Table of Contents
Advertisement
SEASONAL SET-UP (BUNGALOWS ONLY)
If you are setting up in a seasonal campsite, consult your authorized
dealer for guidelines in properly setting up your bungalow travel trailer.
Proper set up will insure your safety along with getting the most
effective use from your RV and its features.
You should also familiarize yourself with all site requirements and
local zoning ordinances that may apply.
When setting up your seasonal campsite make sure:
•
The campsite is properly graded and sloped to prevent water
accumulation under the travel trailer.
•
All load bearing supports and footings meet the local
enforcement agency requirements for size, capacity and
application.
•
Grass and organic material from the area is removed from under
supports or footings.
Frame Support
The bungalow may rest on the tires and hitch jack as needed,
but for long term use where you might want a more stable base,
additional frame supports will be needed to isolate the frame from
the suspension. PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION IS HIGHLY
RECOMMENDED.
The following process can be used when placing the unit on a site that
has been designed for the location of an RV where either a Concrete
Slab, Pier, or Footing has been provided. In areas where these
foundations have not been provided, the ground conditions need to be
adequately evaluated and a determination needs to be made
regarding the load bearing capacity and possible improvements that
may be needed.
1.
Locate the trailer in its final position and chock the tires securely.
2.
Place a level on the floor in the unit running front to rear and use
the hitch jack to bring the unit to a level position.
3.
Turn the level 90 degrees to run from side to side on the unit
floor.
4.
On one side of the RV, using 2
hydraulic jacks with a minimum load
capacity of 5 tons (user provided),
place one jack under the frame,
forward of the front spring hanger and
the other rearward of the rear spring
hanger.
5.
Begin lifting the unit using the hydraulic
jacks alternately lifting no more than 1" on each jack. Place
support piers forward and rearward of these jacks placing
hardwood cribbing to within 1/4" of the I beam for each pier.
We recommend using 8"x8"x16" concrete blocks stacked alternatively
for use as piers. Use hardwood cribbing to fill the gaps between your
piers and the frame.
Page 26
VEHICLE OPERATION
Concrete Block Pier Example
6.
Lower the hydraulic jacks so the I beam rests on the hardwood
cribbing.
7.
Locate the two hydraulic jacks on the opposite side of the unit in
the same relative locations, forward and rearward of the spring
hangers. Begin lifting the unit up alternately using the jacks,
lifting no more than 1/2" at a time on each jack. Bring the unit to a
position that is level as indicated by the level placed on the floor
of the unit.
8.
Raise each jack an additional 1". Place piers and hardwood
cribbing in the same manner with the cribbing brought to 1" from
the I beam. Lower the hydraulic jacks so the I beam rests on the
hardwood cribbing .
9.
Turn the level to its original position running front to rear in the
unit and make any minor adjustments to level with the hitch jack
if needed.
10. Additional Piers should now be located under the I beams at the
front and rear of the unit within 3 feet of the end of the I beams.
The jacks can be used to lift the I beams up a small distance so
that the cribbing can be placed on top of the piers and the jacks
lowered to rest securely on the supports at the front and rear with
the loads transferring into the added piers.
It is not necessary to lift the RV tires off of the ground or remove
them. If the RV tires are removed, additional supports will need to be
installed under each axle.
Tie-downs
All bungalow travel trailers should be securely anchored to the ground
with (6) tie-downs and ground anchors (minimum 3 per side), to resist
the sliding and overturning effects of high winds. Where tie-downs are
required, it will be necessary to adhere to the following instructions.
All bungalow travel trailers are equipped with tie-down attachment
provisions on the main "I"-beams. Any one of the three methods
featured may be used.
In the tie-down system, it is important to use materials of
proper design and adequate quality. The following material
specifications should be considered as minimum requirements.
The following materials, not furnished with the travel trailer but are
necessary to complete the tie-down system, must meet the listed
requirements.
1.
Cable or steel strap with a breaking strength of at least 4,725
lbs., e.g. galvanized aircraft cable at least 1/4" in diameter or
Type 1, Finish B Grade 1 steel strapping, 1 1/4" wide and 0.035"
thick, conform to F.S. QQ-S-781-H.
2.
Galvanized connection devices such as turnbuckles, eye bolts,
strap buckles and cable clamps should be rated at 3,150 lb.
working load minimum.
Advertisement
Table of Contents
