SECTION 3
PRE-TRAVEL INFORMATION
RV. Make certain your dealer is aware of the
tow vehicle you are using so a compatible
hookup is achieved.
There is no recommended hitch height for
fifth-wheels; usually the fifth wheel pin box is
adjustable for variance in trucks and truck
suspension systems.
RV BRAKE SYSTEM
The electric brakes are designed to work with
the tow vehicle brakes. To maintain proper
braking performance, both the RV and tow
vehicle brakes must be used together.
Separate use of the braking systems will
cause accelerated wear and damage.
When your RV is new, it is impossible to
adjust the brake shoes precisely. It takes
approximately 1,000 miles and/or 50
medium to heavy stops to “burnish” fit or
“seat” the shoes to the brake drum. After
the initial break-in period your brake shoes
must be adjusted accurately for best
performance and increased durability.
Braking system components include:
Tow vehicle battery
Brake controller
Wire harness/connector plug
Trailer battery
Breakaway switch
Tow vehicle battery
The tow vehicle battery is the primary source
of power for your RV’s electric brake
operation. To ensure available power when
needed, keep your tow vehicle battery and
charging system working properly.
Brake controller (customer supplied)
The brake controller should be installed in the
tow vehicle to work in conjunction with the RV
electric brakes. Consult with your dealer or
the brake controller OEM to decide what is
right for your towing combination.
LOADING YOUR RV
Decide on the various items of food, clothing,
equipment and other supplies you will need
for the length and destination of your trip.
Store and secure all loose items inside the
RV before traveling. Overlooked items such
as canned goods, or small appliances on the
countertop, cooking pans on the range or
free-standing furniture items can become
dangerous projectiles during a sudden stop.
Distribute cargo side-to-side so the weight on
each tire does not exceed one-half of the
GAWR for either axle. For traveling safety, it
is important to make sure any tie down straps
(if so equipped) on appliances or furniture are
secured.
Failure to maintain the brakes in proper
working condition as specified in the
operator’s manual supplied by the axle
OEM will cause property damage, personal
injury and possibly death. Consult with your
dealer for assistance.
Never load the RV in excess of the GAWR
for either axle. Overloading your RV may
result in adverse handling characteristics
and damage to the chassis.
DO NOT EXCEED YOUR GVWR! This
means you should weigh your RV as
loaded for your normal travel to determine
the actual weight. If you exceed the
GVWR, you MUST remove items from the
RV, or drain liquids, then re-weigh the
vehicle to ensure you have achieved a
safe weight. Do not travel with full
grey/black holding tanks. This not only
wastes gas but, depending upon the
location of the grey or black holding tanks,
can affect handling characteristics.
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