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Chapter 3: Towing and Leveling
Chapter 3: Towing and Leveling
Towing Guidelines
Weight distribution is an important factor when loading your fifth-wheel
Passengers are not permitted in
and travel-trailer. A recreational vehicle with the cargo distributed properly
the coach while it is inmotion.
will result in efficient, trouble-free towing. Loading the coach as evenly as
possible and then weighing the loaded RV can accomplish proper weight
distribution. Keep heavier items as
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Chapter 3: Towing and Leveling Federal Certification Label Location The Federal Certification Tag on your fifth-wheel or travel-trailer can be located on the road side (off-door side) near the front of the unit as seen in the diagrams below. This tag contains the GVWR, GAWR (front and rear) and tire pressure limits. Travel-Trailer Fifth-Wheel RVIA Weight Label Location The RVIA Weight Label is located on the inside of an upper kitchen cabinet door. In general, the tag is affixed to the ca
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Chapter 3: Towing and Leveling Weighing Your Unit Fifth-Wheel • Pull forward on the scales until only the coach’s axles are on the scale. Record axle weight. Pull off the scales and unhook from the fifth-wheel. Weigh the truck by itself and record this weight. Wheel Separation Can Occur! • To determine hitch pin weight subtract the weight of the tow Exceeding the GVWR and vehicle from the combined truck /coach weight. Write this number GAWR ratings for your unit d
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Chapter 3: Towing and Leveling 6. Close and latch tailgate. 7. Back truck slowly until kingpin engages the fifth-wheel and automatically locks 8. Ensure the lock is closed. 9. Connect the power seven-way cord between the tow vehicle and the fifth-wheel. 0. Connect the emergency breakaway switch cable. . Test the fifth-wheel brakes and exterior lights 2. Completely raise the landing gear. 3. Store the wheel chocks. 4. Check the tire pressure while the vehicle tires are cold. 5. Re-tor
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Chapter 3: Towing and Leveling to dangerous driving conditions such as sway and reduced tow vehicle control. In no circumstance should the loaded weight ever exceed the GVWR or the GAWRs. Safety Chains Always use safety chains when towing. They maintain the connection between the travel-trailer and tow vehicle in the event of separation of the ball and trailer coupling. Safety chains are included with every travel- trailer and, in most states, are required when towing a travel-trailer.
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Chapter 3: Towing and Leveling lane. Try to drive with an anticipation of problems that may occur way ahead and prepare for them, even though they may never happen. As a motorist sharing the road, you are taller, heavier, longer and require more time and distance to stop. Weather and road conditions will require adjustments to speed. Anticipate dips, gutters, and depressions in the road, slowing down well in advance, these are the hardest jolts of any kind on your vehicle, hitch, recreati
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Chapter 3: Towing and Leveling Turning Corners Here is where you find a first basic difference when towing. The trailer wheels do not follow the path of your tow vehicle’s wheels. The trailer will make a closer turn than the tow vehicle. Compensate by pulling further into the intersection so that the trailer will clear the curb or clear any Due to slower speeds, cars can parked vehicles along the road. Left turns require a wider than normal become trapped behind you o
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Chapter 3: Towing and Leveling incorrectly can have too little weight resting on the hitch or pin and can become unstable when towing. Therefore, a hitch weight percentage of 10 – 15% for travel trailers and 20 – 25% for fifth wheels must be maintained. For example, if the loaded vehicle weighs 8000 pounds, the hitch weight for a travel trailer should be between 800 – 200 pounds (0 – 15% of the 8000 pound total). For a fifth wheel this same 8000 pound vehicle should have a pin weight
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Chapter 4: Appliances and Equipment Chapter 4: Appliances and Equipment Portable fuel-burning What to do if you smell gas equipment, including wood Do not try to light any appliance and charcoal grills and stoves, Extinguish any open flames including cigarettes must not be used inside the Do Not Touch Any Electric Switch recreational vehicle. The use Open windows and doors of this equipment inside the Exit trailer recreational vehicle may cause Shut off
