Recommendations; Manufacturer Specifications; Vehicle Tune-Up; Battery And Alternator - Winnebago Towables User Manual

SECTION 3 – RECOMMENDATIONS
Tow Vehicle Recommendations
MANUFACTURER
SPECIFICATIONS
Winnebago Towables travel trailers and fifth
wheels can be towed by many types of vehicles.
When selecting a tow vehicle for travel trailers
and fifth wheels, complying with vehicle
manufacturer specific recommendations
concerning towing capabilities and restrictions is
critical. Many vehicle manufacturers and dealers
can provide special towing packages based on
specific requirements, such as trailer size,
maximum trailer load and tow vehicle demands
during travel (i.e. terrain, trip lengths, etc.).

VEHICLE TUNE-UP

Proper vehicle maintenance is necessary
including engine tune-ups and lubrication. An
engine may overheat on long upgrades, which
may be prevented with a larger, heavy-duty
radiator and proper care.

BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR

During travel, the tow vehicle battery and
alternator must support some of the trailer's
electrical equipment including taillights, turn
signals, brake lights, clearance lights and electric
brakes. The battery and alternator must be in
good condition and able to handle this load.

HITCHES

Many types and ratings of trailer hitches are
available. Important factors when selecting the
proper hitch are:
• Follow the tow vehicle manufacturer's and
the hitch manufacturer's recommendations to
ensure proper installation and size
requirements.
• Keep the tow vehicle and the trailer level to
maintain equal weight distribution and ensure
maximum steering control.
ELECTRONIC BRAKE
CONTROLLERS
Many types of electronic brake controllers are
available. Consult your dealer to determine
specific needs. Insist that any electronic brake
controller be installed per the manufacturer's
instructions. It may be necessary to install a
resistor in the trailer's braking system. If the
trailer skids or the brakes grab, a resistor in the
circuit may remedy the problem. Follow the
individual resistor manufacturer's instructions.
Do not use more than one resistor in the circuit.
REARVIEW SIDE-MOUNTED
MIRRORS
Rearview, side-mounted mirrors on both
driver and passenger sides of the tow vehicle are
a necessity. Side-mounted mirrors provide a clear
view of following traffic and an unobstructed
view of the trailer action. They should be
properly extended offering an unobstructed view
of the rear of the trailer and possible traffic
hazards. A travel trailer chassis (springs, wheels,
tires axles, frame and tongue) is engineered to
carry certain maximum load.

WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION

Proper weight distribution between axles and
tongue is also critical to safe towing. Factors to
consider when evaluating proper weight
distribution are:
• On travel trailers, tongue proportion of the
GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT should be
approximately 10 to 15% for tandem axle
trailers. Depending on the tow vehicle, 11 to
12% tongue weight is ideal. Hitch weight
3-1