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WEIGHING YOUR TOW VEHICLE AND RV
When the RV is fully loaded it should be weighed. The actual weight
of the RV, all options, liquids, the hitch weight, and your personal
cargo is important for you to know so you do not exceed the GVWR.
Two important factors when loading your RV are total weight and
balance.
It is imperative that you verify compliance within all applicable weight
ratings. Overloading your RV will void the Towable Limited Warranty
and the warranties of many component part manufacturers.
Periodically weigh your RV at a public scale to determine proper
load distribution. To obtain the side-to-side weights, there needs to
be enough space on either side of the scale to accommodate the RV
being partially off the scale. Keep in mind that individual scales
will operate differently.
To weigh your tow vehicle and RV
(See page 16)
Your RV must be weighed loaded as you would drive with it with food,
clothing, fuel, water (if dry camping), propane, supplies, etc.
1.
Weigh the RV, including the tongue weight, while detached from
the tow vehicle. This actual overall weight must be less than or
equal to the GVWR for safe operation. If the overall weight is
greater than the GVWR, some contents must be removed until
the actual overall weight is less than or equal to GVWR.
2.
Hitch the RV to your tow vehicle. Weigh the RV and the tow
vehicle to determine the GCW. Make sure that this rating is less
than or equal to the GCWR as specified by the manufacturer of
your tow vehicle. If this overall weight is greater than the GCWR,
some contents must be removed to bring the combination into
compliance with the listed ratings.
3.
Weigh the RV while attached to but excluding the tow vehicle.
This will result in the actual weight that is exerted on all of the RV
tires. This weight may be subtracted from the overall RV GVWR
to determine the actual "tongue" weight.
4.
With the RV still attached to the tow vehicle, weigh each wheel
position separately to ensure each tire is not overloaded.
To determine the wheel position weight
1.
Pull the RV onto the scale so only one side's tire(s) is on the
scale. Record the weight. Your RV must remain as level as
possible (even though one side is not physically on the scale).
2.
To calculate the opposite side RV wheel position weight, subtract
the first side's weight from the weight determined in step #3.
If there is a difference in the weights on one side of the RV as
compared to weights on the other side, rearrange cargo to try to
equalize the load and not overburden the suspension on one side.
Once actual weights are obtained, compare them to the Weight
Information Label weight ratings to ensure you are below the posted
minimum ratings.
See "WEIGHT TERMS" on page 11 and "LOADING YOUR RV" on
page 12 for important weight information.
PRE TRAVEL INFORMATION
WIRE HARNESS/CONNECTOR PLUG
A 7-way wire harness/connector plug is wired into your trailer to
connect electrical power from the tow vehicle for travel. This supplies
power to the RV brakes, taillights, clearance lights, turn signals, brake
lights, etc. Wiring to operate your brakes must be the same size in
both the tow vehicle and RV (the RV brake wiring is 12-gauge wire).
The connector plug may build up corrosion with extended use. It
should be cleaned periodically to insure good electrical contact. Make
sure the connector plug is kept clean and protected from road
elements as you travel.
A 12V circuit tester is recommended to verify the trailer connections.
(Black) Auxiliary +12V
Battery Charge Line
(Brown/Orange)
Stop & Right Turn
(Blue) Trailer
Brakes
(Yellow) Back Up Lights
7-Way Trailer Plug (Cord End)
3
(Green) Running
Lights
(Red) Stop &
Left Turn
(White) Ground
Page 15
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