Sway Control; Safety Chains; Hitch Locking Devices; Safety Breakaway Switch - Gulf Stream Travel Trailer Owner's Manual

Travel trailer and fifth wheel

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SWAY CONTROL

Except for the very light folding tent campers, most trailers should employ some type of sway control device. There

are several types of these devices available, operating on different principles such as friction, cam action, and

computer operated braking of the trailer wheels. Each has its advantages. They will all decrease or eliminate the

sway affects induced by passing trucks, strong winds, and down-hill grades. They will make your towing safer when

driving under adverse conditions.

Please consult your tow vehicle's owner's manual for requirements on using sway control devices.

If you encounter a situation where the trailer is swaying, accelerate slightly then gradually slow down, do not "hit" the

brakes. If your trailer still sways, slowly pull off the road and check your weight distribution hitch, then your tow vehicle

and trailer tire pressures.

There are different safety chain requirements in the various states. As delivered by your dealer, your trailer is

equipped to meet the state requirements where purchased. Heavier and/or additional chains with case-hardened,

quick-connect links may be desired. Always have the safety chains attached when towing. Install them in a manner

so they do not restrict sharp turns of the tow vehicle, but tight enough so they do not drag on the ground.

Make sure that locking devices and/or safety pins are in place before beginning your travels. Your failure to secure

the hitch may be costly. If your hitch utilizes a pin for securing the safety latch, carry a spare.

A stand-alone battery or the auxiliary 12 volt battery powers safety breakaway switches for the RV. If the trailer

becomes detached while towing, the pin is pulled out and current is applied to the trailer brakes automatically.

Occasionally pull the pin out and check the braking action. Make sure your battery is kept well charged for this

emergency braking circuit.

The hitch ball should be installed as close to the tow vehicle bumper as possible, without limiting the turning radius of

the combination of vehicles. Locating the hitch ball too far to the rear puts a greater strain on the equalizer spring bars

and decreases stability when encountering side winds or gusts from large trucks.

EQUALIZING HITCH LOAD COMPARISON

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