Grand Design Imagine XLS 2021 - Page 80

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Towing & Leveling
Towing the RV
Braking & Stopping Distance
Towing an RV greatly increases your stopping distance. Practice
braking in a large parking lot (where it is permissible) to become
familiar with your RV’s stopping distance before driving in trac.
• AVOID conditions that require excessive and prolonged use
of your brakes. Smooth starts and easing to a stop will save
wear and tear on your RV / tow vehicle combination.
When descending a long hill, drop into a lower gear (or a lower
range, if you have automatic transmission). This allows your tow
vehicle's engine and transmission to help control your speed
which can extend brake life.
• Apply and release the brakes at short intervals to give them
a chance to cool.
• Driving through deep water may get the brakes wet, increasing
stopping distance or causing the vehicle to pull to one side.
◦ DO NOT operate the vehicle if a difference in braking
efficiency is noticeable. Check the RV’s brake operation
in a safe area to be sure they have not been aected.
Weight and Clearance Limits
In order to obey all posted Weight and Clearance Limits, you
MUST always know the Gross Weight and total Height of your
RV/tow vehicle combination.
• ALWAYS include the roof air conditioners, TV antennas,
and floodlights as they may cause clearance problems
under some tunnels, canopies or hanging signs.
• Some bridges, older ones in particular, may not support
the weight of your RV/tow vehicle combination.
Road Conditions
ALWAYS adjust your driving for road conditions.
• Slow way down, then release your brakes
before crossing railroad tracks.
• Sudden acceleration or deceleration on a wet or icy
roads can cause skidding and loss of control.
• Slow down well in advance of any bumps or dips in the
road to reduce jolting your RV / tow vehicle combination.
• Drive over any uneven surfaces slowly and make sure
to have passed them completely before accelerating.
Towing items behind RV
or overloading the rear
will void the warranty and
may result in damage to
the RV or add-on items,
towing diculties, property
damage and/or personal
injury.
WARNING
NEVER allow anyone to
go under the RV while it is
being lifted and/or towed.
WARNING