Hitches - Jayco COVE 2002 Owner's Manual

trailer. Do not exceed the towing or cargo capacity of your tow vehicle and do not exceed the GVWR
of the trailer. You should clearly understand how your particular tow vehicle capacities are
calculated. Make sure your tow vehicle is mechanically sound for your intended usage and pay
particular attention to suspension components, tires, and tire pressure. Sway control devices and
weight distributing hitches must be used with all Jayco towable products, with the guidance of a
trained hitch installer. Towing a trailer is not the same as driving a passenger car or a single vehicle.
Many states have lower speed limit requirements for tow vehicle/trailer combinations. Obey all
traffic laws and use your seat belts at all times. Do not exceed 55 M.P.H. when towing a trailer.
Consult an expert for specific driver education when towing a trailer. Park trailer driving schools
and some park trailer clubs may offer helpful driving seminars as part of their club activities.
Begin your transportation experiences by using a tow vehicle that will adequately transport your
park trailer to and from your destinations. You must use the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
factor as a measuring tool to match the capability of your selected tow vehicle. Ford,
Chrysler-Daimler and Chevrolet provide trailer towing guides for their products, as do most auto
and truck manufacturers. Ask your local automotive dealer for a copy or contact the factory's
customer assistance for information. Most tow vehicles have towing packages available as an option
and these must be given serious consideration. The condition of the suspension system in your tow
vehicle is also important and will affect your trailer's handling. Become familiar with and
understand how to properly distribute loads in your trailer and tow vehicle and never overload either
unit. Make sure your tow vehicle is in good mechanical condition and maintenance is up to date.
When you tow a trailer, you must drive differently than you do when driving a single vehicle.
Practice hooking up, driving, backing up and braking in a safe environment (with vehicles fully
loaded as if for normal travel if possible) or seek out professional instruction. Obey all posted speed
limits.
I
WARNING: Be prepared to drive slower and if you must pass, do so with the utmost
care, particularly in strong winds. When being passed by or when passing semitrailers
or large buses, be prepared for displaced air, as it can be severe enough to cause trailer
sway. Understand how trailer brakes, tow vehicle brakes, acceleration can affect your
control of the trailer when you experience trailer sway as well as proper hitches and
sway controls.
There are many excellent publications about traveling with a trailer. We strongly recommend you
make use of available resources at your local library, the Internet or bookstore.

Hitches

After choosing your tow vehicle, it is very important to install a hitch system with weight
distributing bars to accommodate your park trailer. This selection and installation must be
performed by a professional hitch service which may or may not be your selling dealer. Sway
control(s) may be needed based on size and weight of park trailer, as well as your tow vehicle.
A Class IV weight distribution hitch package is suggested. The rating of the hitch package must be
equal to or greater than the trailer's GVWR and the hitch weight. The very equipment that sometimes
gives autos, trucks and sport utility vehicles a softer ride can accentuate swaying when pulling a park
trailer. Conversely, suspension that is too stiff will increase vibration, bounce and accelerate wear of
Transporting Your Park Trailer 103