Maintenance and operating instructions ZAF-2
Basic principles
Never overload axles, brakes or chassis!
Therefore:
• No illegal overloading of the vehicles in excess of the permissible total weight.
• No over stressing of the hitch or suspension system due to reckless or aggressive
driving or mishandling. Avoid subjecting the axles to any impacts or jolting. Adapt
your driving speed at all times to the road conditions and the load condition of the
trailer. This applies particularly when negotiating bends.
• No one sided loading as due to this the caravan or trailer will lean to one side. This is
particulary so in the case of caravans, the load should be stowed over the axle and as
low as possible to optimize road holding and achieve the best possible braking effect.
• Ensure that wheels and tyres are not overloaded so much that wheels are out of
alignment or tyres are unbalanced.
Only use the jacking points provided by the vehicle manufacturer.
Important: Make sure the jack is secure (danger of tipping over or crushing).
Operating instructions which should also be adhered
to by the driver
- Prior to each run -
Inspections
• Tyre pressure / Tyre condition
• Wheel fastening
• Functioning of lighting and braking systems
• Raise and secure drawbar jockey wheel. The jockey wheel should be parallel to the
direction of travel at all times.
• Inspect the hitch. The ball joint must fully enclose the ball head and be locked.
Check screwed joint on firm seating.
• Secure the breakaway cable to the towing vehicle.
• Release parking brake.
• In the case of a height adjustable towing facility, check the joint connection for a tight fit.
- In the case of a new vehicle -
After the first run under load conditions
• Check wheel bolts for firm seating using a torque wrench. See page 12.
The same applies after each wheel change.
• Recommendation: Check the brake system after approx. 500 km and readjust, if necessary.
We wish you a safe journey!
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Handling (Operation)
Uncoupling and coupling
Note: The handle of the ball hitch and the handbrake lever must not be used as a
manoeuvring aid. There is a risk of damage to the internal components!
The trailer hitch (ball head hitch) on your BPW chassis is design tested. The maximum
support load at the coupling point must not be exceeded. When coupling lower the
jockey wheel to the ground. Reverse the car up to the trailer or, in the case of a small
trailer, manoeuvre the trailer up to the car's trailer coupling.
"Berndes" Coupling head
Coupling:
Open coupling jaw by pulling lever H
vigorously upwards in the direction of the
arrow until lever locks open. Lower the
opened hitch onto the ball head vehicle
coupling and the lever will automatically
release. Closing and locking are carried out
automatically. Heed the "+" (Fig.) position!
Connect the breakaway cable and electrical
plug to the towing vehicle. Raise the jockey
wheel up fully and secure by firmly clamping
it. Release parking brake before setting off.
Visual check: the ball head should no
longer be visible in coupled condition.
Raising not necessary for
versions: EM...R or EM...V
Uncoupling:
Lower the jockey wheel down.
Disconnect breakaway cable and electrical
plug. Pull lever H vigorously upwards in the
direction of the arrow and hold. Wind down
jockey wheel and lift the trailer off the ball
head of the towing vehicle.
Secure the trailer by means of a wheel
chock and/or by applying the parking
brake.
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