Vehicle Loading; Carrying Capacity; Loading Tips - Gulf Stream Travel Trailer Owner's Manual

VEHICLE LOADING

CARRYING CAPACITY

During the design and development of our travel trailer and fifth wheels, the number and size of storage
compartments and the liquid tank capacities are maximized for value and convenience. However, be mindful that if all
holding tanks are filled to capacity, and all storage compartments and cupboards are filled to the maximum volume, the
travel trailer or fifth wheel could be overloaded. Refer to the manufacturer's labels posted inside and outside of the
unit for unit weight information (See Fig. 1 & Fig. 2).
The amount and placement of cargo will also affect the amount of water and LP gas that you can carry. Water
weighs 8.3 pounds per gallon and propane weighs 4.2 pounds per gallon. Periodically reweigh your unit. Different
traveling configurations may change your loading and weight pattern.
WARNING! DO NOT EXCEED THE RATED LOAD OF THE RV OR THE RATED LOAD OF ANY AXLE!
EMPTY ALL HOLDING TANKS BEFORE FILLING FRESH WATER TANK OTHERWISE YOU WILL LIMIT
CARGO CAPACITY. CAMPGROUNDS SUPPLY DUMP STATIONS WHICH CAN BE UTILIZED.

LOADING TIPS

After you have determined how much weight you can safely carry and selected those items to make up that weight,
make a list and keep it for future reference. Load the RV and distribute the load so that you get proper weight on the
axles and hitch. Do not load upper cabinets with heavy items. Secure and brace items so they won't move during
travel, thereby shifting the load in the RV. Do not load heavy items near either end of the RV or on the rear bumper.
Adjust cargo storage to keep the side to side wheel loads as equal as possible. Carry only as much water as needed
for travel use or to balance the load. Always empty your waste water and sewage holding tanks before traveling.
WARNING! ONLY FACTORY INSTALLED REAR BUMPER ACCESSORY RECEIVERS (OPTIONAL) ARE
APROVED FOR USE ON THIS PRODUCT. DO NOT INSTALL ANY ADDITIONAL TYPE OF WEIGHT
CARRYING RACK OR FRAME TO THE REAR BUMPER OR ANY CHASSIS OR BODY COMPONENT OF
THE RV. DAMAGE TO THE RV AND UNSTABLE HANDLING CHARACTERISTICS MAY RESULT.
WARNING! TOWING ADDITIONAL TRAILERS BEHIND YOUR FIFTH WHEEL OR TRAVEL TRAILER
(TANDEM TOWING) IS STRICKTLY PROHIBITED. CHECK WITH YOUR STATE OR ANY STATE YOU
PLAN ON TRAVELING THROUGH TO ENSURE STATE LAW IS BEING FOLLOWED. MANY STATES
HAVE SPECIFIC LENGTH RESTRICTIONS THAT MAY BE VIOLATED IF "TANDEM TOWING".
WARNING: EXCEEDING THE GAWR, GVWR, OR GCWR OF YOUR RV/TRUCK COMBINATION CAN
CAUSE UNDESIRABLE HANDLING CHARACTERISTICS AND MAY CREATE A SAFETY HAZARD.
MODIFICATION OF YOUR VEHICLE BY ADDITION OF RACKS NOT SPECIFIED BY THE
MANUFACTURER TO CARRY ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT OR VEHICLES/TRAILERS IS STRICTLY
PROHIBITED, MAY CREATE A SAFETY HAZARD, AND MAY VOID YOUR WARRATY.
Make a loading diagram of your properly loaded RV. It will help you locate where specific items are stored, and will
help speed the loading process. Store emergency items in a readily accessible location. Include tools, first-aid kit, rain
gear, flashlight, highway warning devices, and an electric cord or light.
The difference between the empty weight and the weight of the RV in traveling configuration is your usable load. If
the loaded weight of your RV exceeds the GVWR or the weight on any axle exceeds that axle's GAWR, the RV is
overloaded and you'll have to remove items to bring the weight down to or below the GVWR and GAWR.
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