05-7
On The Road
Dangers of Overloading
Do not overload your RV. In addition to possible
problems with tires, wheels, and springs, there
can be problems of brake failure, drivetrain fail-
ure, wheel bearing failure, etc. Moreover, an
overloaded RV uses more fuel, is harder to han-
dle, and can lead to driver fatigue. If any com-
ponent should fail, it could result in vehicle
damage and/or loss of vehicle control. In addi-
tion to the above dangers, there are some states
that require certain motor homes and RVs to uti-
lize the Highway Patrol’s weight scales to check
for overloaded axle weights. Citations can be
issued to violators.
Since you may load your motor home differ-
ently for different trips, loading and weight pat-
terns will change. Periodically reweigh your
motor home and log the weights in this chapter.
Refer to your log as you prepare to load for
future trips.
Loading Tips
• Do not load heavy items on the bumpers.
• Make a loading diagram of your properly
loaded motor home, and then weigh the
properly loaded motor home. The loading
diagram, your loading log and the loaded
motor home weight will help you locate
where specific items are stored, and will
help speed the loading process.
• Secure and brace items so they won’t
move during travel. Generally, load heav-
ier items lower.
• Fresh water and waste water weigh over
eight pounds per gallon. Carry only as
much water as needed for travel use or to
balance the load, and whenever practical,
empty the holding tanks before traveling.
• Store emergency items in a readily acces-
sible location. As a minimum include a
fire extinguisher, tools, first aid kit, rain
gear, flashlight, highway warning devices,
an electric cord with light, and sturdy
gloves.
WEIGHING YOUR MOTOR HOME
To Obtain Individual Wheel Positions Weights:
One Side
Scale Weight _____________ lbs.
(Step 1S)
Calculate Other _____________ lbs.
Side Weight (Step 1 - 1S)
Tire Load (lbs.) _____________ lbs.
(See Note*)
Inflation _____________ psi.
(See Note*)
STEP 1S
One Side
Scale Weight _____________ lbs.
(Step 3S)
Calculate Other _____________ lbs.
Side Weight (Step 3 - 3S)
Tire Load (lbs.) _____________ lbs.
(See Note*)
Inflation _____________ psi.
(See Note*)
STEP 3S
*NOTE: Refer to the tire load charts published by the tire manufacturer to determine the
proper inflation pressures recommended for single and dual axles equipped. Always inflate
each axle set to the tire with the higher of the side-to-side loads.
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