Outdoors RV Mountain Series Owner's Manual page 27

On the Road
 Use lower gears on long grades. Downshift on uphill grades to avoid overheating or undue
engine loads. Downshift on downhill grades to allow engine breaking to assist in controlling
vehicle speed. Avoid continuous or frequent brake application. The weight of the combination of
vehicles can cause brakes to overheat and fade.
 Allow ample time for passing. Your acceleration will be much slower, and your combination of
vehicles is much longer than the tow vehicle alone.
Once you become accustomed to the feel of your tow vehicle/RV combination, you will find that it
becomes very second nature. Become familiar with the position of the RV in traffic and be cautious
when maneuvering to allow for its length and width. Always allow extra room to corner and to change
lanes. Learn to use the side mirrors to view the road behind and to the sides, check them often.
When traveling off the highway in the country or mountains you must be careful of overhanging tree
limbs and other overhead or side obstacles. Light branches will brush aside, but heavier branches and
limbs may cause damage to the roof or sidewall of your RV. Consider your roof height, vents, jacks,
antennas, air conditioner, and other equipment attached to the roof or side or your tow vehicle and RV
when you are calculating clearance.
Avoid parking to close to the curb as signs, telephone poles, and other obstructions can cause
interferences. Watch for overhead and side clearance at drive-in restaurants and gas stations or other
drive-thru areas so you do not damage the side or roof of your RV. Watch for sharply crowned roads
which can tip your RV into obstructions when parking close to a curb or roadside.
If Your RV is Swaying
1. Steer as little as possible while maintaining control of the vehicle. Because of your natural
reaction time lag, quick steering movements to counter trailer sway can actually cause increased
sway and loss of control. Try to hold the wheel as straight as possible until stability is regained.
2. Slow down but avoid strong tow vehicle braking. Reduce speed gradually whenever possible.
Use the hand control to gradually apply the trailer brakes; this will help keep the vehicles
aligned. Tow vehicle braking reduces trailer stability and sliding tow vehicle tires causes loss of
control and jackknifing.
3. If a reduction in trailer stability has occurred, slow down immediately and stop as soon as
possible. Check tire pressures, sway control adjustment (if equipped), and hitch spring bar
adjustment (if equipped), cargo weight distribution, and look for any signs of mechanical failure.
Until the problem has been identified and corrected, travel at reduced speeds that permit full
control.
Backing Up
Place your hand at the bottom of the steering wheel. The back of the RV will move in the same direction
that your hand moves. The rear of the tow vehicle will go the opposite way you want the RV to turn. Be
careful as the RV/tow vehicle angle gets large, the hitch and/or tow vehicle and RV may be damaged by
jackknifing.
You will need a much greater turning radius than the tow vehicle itself requires. When backing, be sure
to watch not only the rear, but also both sides of the tow vehicle.
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