Grand Design Imagine XLS 2021 - Page 77

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Towing & Leveling
Tow Vehicle Hitch (Customer Supplied)
There are many types of hitches available. The hitch type that
you select will aect the towing and handling characteristics
your RV. Installing the correct hitch on your tow vehicle is
critical to a safe towing experience.
• Your Imagine TT requires a tow vehicle frame mounted
hitch. Consult your dealer for which class and type of hitch
to purchase for your TT / tow vehicle combination.
• BEFORE selecting a hitch, you must know the GVWR
and HITCH WEIGHT of your RV.
• A hitch is assigned a Hitch Class Rating based on its
maximum towing capacity and receiver opening size.
◦ The Maximum Towing Capacity of your hitch
must be HIGHER THAN your GVWR
• The hitch class rating also gives a maximum hitch weight.
◦ The Maximum Hitch Weight for your hitch
must be HIGHER THAN your hitch weight.
There are a variety of tow vehicle suspension systems avail-
able that will aect the ball height, stability and levelness of
a hooked up RV.
• A suspension that is too sti, will increase vibration
and bounce, accelerating wear on your tow vehicle
and RV combination.
• Equipment that gives your vehicle a softer ride, can
sometimes accentuate swaying when pulling an RV.
Please consult your dealer to assist you with purchasing a
compatible hookup.
Hitch Weight
Maintain the hitch weight of your trailer when your cargo changes
or is reloaded. Adjust to stay within the approximate target range
of 10–15% of your overall Gross Weight (travel trailer plus cargo).
• If your hitch weight EXCEEDS the upper weight limit,
shift some cargo toward the rear of your RV.
• If your hitch weight is LESS THAN the lower weight limit,
shift some cargo toward the front of your RV.
NOTE: The Cargo Weight must be BALANCED side-to-side
and SECURED in place.
Too much hitch weight can
lift the tow vehicle's front
wheels to the point where
steering response, traction
and braking are adversely
eected. Suspension or
drivetrain damage can
result.
Too little hitch weight can
diminish rear-wheel traction
and cause instability,
swaying or jackknifing.
WARNING
CAUTION
DO NOT overload
your tow vehicle.
• Using an oversized or
undersized tow vehicle
hitch can cause damage
to the RV frame.
• Grand Design RV cannot
be responsible for the tow
vehicle suspension system.
• The final ball height after
the two vehicle/travel
trailer towing combination
is completely hooked up
is a factor that must be
considered.
• To avoid overloading your
trailer axles and to minimize
possible handling diculties,
your trailer should be level
when hooked to your tow
vehicle.