Tiffin Motorhomes VANLEIGH BEACON Owner's Manual page 76

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.
The required stopping distance is greatly increased when towing an RV. 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.
Be aware of road surface conditions. Slow down well in 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 au-
tomatic transmission). Avoid conditions that require excessive and prolonged use of your
brakes. Apply and release brakes at short intervals to give them chance to cool. The tow
vehicle transmission and engine will help in controlling downhill speed and can lengthen
brake life.
Use care when accelerating or decelerating on a slippery surface. Abrupt speed chang-
es 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.
Passenger safety
While your RV is in motion, Do NoT allow anyone to ride inside as a passenger.
•
• In several states, this practice is against the law.
Weight and clearance Limits
In order to obey all posted weight and clearance limits, you MUST always know the weight
and height of your RV/tow vehicle combination.
• ALWAYS include the roof air conditioners, TV antennas, and floodlights as they may
cause clearance problems under some tunnels, canopies or hanging signs.
• Some bridges, older ones in particular, may not support the weight of your RV/tow vehi-
cle combination.
ToW ing
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