Operation Manual

3
9C
aravan - 09-08 - DET-0030-08EN
During the journey
5
5During the journey
Chapter overview
This chapter contains instructions on how to drive the caravan.
The instructions address the following topics:
driving speed
brakes
driving in reverse
5.1 Driving with the caravan
The main differences between driving with a caravan and driving without a car-
avan are the increased vehicle width and length, a decreased acceleration and
an increased vehicle stopping distance. Therefore, adapt your driving tech-
nique to the altered road behaviour resulting from driving with a caravan.
5.2 Brakes
Before each journey Before each journey, check by means of a braking test:
Does the overrun brake function?
Do the brakes react evenly?
Do the towing vehicle and the caravan remain in the lane when braking?
5.3 Driving in reverse
As far as all models with an automatic reverse driving mechanism are con-
cerned, the caravan can be reversed without difficulty. In addition to the rolling
resistance, residual braking power must be taken into account.
During the journey, no persons are to travel inside the caravan.
The caravan constructions were designed for a maximum permissible
speed of 100 km/h (60 mph). Therefore never drive faster than 100 km/
h (60 mph).
Please always observe the speed limits in the individual countries (see
chapter 17).
Have defects on the braking system immediately remedied by an author-
ised specialist workshop.
When driving in reverse, the caravan reacts in exactly the opposite direc-
tion to the steering movements of the towing vehicle. If you steer the towing
vehicle to the left, the caravan moves to the right.
Never back up without a second person to direct you.