture doors and lockers open toallow air to circulate fully.Soft FurnishingsClean and dust the upholstery and ifpossible remove before placing the caravaninto winter storage. Alternatively, stand thecushions on their edges to allow circulationof air. This will reduce the possibility ofdampness from condensation.Keep curtains or blinds closed, to minimisefading of furniture.If the blinds and/or flyscreens remain downfor a prolonged period of time, re-tensioningof the springs will be necessary before re-use.Wheels and TyresDo not store in one position with partiallydeflated tyres. The tyre walls will suffer anddo present a real danger of blow outs,especially when travelling at faster speedsthan are allowed in the UK.The wheels should be turned every couple ofweeks or even better, the wheels removedand the caravan placed on “winter wheels”or axle stands.If you are removing the wheels, follow thejacking procedure for changing a wheel.Water SystemThe water heater MUST be drained toprevent frost damage. The drain plug, whichis on the outside of the flue cowl, should beunscrewed to permit draining and removeduntil the system is to be refilled (see page45).To allow the system and the tank to draineffectively, open ALL hot and cold taps whilethe heater is still warm (see ‘TAPS’ inServices Section).93