Table of Contents
Advertisement
TRAVEL TRAILER HITCH (CUSTOMER SUPPLIED)
(See page 16)
Hitch selection affects the towing and handling characteristics of your
RV. There are many kinds of hitches available and assuring that you
have the correct hitch installed is critical to safe towing.
Ask your dealer about the proper class and type of hitch you need for
your individual tow vehicle/RV combination. A travel trailer requires a
frame mounted hitch.
The hitch class rating is based on the capacity that hitch has for
towing and a weight classification. The weight classification is
determined from the hitch's weight carrying capacity (the tongue
weight on a travel trailer). Before selecting a hitch, you must know
your GVWR and tongue weight. The rating of the hitch package
purchased should be equal to or greater than the RV's GVWR
and the hitch weight.
Equipment that sometimes gives autos, trucks and sport utility
vehicles a softer ride can accentuate swaying when pulling an
RV. Suspension that is too stiff will increase vibration, bounce and
accelerate wear of your tow vehicle and RV combination.
Your RV manufacturer cannot be responsible for the suspension
system of any tow vehicle. There are a variety of tow vehicle
suspension systems available that will affect the ball height,
stability and levelness of a hooked up RV. Make sure your dealer
is aware of the tow vehicle you are using so a compatible hookup is
achieved.
Travel trailer hitch weight
Maintain the proper tongue weight of the trailer. Stay within the target
range of 10%-15% of the overall gross weight (travel trailer weight
plus contents).
Travel trailer hitch height and hitch ball
To determine the hitch height for your model, make sure that the
trailer is level. When the loaded RV is hitched to the tow vehicle,
check the hitch ball height. This can be determined by
measuring the distance from the center of the hitch
ball to the ground. Record this number in the box for
future reference.
Adjust the hitch assembly so that the tow vehicle and the trailer are
essentially level. A high hitch will transfer weight behind the axles and
cause the vehicle to fishtail. A low hitch will transfer additional weight
to the hitch. Refer to the hitch manufacturer instructions to adjust the
weight-distributing hitch to the proper height.
If you have additional questions, consult with your dealer. Make
certain your dealer is aware of the tow vehicle you are using so
a compatible hookup is achieved. Depending on the model, your
required travel trailer hitch ball diameter is either 2" or 2-5/16" (consult
your dealer for assistance).
Travel Trailer Hitching Procedure
The following procedure will help to assist you in
securely hooking up your RV to your tow vehicle.
1.
Chock the trailer wheels.
PRE TRAVEL INFORMATION
2.
Turn the tongue jack crank (or press EXTEND/UP on electric
jacks) to raise the travel trailer tongue above the hitch ball.
3.
Open the coupler latch on the travel trailer hitch.
4.
Back the tow vehicle into the proper position.
5.
Turn the tongue jack crank (or press RETRACT/DOWN on
electric jacks) to lower the coupler onto the hitch ball.
6.
Close the coupler latch after it is completely seated.
7.
Install the (customer supplied) weight distributing bars
(equalizers) as directed by the OEM (if equipped).
8.
Remove any dolly wheel or platform and retract the tongue jack
to its maximum height off of the ground.
9.
Attach the breakaway switch cable to the tow vehicle.
10. Attach the safety chains (See "Travel Trailer Safety Chains" on
page 14).
11. Plug in your wire harness/connector plug from the tow vehicle to
the travel trailer.
12. Walk around the RV to verify exterior lights are working correctly.
13. Remove the trailer wheel chocks.
If using a brake actuator, refer to the manufacturer's owner's manual
for detailed and important hitching and safety information.
Travel Trailer Weight Distributing System (customer supplied)
This system provides a more stable tow vehicle/RV combination.
It will distribute the weight evenly to the tow vehicle front and rear
axles and the trailer axle. Consult with your dealer for information
on requirements and operation of this system. Be certain your tow
vehicle can carry the hitch weight.
Travel Trailer Sway Control (customer supplied)
Sway control devices are available to reduce the sway produced by
crosswinds, air displacement caused by other vehicles passing you
Hitch
in transit, incorrect weight distribution, excessive speed, the RV tires
height is:
dropping onto the shoulder of the road, etc. Have a sway control
device installed to help control side-to-side movement and keep sway
in check. Consult your dealer for additional information.
Suggestions for sway situations:
•
Slowly ease your foot off
the accelerator.
•
Turn the steering wheel
as little as possible.
Natural lag time reaction
when counter-steering
to correct sway could
possibly make it worse.
•
As soon as possible, stop to determine the cause of the sway.
Check all equipment and load distribution. If the problem
cannot be solved immediately, contact your dealer for a service
appointment. Reduce your speed until the issue is resolved.
Sway Control/ Weight Distribution Hitch Example
Page 13
3
Advertisement
Table of Contents
