Weighing Vehicle (Loaded Or Unloaded); Loading The Trailer-Distribution - venture SPORT TREK Owner's Manual

Weighing Vehicle (Loaded or Unloaded)

The proper method to weigh the coach is to use a truck scale. Place the
coach axles (tires) and tongue jack, 12" to 24" from the edge. Unhook
the tow vehicle and move forward 6" to 8". Now record total weight. Re-
hook the tow vehicle. Be sure no part of tow vehicle is on the scale. Now
record the axle weight only. The difference between the two weights is
the hitch weight.
VENTURE RV suggests you also weigh each side (2 tires) separate to
find balance of pounds per side. It's possible to have 1 side correct and
the other side over-loaded. Often the slideout side or refrigerator side will
be slightly heavier than the other.
There is a sticker concerning the weight of cargo placed in your coach.
Sticker location is on the inside of your coach, on the screen door, or
inside of a cabinet door. It provides listed total allowable weight of cargo
minus liquids allowed, water and propane.
RECREATIONAL VEHICLE TRAILER CARRYING CARGO CAPACITY
VIN #: ____________________________________
The weight of cargo should never exceed kg _______ lbs. ________
CAUTION
A load of water equals _____ kg / ____ lbs. of cargo
@ 3.78 kg / 8.34 lbs. per gallon.
Loading the Trailer—Distribution
Your recreational vehicle has been engineered to make maximum use of
the available space for living and storage areas. The equipment and
supplies you take along while traveling can be carried safely, provided
the additional weight is distributed properly. Proper weight distribution
within your trailer is an important factor in safety and efficiency of your
trailer brakes, hitching, and how your tow vehicle will pull the trailer. DO
NOT put excess weight in the rear only. Excessive weight in the rear area
tends to develop sway and "fishtailing" of the trailer.
Lightweight and bulky items such as paper products, bedding, clothing,
etc., should be stored in overhead cabinets and closets. Heavy items
such as cooking utensils should be placed in lower cabinets. Canned
goods need to be in a pantry if so equipped, or in lower cabinets. Also,
heavy items should be secured to avoid shifting during travel.
A reasonable principle in loading your coach is for every two pounds of
weight loaded in front of the axle, one pound of weight must be loaded
behind the axle. Also remember, improper side-to-side loading affects
leaf spring condition.
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