Towing; Traveling; Weights And Cargo Capacity - Jayco Eagle Owner's Manual

Towing

While towing your Jayco folding camping trailer you need to be aware of the extra weight
behind your vehicle. The following lists some pointers to remember while traveling.
• With the trailer attached you will have slower acceleration and need more distance to
stop.
• Ensure you have enough area at corners when turning, as wider turns are necessary.
Utilize your turn signals for your own safety.
• When passing or changing lanes, take into consideration the overall length of your RV
and allow ample distance and time.
• Use your rearview mirrors frequently to observe your trailer and traffic conditions.
• When being passed by a large truck or bus, be prepared for displaced air as it may cause
you to sway slightly.
• Upon climbing steep, long grades and again descending, use lower gears even before it
seems necessary. Use your brakes smoothly and evenly.
• Decrease your speed for safety! Most states require cars pulling trailers to maintain slower
speeds, usually the same as truck traffic.
• Drive slowly during wet and icy conditions to ensure better control of your vehicle.
• Check all exterior lights before each trip.
• Obey traffic laws, allow extra time for stopping and decrease speed when visibility is
limited or roads are wet.
• Have a safe and wonderful trip.
If towing a trailer is new for you, please take time to practice towing, parking and
backing skills prior to traveling. Your dealer can answer many of your questions, but
nothing replaces practice. We recommend you find a large and quiet parking lot to
practice your skills.
14

TRAVELING

Weights and Cargo Capacity

For safety reasons, it is very important to provide RV owners with the most accurate
weight information available. The "Federal Certification" label, located on the roadside
front corner of the travel trailer is shown here. The weight terms an owner needs to
understand when operating a towable recreation vehicle are defined on the "Trailer
Weight Information" label, which will be found on the inside surface of the lower entry
door.
The weight provided in the Jayco literature for your travel trailer is based on standard
equipment on that particular model and is "dry" (i.e. no liquids or cargo). Remember that
any options or personal cargo added must be subtracted from the available cargo
capacity. Never exceed the gross vehicle weight rating of your travel trailer.
WARNING: Do not add accessories or components that are not safe and
appropriate for this product. Jayco DOES NOT provide warranty coverage
for equipment installed by dearer or owner for such modifications or additions.
Any such modifications effect weight specifications, AND CAN ADVERSELY
AFFECT HANDLING AND STABILITY OF THE UNIT, AS WELL AS
ACCELERATE WEAR TO OTHER COMPONENTS.
WARNING: Your recreation vehicle's load capacity is designated by weight,
not by volume, so you cannot necessarily use all available space when loading
the vehicle. Do not exceed your gross vehicle weight capacity and ensure you
are loading the unit as evenly as you can for the best possible handling. Ensure
heavy items are secured so they do not shift during travel.
15