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Towing & Leveling
bounce and accelerate wear of your tow vehicle and RV combi-
nation. There are a variety of tow vehicle suspension systems
available that will affect the ball height, stability and levelness of
a hooked up RV. Your dealer can best assist you with purchasing
a compatible hookup.
HITCH WEIGHT
Maintain the proper tongue weight of the trailer. Stay within the
target range of 10–15% of the overall gross weight (travel trailer
weight plus contents).
HITCH HEIGHT & HITCH BALL
To determine your RV hitch height, make sure the RV is level.
When the loaded trailer is hitched to the tow vehicle, check the
hitch ball height by measuring the distance from the center of
the hitch ball to the ground. Record your RV hitch height mea-
surement in the box for future reference.
Adjust the equalizing bars of the hitch assembly so that the tow
vehicle and the RV are essentially level. A high hitch will transfer
weight behind the axles and cause the RV to fishtail. A low hitch
will transfer additional weight to the hitch. Depending on your
floor plan, your required travel trailer hitch ball diameter is either
2” or 2-5/16” (the required hitch ball size is stamped on the hitch
coupler).
Refer to the hitch manufacturer instructions to adjust the
weight-distributing hitch to the proper height. If you have addi-
tional questions, consult with your dealer.
SWAY CONTROL (CUSTOMER SUPPLIED)
Aftermarket sway control devices are available to reduce the
sway produced by crosswinds, air displacement caused by other
vehicles passing you in transit, incorrect weight distribution,
excessive speed, the RV tires dropping onto the shoulder of the
road, etc. The use of a sway control device will help to control
the side-to-side movement and keep sway in check.
Suggestions for sway situations:
• Slowly ease your foot off the accelerator.
• Turn the steering wheel as little as possible. Natural
lag time reaction when counter-steering to correct
sway could possibly make it worse.
• If the trailer is equipped with electric brakes, using the
hand control will help to keep the vehicles aligned.
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