Livin Lite Truck Camper Owner's Manual page 22

Camplite
Loading Tips
After you have determined how much weight
you can safely carry and selected those items
to make up that weight, make a list and keep
it for future reference. The center of gravity
should be ahead of the rear axle to transfer
more of the weight to the front of the truck.
When packing your camper, store heavy gear
first, keeping it on or near the camper floor.
Place heavy objects or items far enough
forward to keep the loaded camper's centre
of gravity within the area recommended by
the manufacturer. Store only light objects on
high shelves. Distribute weight to obtain even
side-to-side balance of the loaded vehicle.
Secure and brace items so they won't move
during travel, thereby shifting the load in the
RV. Carry only as much water as needed for
travel use or to balance the load.
Make a loading diagram of your properly
loaded RV. It will help you locate where
specific items are stored and will help speed
the loading process. Store emergency items
in a readily accessible location. Include tools,
first-aid kit, rain gear, flashlight, highway
warning devices, and an electric cord or light.
Luggage and similar cargo carried inside the
vehicle must be secured to prevent possible
damage in the case of a sudden stop or an
accident. Periodically reweigh your unit.
Different traveling configurations may change
your loading and weight pattern.
Traveling
Easing to a stop and starting smoothly saves wear
and tear on your truck, saves gas, and prevents
damage to the items stowed in the camper.
Remember, when hauling the camper. Always
maintain at least three cars length space between
you and the car in front of you for every 10 miles
of speed that you are traveling. This should give
you ample time to stop in case of an emergency.
As you drive, try to anticipate problems
that may occur and prepare for them, even
though they may never happen. Anticipate
dips, gutters and depressions in the street,
slowing down well in advance, as these are the
hardest jolts of any kind on your truck, your
camper and items stored in your camper. Take
dips and bumps slowly and be certain that
the rear wheels have passed the point before
accelerating. Cross railroad tracks slowly.
Always release your brakes before crossing.
On long grades, you may want to shift into a
lower gear (or lower range, if you have automatic
transmission) before your engine labors.
When going downhill, use the same procedure
as going uphill; the compression of your truck's
engine will help to slow your whole rig safely.
Avoid conditions that require excessive and
prolonged use of your brakes. Apply and release
brakes at short intervals to give them a chance
to cool.
I
Improper braking can result in serious
personal injury or death. When being
overtaken, passing or meeting an
oncoming bus, truck or other large vehicle,
air turbulence may be encountered and
may cause you to feel the camper sway.
Tires
Tires are available in a variety of load ratings and
sizes, and if the tires you currently have cannot
handle the load, it maybe possible to replace your
tires with tires of higher pound capacity. Bear in
mind, that the ultimate capacity of the truck is
determined by the weakest link in the system. This
could be the tires, wheels, suspension or brakes.
The maximum ratings are molded into the side of
the tire. The sidewall of the tire shows maximum
and minimum inflation pressure for that load. Be
sure you also know the load and inflation pressure
ratings for your wheels as well. Often, these are
stamped on the inside of the wheels, but if not,
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WARNING