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SECTION 4: VEHICLE OPERATION
TOWING
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 handling 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, make sure your tow vehicle is in tow/
haul mode (if available) or 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 intervals 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 by carefully pulling the tow vehicle out further than you would
normally so that the RV clears curbs and other items. Swerves and
sharp turns, especially at high speeds, could result in loss of control
of the RV.
VEHICLE OPERATION
(See page 32 & page 35)
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.
Once the RV is in the desired location, set the tow vehicle parking
brake. Chock all RV wheels securely 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 have not been
affected. Never operate any vehicle if a difference in braking
efficiency is noticeable.
Electric Brakes
(See page 32)
The electric brakes are designed to work with the tow vehicle
brakes. To maintain proper braking performance, both the RV
and tow vehicle brakes must be used together. Separate use of
the braking systems will cause accelerated wear and damage.
When your RV is new, it is impossible to adjust the brakes precisely.
It takes approximately 1,000 miles and/or 50 medium to heavy stops
to seat the shoes to the brake drum. Once broken in, your brake
shoes must be adjusted for best performance and increased durability.
Braking system components include:
•
Tow vehicle battery
•
Tow vehicle brake controller
•
Wire harness/connector plug
•
Trailer battery
•
Breakaway switch and alarms
The tow vehicle battery is the primary source of power for your RV's
electric brake operation. To ensure available power when needed,
keep your tow vehicle battery and charging system working properly.
4
Page 17
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