Table of Contents
Advertisement
Towing
Your RV braking system is rated for operation at GVWR not GCWR.
Whenever possible, do not travel with waste in the holding tanks. Liquid
or debris in the holding tank(s) may affect the towing characteristics and
may result in property damage or personal injury.
The propane cylinder(s) should be turned off when traveling. Most re-
frigerators will keep food cold or frozen for eight hours without running
while you travel.
Your RV will travel safely and comfortably at highway speed limits. It will take longer than
a passenger automobile to reach that speed. Allow more time to go around vehicles you are
passing. Avoid situations that might require sudden momentum changes as the length of the
tow vehicle/RV combination affects your ability to quickly cut back into traffic. Swerves
and sharp turns, especially at high speeds, could result in loss of control of the tow vehicle/
RV. Slow down in advance of dips, bumps and railroad tracks to reduce the jolting to your
tow vehicle/RV combination. Proceed slowly and let the trailer tires pass over them before
accelerating.
Adverse weather conditions and extremes in terrain may affect the performance and han-
dling of your tow vehicle. Do not operate the tow vehicle cruise control on icy or extremely
wet roads, winding roads, in heavy traffic or in any other traffic situation where a constant
speed cannot be maintained.
When descending a long hill, drop down into a lower gear or range. Avoid conditions that
require excessive and prolonged use of your brakes. Apply and release brakes at short inter-
vals to allow them to cool. The tow vehicle transmission and engine will help in controlling
downhill speed and can lengthen brake life. Use care when accelerating or decelerating on a
slippery surface. Abrupt speed changes can cause skidding and loss of control.
Know the weight and size of your towing combination and observe any posted weight and
clearance limits. The added height of roof air conditioners, TV antennas or floodlights may
cause clearance problems around some tunnels, canopies and hanging signs.
When turning, the tires do not follow the path of your tow vehicle tires. The RV will make
a tighter turn than the tow vehicle. Compensate for this action by carefully pulling the tow
vehicle out into the intersection further than you would normally so that the RV clears the
curb. When making a turn, check the road clearance and be aware of others. Swerves and
sharp turns, especially at high speeds, could result in loss of control of the RV.
If your camping destination does not have pull through sites, pick a level site and back in
carefully. Check to ensure there are no obstacles in your path and that you have plenty of
vehicle clearance.
After the RV is in the desired location, set the tow vehicle parking brake. Block all RV
wheels securely with wheel chocks to prevent it from rolling.
RV Brake System
Even though your RV is equipped with brakes designed for GVWR, proceed with caution
until you become accustomed to your RV's stopping distance.
Driving through water deep enough to wet the brakes may affect stopping distance or cause
the vehicle to pull to one side. Check the RV's brake operation in a safe area to be sure they
Section 4: Vehicle Operation
45
Advertisement
Table of Contents
