Page 38 - 2017-Swift-Group-Motorhomes-Handbook-web

TOWING ADVICE
MTPLM (4250kg combined) or larger trailers
providing the combination of the trailer and
towing vehicle does not exceed 3500kg and
the MTPLM of the trailer does not exceed the
unladen weight of the towing vehicle.
Drivers who passed their test on or after
the 1st January 1997 will need to take an
additional test(s) to gain the B+E and C1+E
entitlement.
A number of Swift Group motorhomes have
an MTPLM greater than 3500kg, therefore
you must check you have the correct driving
licence entitlement for the vehicle you drive.
Vehicle classifications
Motorhomes up to 3500kg MTPLM are P/LGV
(Private Light Goods Vehicles), motorhomes
with an MTPLM over 3500kg and up to
7500kg are P/HGV (Private Heavy Goods
Vehicles). These are used for vehicle excise
duty (road tax) classifications.
Advice on towing
The towing capability of each motorhome
differs depending on the specific chassis and
engine types, (see ‘Towing Capabilities’ in your
specification handbook).
This takes account of the maximum front and
rear axle loadings as well as the minimum
front axle loading in two conditions, MRO and
MTPLM condition.
Towing in these, and any other condition
requires sensible loading and distribution of
payloads to ensure the requirements of the
towing capability table are met.
When towing, the demands on both the
vehicle and driver increase. A trailer reduces
manoeuvrability, the ability to climb hills,
acceleration and braking capacity and makes
the vehicle handle and corner differently.
It will also increase the fuel consumption of
the vehicle.
Always brake in good time. Special care must
be taken when descending gradients. Change
down before going down a steep hill so the
engine can act as a brake. Ensure that the
towing vehicle tyre pressures are correct and
adjusted for full load conditions and that the
trailer tyre pressures are as recommended by
the trailer manufacturer. Regularly check the PREPARING FOR THE ROAD
operation of trailer brakes and lights.
For maximum stability, when loading the trailer
ensure that the loads are properly secured
during transit. Position loads so that most of
the weight is placed close to the floor and,
where possible, immediately above or close
to the axle(s). Where the load can be divided
between trailer and tow vehicle, loading
more weight into the vehicle will generally
improve the stability of the combination.
After loading the trailer, check that the nose
weight and axle loads are in accordance
with the manufacturer’s recommendations,
also check the rear and front axle loads on
the motorhome. When calculating the laden
weight of the trailer, remember to include the
weight of the trailer PLUS THE LOAD.
Note: Towing regulations vary from country
to country. It is very important to ensure
that national regulations governing towing
weights and speed limits are observed
(refer to the relevant national motoring
organisation for information). The stated
maximum permissible towing weights refer
to the vehicle’s design limitations and NOT
to any specific territorial restrictions.
Notes:
1. Do not exceed the motorhome gross vehicle
train weight.
2. D o not exceed the maximum front & rear
axle loads on the motorhome.
3. E nsure the motorhome front axle load is
never less than 40% or more than 70% of
the total weight.
4. M otorhomes with an MTPLM up to 3500kg
which have European Type approval can
only be fitted with a type approved towbar
complying to 94/20/EC or ECE R55.
5. T he limit for towing an un-braked trailer
is 750kg (based on VIN plate not actual
weight), this applies to a towed car.
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