Use the jockey wheel to raise the drawbar and unhitch the coupling from
the tow ball. When lifting the drawbar, exercise particular caution due to the
weight of the load.
After unhitching the caravan, place a cover over the tow ball to prevent
grease from getting on the ball.
5. OPERATION, SERVICE, CHASSIS MAINTENANCE
5.1. GENERAL INFORMATION
It is necessary to regularly check the screw connections, particularly
the tightness of the suspension system and drawbar assembly, as well as
the overrun device and wheels.
5.2. BALL COUPLING
Depending on their type, caravans made by Niewiadów sp. z o.o. can be
equipped with ball couplings manufactured by KNOTT or AL-KO. To correctly
hitch the coupling, it is necessary to:
1. Unlock the coupling lever by pressing on the projection (or pulling the lever
upwards, which applies to certain types of KNOTT couplings);
2. Rotate the coupling lever towards the front;
3. Place the coupling on the tow ball and press lightly; the coupling will lock
and secure automatically;
KNOTT and some types of AL-KO couplings are equipped with indicators
of the hitching status. When properly fastened, the indicator will show a green field
(KNOTT) or a green field will appear above the spherical part of the coupling body
(AL-KO).
If the ball coupling is properly hitched, there should be no detectable play
between the coupling and the tow ball. Detectable play indicates that the tow ball
or ball coupling is worn, and the vehicle should not be driven.
If a caravan with KNOTT or AL-KO ball coupling is not typically equipped
with a lock to prevent unauthorised unhitching, it is possible to purchase such a
lock as a piece of additional equipment.
5.3. SUSPENSION
All caravans manufactured by NIEWIADÓW Sp. z o.o are fitted with axles
with rubber spring elements. The suspension system does not require
maintenance, but should be subjected to technical inspections in accordance with
rules provided in item 8.
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5.4. WHEELS
In order to ensure proper and safe driving, all caravan wheels must have
the same pressure.
The optimum tyre pressure for caravans loaded to their maximum permissible
total weight should fall in the range of 0.19
0.01 MPa.
In order to ensure a long service life of tyres, it is necessary to:
-maintain the required tyre pressure,
-avoid driving over kerbs,
-when storing the caravan for long periods of time, support it to
prevent the wheels from touching the ground,
-avoid prolonged static loading.
Use a 19 mm socket wrench to screw on the wheels.
5.5. BRAKING SYSTEM
Caravans manufactured by NIEWIADÓW sp. z o.o. are fitted with an
overrun braking system, which consists of:
–
overrun device
–
transmission,
–
wheel braking mechanisms.
During vehicle braking, the inertia of the caravan exerts pressure on the
overrun device, which actuates the braking mechanisms in the caravan wheels via
transmission cables. The design of the braking mechanisms allows reversing
without additional maintenance. When switching from reversing to driving forward,
the braking system is automatically ready to brake.
The caravan has a parking brake system that is activated by a hand lever
located at the overrun device and allows to stop the caravan on slopes up to 16%.
The parking brake is only effective when the ratchet lever is on the last tooth.
Insufficient engagement of the lever causes the caravan to brake forwards
without providing adequate braking in the rearward direction.
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