Trailer Hitch Load - PREVOST H3-45 VIP Owner's Manual

2-18 Coach Exterior
WARNING
Pulling a trailer weighing more than the recom-
mended maximum gross weight may cause engine
and transmission overheating, and a possible hitch
failure.
NOTE
Pulling a trailer over long distances is considered
as a "severe operating condition" for the vehicle.
The engine will require more frequent servicing.

TRAILER HITCH LOAD

The minimum requirement for a trailer weighing up to
20,000 lbs. when coupled to a 20,000 lbs. Prevost
Trailer Hitch is as per the following:
1. Trailer must comply with Federal Motor
Carrier Safety
regarding trailer braking capability.
2. The trailer coupling attachments must meet
the following minimum static test load
requirements. Use the indicated Gross Trailer
Weight Rating (GTWR) of your trailer and
multiply by the indicated value below.
Longitudinal tension and compression: (1.5 x
l
GTWR)
Transverse thrust: (0.5 x GTWR)
l
Vertical tension and compression: (0.5 x
l
GTWR)
Loads indicated must be applied without incurring
loss of attachments or distortion or failure which
could affect the safe towing of trailer.
3. The ball and trailer coupling must meet the
following minimum test load requirements
without incurring failure. Use the indicated
Gross Weight Rating (GTWR) of your trailer
and multiply by the indicated value below.
Longitudinal tension
l
(GTWR x 3)
Transverse thrust: (GTWR x 1)
l
Vertical tension and compression: (GTWR x
l
1.3)
In this case, failure is identified as the point at which
the coupling or ball will accept no additional test load
without separation of the ball from the coupling ball
Regulations 393.52
and compression:
PA-1638 Owner's Manual X3-45 VIP
socket, or the occurrence of a metal fracture of either
coupling ball or coupling assembly, which results in
separation of the ball from the coupling ball socket.
4. Two lengths of safety chain shall be used.
The strength rating (minimum breaking force)
of each individual chain and its connecting
means shall be equal to, or exceed the
trailer's Gross Weight Rating (GTWR).
5. Towing vehicle must be equipped with engine
or transmission retarder. The engine or the
transmission retarder on the vehicle must be
functional at all time (to be inspected
frequently).
This hitch must be for recreational use only.