Operation Manual

Before the journey

36 Caravan - 14-09 - EN

 Please refer to the vehicle documents and the description of the tow coupling

for the maximum permissible nose weight.

 If different values are specified in the vehicle documents and in the description

of the tow coupling: Select the lowest value. This value is the maximum pos-

sible nose weight for the towing vehicle and caravan.

 Check the nose weight before each journey, e.g. with a nose weighing scales. To

obtain a correct value, position the nose weighing scales vertical under the cou-

pling jaw and place the caravan drawbar horizontal.

 The payload in the caravan must be distributed in such a way that the measured

nose weight comes as close as possible to the maximum permissible nose

weight. The maximum permissible nose weight is not be exceeded.

Axle load The axle load (Fig. 4,3) is also specified in the vehicle documents of the towing

vehicle and provides information concerning the permissible maximum load for

the front and rear axles. The axle load may not be exceeded by a trailer. The above

illustration shows where which forces act on the car and caravan.

4.6.5 Roof loads

X Only climb onto the roof via the ladder at the rear.

X Only step on the ladder if the rear corner steadies have been extended or if

the caravan is connected to the towing vehicle or if the caravan is supported

at the rear to prevent it from tilting. Otherwise the caravan can tip over to the

back. Danger of falling!

X Take care when stepping onto the ladder. There is danger of slipping if the

ladder is wet or icy.

X Take care when stepping onto the roof. There is danger of slipping when the

roof is wet or icy.

X Do not place too much load on the roof. The road behavior and the stopping

behavior deteriorate as the roof load increases.

X Roofs with glass-fibre reinforced plastic (GRP) surfaces have expansion joints

approx. 150 mm wide in the longitudinal direction on both sides of the roof

in order to prevent excessive expansion of the roof during extreme sunshine.

The GRP covering layer is not bonded in this area. During normal tempera-

tures a slight curvature which expands when heated up is visible. Do not step

onto this area or mount subsequent attachments or accessories.

Z The vehicle roof is not suitable for localised load. Before stepping on to the

roof, extensively cover the area you will be treading on. Materials with a

smooth or soft surface are suitable, for example, a thick polystyrene panel.

Z The maximum permissible roof load amounts to 100 kg.

Z If the vehicle is equipped with a roof rail, load racks can be mounted on the roof

rail for roof loads (e.g. for surfboards, rubber boats or light canoes). Special

girder systems are available as accessories of third-party manufacturers.

Z Secure roof loads with tension belts. Do not use rubber expanders.

Z Observe the overall height of the vehicle when the roof rack is loaded.

Z A clearly visible notice stating the overall height should be attached to the

towing vehicle. This eliminates the need for calculations at bridges and thor-

oughfares.