Towing Guide - Flipbook - Page 12
THE LOADING PROCESS
Follow these simple steps before each trip:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Ensure that the handbrake of your
caravan is fully engaged, the
wheels are chocked, and the corner
steadies are down.
Weigh items before loading to
ensure that you remain within your
payload allowance.
Load location:
• Heavy items (e.g. your awning) on
the floor directly over the axle/s.
• Medium weight items, e.g.
external furniture, barbecue, water
carrier should be placed on the
floor, close to the axle.
• Only light items should be stored
in the overhead lockers.
Remember:
• Fixed beds - if your caravan has
a rear fixed bed, do not fill the base
with heavy items.
• Fluids - empty water tanks or
containers and the toilet cassette
before moving off.
Ensure that all items are secured to
prevent them moving about in
transit.
When all items are loaded safely,
raise the corner steadies, remove
any chocks from the wheels and
check the noseweight. Use a
proprietary noseweight gauge,
follow the maker’s instruction and
ensure that the measurement is
made at the tow hitch connection
point.
12 NCC Caravan Towing Guide
7. If the noseweight is not correct,
then adjust the position of the items
within the caravan until you achieve
the correct value. (You might need
to take some items out.) Avoid
moving heavy items to the front or
rear of the caravan to achieve this.
Concentrate the load above the
axle/s.
Note: Carry a small container of water
in the fridge for en-route drinks rather
than a part full on-board tank.
Finally, be mindful that the weight
is distributed evenly in the caravan
to ensure that each wheel carries
approximately the same load.
You are now ready to connect to the
car.
