Chapter 3 - Using Your Travel Trailer; Equipment; Tow Vehicle - Jayco Eagle 264 BH Owner's Manual

USING YOUR TRAVEL TRAILER
In this chapter you will find helpful information to assist you in preparing, traveling and
using your travel trailer.

EQUIPMENT

Tow Vehicle

WARNING: TOWING YOUR TRAILER WITH AN INADEQUATE TOW
VEHICLE OR HITCH ASSEMBLY MAY LEAD TO EXCESSIVE SWAY-
ING OR OTHER LOSS OF CONTROL, WITH PERSONAL INJURY OR
PROPERTY DAMAGE RESULTING FROM ROLLOVER OR COLLISION.
Make sure to read and understand Chapter 3 on using your recreation vehicle.
Consult experts on hitch and tow vehicles before you tow your trailer. Jayco does not
recommend or endorse particular tow vehicles or hitch assemblies. Review the compat-
ibility of your tow vehicle with the trailer you will be towing. As a minimum requirement,
the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of your trailer must not exceed your tow
vehicle's rated towing capacity. Know your loaded hitch weight and select a hitch that is
adequate for that weight. You, as the owner, are responsible for the safety and compat-
ibility of your tow vehicle and trailer selections. You are responsible for the maintenance
and proper connection of your tow vehicle, hitch assembly, and trailer. Do not exceed the
towing or cargo capacity of your tow vehicle and do not exceed the GVWR of the trailer.
You should clearly understand how your particular tow vehicle capacities are calculated.
Make sure your tow vehicle is mechanically sound for your intended usage and pay
particular attention to suspension components, tires, and tire pressure. Anti-sway devices
and weight distributing hitches should be used with all Jayco towable products (exclud-
ing fifth wheels, which use a different type of hitch), with the guidance of a trained hitch
installer. Towing a trailer is not the same as driving a passenger car or a single vehicle.
Many states have lower speed limit requirements for tow vehicle/trailer combinations.
Obey all traffic laws and use your seatbelts at all times. Don't exceed 55 MPH when
towing a trailer. Consult an expert for specific driver education when towing a trailer. RV
driving schools and some RV clubs may offer helpful driving seminars as part of their
club activities.
Begin your camping experiences by using a tow vehicle that will adequately transport
your travel trailer to and from your destinations. You must use the Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR) factor as a measuring tool to match the capability of your selected tow
vehicle. Ford, Chrysler-Daimler and Chevrolet provide trailer towing guides for their
products, as do most auto and truck manufacturers. Ask your local automotive dealer for
a copy or contact the factory's customer assistance for information. Most tow vehicles
have towing packages available as an option and these should be given serious consider-
ation. Tow vehicles with longer wheel bases perform better and are more stable than short
wheel bases, such as those on most SUV's. The condition of the suspension system in
your tow vehicle is also important and will affect your trailer's handling. Become familiar
with and understand how to properly distribute loads in your trailer and tow vehicle and
CHAPTER 3
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