Secure For Travel; Safety Chains; Vehicle & Trailer Hookup - Winnebago Towables User Manual

SECTION 3 –
RECOMMENDATIONS

SECURE FOR TRAVEL

Before starting out, make certain everything is
secure in the trailer.
• Check cabinets and drawers; make sure
nothing can spill in cabinets or refrigerator.
• Ensure that the refrigerator latch is engaged.
• Lock windows and rock guards.
• Close roof vents.
• Secure loose chairs and other items.
• Disconnect all hoses and close all valves.
• Make sure electrical cords and adapters have
been disconnected and put away.
Hitch Connection
Using the proper hitch on the tow vehicle is
critical for maximum safety when towing a travel
trailer. Load leveling or load-equalizing hitches
with anti-sway bars are recommended for added
stability and maneuvering.
Several factors need to be considered when
selecting the proper hitch including:
• Gross weight of the trailer
• Tongue weight
• A welded or bolted weight-carrying hitch on
the frame or body of the tow vehicle
• A 2 5/16 inches hitch ball (lubricate the hitch
ball periodically)
Consult your dealer and/or a representative of
your tow vehicle manufacturer in selecting a
hitch and accessories for your trailer.

SAFETY CHAINS

The Department of Transportation federally
mandates use of safety chains on travel trailers.
Safe towing recommendations include:
• Attach safety chains to the tow vehicle
separate from the hitch.
• Leave only enough slack in each length of
chain to permit the vehicle to turn during
normal driving.
• The chains should not contact the ground or
road surface.
3-4
• Cross the chains from the trailer hitch to the
tow vehicle.
• When all connections are secure, be certain
the 7-pin electrical connector cord and the
breakaway switch lanyard cable are longer
than the extended safety chains.
• Should the hitch ball become disengaged from
the coupler, the safety chains will extend, the
7-pin connector should remain connected to
the tow vehicle for braking and the breakaway
switch should not engage.
VEHICLE & TRAILER HOOKUP
Connecting the tow vehicle hitch to the
coupler on the travel trailer or fifth wheel is a
simple procedure described by the following:
Travel Trailers
1. Before dropping the coupler over the hitch
ball, the coupler-locking arm must be in an
unlocked position.
2. The coupler should be slightly behind the ball
(away from the tow vehicle) permitting the
coupler to slide down over the ball positively.
3. After locking the coupler over the ball, be
certain the ball is fully engaged with the
coupler.
4. Attach the safety chains to the tow vehicle. Be
sure to cross the chains from the trailer hitch
to the tow vehicle. Be careful to leave slack in
each length of chain to permit the vehicle to
turn during normal driving.
5. Check the vehicle's turning capabilities.
6. Attach the connector plug on the trailer to the
electrical connection on the tow vehicle. Be
sure there is slack in the cord to make sharp
turns.
7. The breakaway device is located on the trailer
tongue. It has a steel cable fastened to it,
which will reach to the frame of the tow
vehicle. The steel cable (lanyard) should be
attached to a secure part of the tow vehicle,
separate from the hitch, such as the frame.