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Section 4: Vehicle Operation
When descending a long hill, drop down into a lower gear or range. Avoid conditions that
require excessive and prolonged use of your brakes. Apply and release brakes at short inter-
vals to allow them 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 changes can cause skidding and loss of control.
Know the weight and size of your towing combination and observe any posted weight and
clearance limits. The added height of roof air conditioners, TV antennas or floodlights may
cause clearance problems around some tunnels, canopies and hanging signs.
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. 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. When making a turn, check the road clearance and be aware of others. Swerves and
sharp turns, especially at high speeds, could result in loss of control of the RV.
If your camping destination does not have pull through sites, pick a level site and back in
carefully. Check to ensure there are no obstacles in your path and that you have plenty of
vehicle clearance.
After the RV is in the desired location, set the tow vehicle parking brake. Block all RV
wheels securely with wheel chocks to prevent it from rolling.
RV Brake System
Even though your RV is equipped with brakes designed for GVWR, proceed with caution
until you become accustomed to your RV's stopping distance.
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.
Electric Brakes
Failure to maintain the brakes in proper working condition as specified in the
operator's manual supplied by the axle OEM will cause property damage,
personal injury and possibly death. Consult with your dealer for assistance.
The electric brakes are designed to work with the tow vehicle brakes. To maintain
proper braking performance, both the RV and tow vehicle brakes must be used to-
gether. Separate use of the braking systems will cause accelerated wear and damage.
When your RV is new, it is impossible to adjust the brake shoes precisely. It takes approxi-
mately 1,000 miles and/or 50 medium to heavy stops to "burnish" fit or "seat" the shoes to
the brake drum. After the initial break-in period your brake shoes must be adjusted accu-
rately for best performance and increased durability.
Braking system components include:
Tow vehicle battery
Tow vehicle brake controller
Wire harness/connector plug
Trailer battery
Breakaway switch and alarms
42
Maintenance Record
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