Highland Ridge RV 2015 Owner's Manual page 40

SECTION 4 TOWING & SET-UP HIGHLAND RIDGE TOWABLE
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.
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 automatic transmission). 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. The tow vehicle transmission and engine will help in
controlling downhill speed and can lengthen brake life. The distance required to
stop the RV is greater than an automobile's. Use care when accelerating or
decelerating on a slippery surface. Abrupt speed changes 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.
Vehicle Clearance
Remember some bridges, older ones in particular, may not support the weight of
your tow vehicle/RV combination. 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.
Turning Corners
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.
You must 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 (or
any parked vehicles along the curb).
When making a turn, check the road clearance and be aware of others. Have
someone help guide you out of a difficult parking space or traffic pattern. Swerves
and sharp turns, especially at high speeds, could result in loss of control of the
RV.
Backing up
If your camping destination does not have pull through sites, pick a level site and
back in carefully. We suggest you stop near the site, get out of the RV and
observe the surrounding area. Check to ensure there are no obstacles in your
path and that you have plenty of vehicle clearance. Check for low-hanging tree
limbs, posts, large rocks or other obstacles.
Try to choose a site that is on the driver's side, so you can see what the rear of the
RV is doing. With the site on the passenger side, you would be backing into the
site on your blind side, which is more difficult.
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