Loading Cargo - Jayco 2004 Talon ZX Owner's Manual

Loading Cargo

Packing cargo and camping gear in your sport utility trailer requires serious consideration. Placing
items low and over the axle is a basic rule of thumb, however too many light items placed together
may outweigh one large item. Review a complete list of items that will be put into the trailer, and
determine their placement based on the overall load. All items must be secured to prevent weight
shifts while traveling. Heavier items should always be packed over or in front of the axles. Your
Jayco sport utility trailer has heavy duty d-rings mounted in the cargo area for securing the load.
During the loading process, take time to determine the tongue weight of the trailer. The tongue
weight should remain in the range of 10% to 15% of the Gross Vehicle Weight. These numbers must
be accurately determined when the load is complete, however estimating during the loading process
may prevent the need to reposition the load after the final weighing of the trailer.
Complete the loading process by placing smaller items as needed to balance out the load. Make sure
your load remains balanced from side to side and front to back as the loading is completed.
When all items have been loaded into the trailer, weigh it to determine that you have remained
within the maximum capacities for the trailer and tow vehicle. Refer to the weighing instructions in
this manual. If you are over loaded, you must remove or redistribute some of your cargo or
liquids.You may also want to take a "shake down cruise" before hitting the road to verify that all
items are secure and the trailer tows as it should.
The following warning label is attached to your trailer to remind you of proper loading:
PROPER ATTENTION MUST BE TAKEN TO ASSURE TOWING AND TRAVELING
SAFETY. CONSULT YOUR OWNER'S MANUAL FOR SPECIFIC LOAD
DISTRIBUTION, WEIGHING INSTRUCTIONS AND TOWING GUIDELINES.
(1) LOAD THE CARGO BAY FROM FRONT TO BACK KEEPING HEAVIER
VEHICLES / ITEMS TO THE FRONT OF THE CARGO BAY AREA.
(2) LOAD ALL VEHICLES / EQUIPMENT EVENLY FROM SIDE TO SIDE IN
THE CARGO BAY.
(3)
SECURE ALL VEHICLES / ITEMS TO PREVENT LOAD SHIFTS DURING
TRANSIT.
(4)
AFTER LOADING WEIGH THE TRAILER AT THE HITCH, EACH AXLE,
AND EACH WHEEL. OBSERVE ALL TRAILER GROSS, AXLE, AND TIRE
RATINGS.
(5) IF THE WEIGHT OF THE LOADED TRAILER EXCEEDS ANY OF THE
RATINGS AS LISTED ON THE CERTIFICATIONS LABEL LOCATED ON
THE FRONT LOWER LEFT OUTSIDE WALL THEN REMOVE OR RE-
DISTRIBUTE THE CARGO LOAD UNTIL THE WEIGHT(S) ARE LESS
THAN THE MAXIMUM RATINGS.
FAILURE TO COMPLY COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT OR LOSS OF
CONTROL RESULTING IN DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY.
18
I
WARNING
Fig. 3-4
Talon Owner's Manual