Jayco SENECA 2010 Owner's Manual page 40

SECTION 4
TOWING & HANDLING
extended position, it is recommended the
system be fully retracted once per month.
B & S
RAKING TOPPING
Your RV braking system is rated for
operation at GVWR not GCWR.
Whenever possible, do not travel with
waste in the holding tanks. Liquid or debris
in the holding tank(s) may affect the towing
characteristics and may result in property
damage or personal injury.
You will find that your RV will travel safely and
comfortably at most posted trailer highway
speed limits. However, it will take longer than
a passenger automobile to reach that speed.
Keep this in mind when overtaking and
passing another vehicle. Allow more time to
go around the vehicle you are passing. You
cannot cut back into the traffic lane as quickly
due to the longer length of your RV. Drive
with caution to avoid situations that might
require quick momentum changes.
Even though your RV is equipped with brakes
designed for GVWR, we suggest practicing
stopping away from traffic until you become
accustomed to your RV's stopping distance. A
good way to practice is at a large parking lot
(where it is permissible). Easing to a stop and
starting smoothly saves wear and tear on
your RV.
Drive defensively, try to anticipate problems
that may occur and prepare for them (even if
they may never happen). Be aware of road
surface conditions.
advance of dips and bumps to reduce the
jolting to your RV. Drive over them slowly and
let the tires pass
accelerating. Cross railroad tracks slowly
(always release your brakes before crossing).
When descending a long hill, drop down into
a lower gear (or lower range if you have
automatic transmission). Avoid conditions that
36
Slow down well in
over them before
require excessive and prolonged use of your
brakes. Apply and release brakes at short
intervals to give them a chance to cool. The
vehicle transmission and engine will help in
controlling downhill speed and can lengthen
brake life. The distance required to stop the
RV is greater than an automobile's. Use care
when accelerating or decelerating on a
slippery surface. Abrupt speed changes can
cause skidding and loss of control.
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.
Here are some tips to keep in mind when
parking in unfamiliar surroundings:
Have a pre-determined plan of action...
Develop response plans for all situations.
Dry-run typical situations as a way of making
your responses to each simulation second
nature. A cellular
investment to protect yourself, especially
when traveling alone.
Be alert to all situations... Assess your
surroundings to help anticipate possible
problems and responses.
unfamiliar knocks on the door, do not open it
until you are certain the request is legitimate
and represents no possible harm to you or
your RV.
Trust your intuition... This is a natural tool
at your disposal. If something does not
seem to be right, you may want to evacuate
the vicinity immediately or call 911.
Remember, nothing
effective... Do not rely on your dog or an
alarm system, etc. Always remain wary.
Developing these habits may help prevent
loss to you or your property as you travel
and enjoy your RV.
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