Operating instructions

11
The caravan to towing vehicle weight ratio:
This can be determined by calculation and is equal
to:
Actual laden mass of caravan
As a general guide:
Conventional petrol engines with a capacity
up to approximately 1600cc petrol or 1800cc
diesel should be adequate for towing a caravan
weighing around 85% of the kerb weight of the
towing vehicle.
Above 1600cc petrol or 1800cc diesel such
engines should manage a caravan weighing up
to 100% of the kerb weight of the towing vehicle
and still give adequate performance.
The towing vehicle manufacturer’s towing limit is,
in some cases, less than the kerb weight.
Vehicles with automatic transmission may need an
oil cooler tted or the SAE rating of the gearbox
uid increasing when towing. The advice of the
vehicle manufacturer should be sought.
The law requires that caravans, their towing
vehicles and the loads they carry must be in such
a condition that no danger or nuisance is caused.
(Regulation 100 of the Road Vehicles [Construction
and Use] Regulations 1986.)
Towing Vehicles Rear Suspension
It is important that the towing vehicle’s rear
suspension is not deected excessively by the
noseweight on the towball. If it is excessive the
steering and stability will be affected and at night
the headlight beam is likely to dazzle other drivers
which is illegal.
The greater the towing vehicle’s tail overhang (the
distance between the rear axle and the towball) the
greater the effect the noseweight will have on the
towing vehicle’s rear suspension.
After trying out the caravan it may be found that
stiffening of the rear suspension is necessary- but
note that this may give the towing vehicle a rmer
ride when not towing.
There are a number of suspension aids available
and advice should be sought on which to use and
how to t.
It is important to ensure that the caravan is towed
either level or slightly nose down. If it is not, then
the car’s towbar may be at the wrong height.
Always consult your tow vehicle
manufacturer for advice on towing and the
loads that the vehicle is capable of towing.
Recommended Towball Height
The recommended towball height for Bailey
Caravans is 385 +/- 35mm (350mm to 420mm)
Secondary Braking Cable (breakaway device)
Purpose- To apply a trailer’s brakes if it becomes
separated from its towing vehicle. Having done this,
the cable assembly is designed to part, allowing
the trailer to come to a halt away from the towing
vehicle.
Construction- A thin steel cable, coated in red
plastic and tted with a means of attachment for
connection to the towing vehicle.
Operation- In the event of the main coupling of the
trailer separating from the towing vehicle, the cable
should be able to pull tight, without any hindrance,
engaging the trailer’s brakes.
The Breakaway cable should never become
taut during normal use.
Correct Procedure For Use
Regularly check the cable and clip for damage. If
in doubt, contact your trailer or towbar supplier
or your service agent.
Make sure the cable runs as straight as possible
and goes through a cable guide underneath the
trailer coupling.
Determine whether or not the towbar has
a designated attachment point (i.e. a part
specically designated by its manufacturer for a
breakaway cable.)
Kerb Weight of Towing vehicle
100%