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Before Setting off on a Journey

Before setting off on any journey towing a caravan, here are some checks you should carry out every time to make sure you're towing safely and legally.

1. Check car tyre pressures - adjust for towing

2. Check wheel nuts for tightness using torque wrench

3. Turn off LPG cylinder(s) and ensure they are securely strapped upright

4. Empty water tanks, carry any water you need for the journey in a small container

5. Check nose weight of caravan - see our guide for correct caravan loading

6. Secure any loose items in caravan, close windows, roof lights, fridge catch, and all catches

7. Set 12v control panel to ‘car’ or ‘off’ switch fridge to 12v

8. Once you have finished in the caravan, ensure the handbrake is fully on.

Motor Mover Fitted?
8 a) Ensure handbrake on van or attached to tow hitch, retract drive rollers from engagement with tyres
8 b) Switch Off master isolator switch
8 c) Stow Remote Control safely inside caravan

9. Raise the corner steadies and stow winding handle and step. Lock door

10. Hitch up – check hitch mechanism is fully engaged.

Alko Stabiliser Hitch Fitted?
10 a) Check safety indicator button is visible
10 b) Check wear indicator for satisfactory pad wear

11. Wind jockey wheel up, unclamp and raise to highest position. Re-clamp securely. Fit stabiliser bar (if used)

12. Attach breakaway cable, preferably to pigtail or secure part of the towing bracket – DO NOT LOOP OVER TOWBALL

13. Connect 12v cables making sure there is enough slack to turn corners.

Alko ATC Fitted?
13 a) After connecting 12v cable to car, check warning indicator for correct function of unit

14. Check all road lights are working

15. Fully release handbrake

16. Check all mirrors are adjusted properly

17. Walk around the entire unit for a final check – all items secured away? (Towball cover, step, winding handle, step, chocks, etc.)

18. Caravan level or slightly nose down? Car sits level?

19. You are now ready to go. After about 15-20 minutes stop and make sure all cupboards, windows, doors and roof light are still secure.

20. Are the wheels cool _ if not then you may have a binding brake get it checked.

21. Everything still secure in caravan?

22. Everything OK continue with Journey.

Index : Towing and Towcars and Towball Carriers : Before Setting off on a Journey - by Graham Thompson

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