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SECTION 4
TOWING & HANDLING
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 tow
vehicle/RV combination. 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 tow vehicle/RV combination.
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 tow vehicle/RV combination.
Drive over them slowly and let the trailer tires
pass over them before 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
require excessive and prolonged use of your
brakes. Apply and release brakes at short
intervals to give them a chance to cool. The
tow vehicle transmission and engine will help
in
controlling
downhill
lengthen brake life. The distance required to
stop the RV is greater than an automobile's.
Use care when accelerating or decelerating
28
Slow
down
well
in
speed
and
can
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.
Towing behind your RV
Towing items behind your Jayco trailer, or
overloading the rear, will void the warranty
and may result in: damage to the trailer or
add-on items, towing difficulties, property
damage and/or personal injury.
DO NOT tow anything behind your RV. The
RV frame and bumper are not designed for
towing.
Vehicle Clearance
Remember some bridges, older ones in
particular, may not support the weight of your
tow vehicle/RV combination. Know the weight
and size of your towing combination and
observe any posted weight and clearance
limits.
The
added
conditioners, TV antennas or floodlights may
cause clearance problems around some
tunnels, canopies and hanging signs.
Turning Corners
When turning, the tires do not follow the path
of your tow vehicle tires. The RV will make a
tighter turn than the tow vehicle. You must
compensate for this action by carefully pulling
the tow vehicle out into the intersection further
than you would normally so that the RV clears
the curb (or any parked vehicles along the
curb). When making a turn, check the road
clearance and be aware of others. Have
someone help guide you out of a difficult
parking space or traffic pattern. Swerves and
sharp turns, especially at high speeds, could
result in loss of control of the RV.
height
of
roof
air
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