American Coach American Allegiance, Owner'S Manual

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component that includes the hitch ball.
Hitch head assemblies are available in both
“Weight-Distributing” (load-equalizing) and
“Weight-Carrying” types. A weight-distributing
hitch uses spring bars attached to the trailer
tongue A-frame assembly to transfer some of the
trailer tongue weight to both motor home axles.
A weight-carrying hitch head assembly does not
use spring bars. All of the tongue weight of the
trailer bears down on the hitch assembly which
loads the motor home rear axle. For this reason,
the maximum load you can tow with a weight
carrying hitch head assembly is limited.
In addition to weight-carrying and weight-
distributing, your hitch may also have a dinghy
towing rating. This rating will apply should you
tow a motor vehicle with all four wheels down.
The ratings associated with the particular hitch
receiver supplied with your motor home are
noted on the weight tag and on a label affixed to
the hitch receiver.
It is important that the devices which attach
to the hitch receiver equipped with your
motor home are rated to equal or exceed the
loads of your towed trailer, automobile dolly,
or other towed load.
The weight label on your hitch receiver provides
the maximum trailer weight rating and the
maximum tongue weight rating. It is important
that these ratings not be exceeded.
Consult with your dealer or towing equipment/
trailer supplier to determine the correct type
of hitch head assembly, hitch ball and other
tow equipment you should use for towing and
leveling the load you intend to pull.
If you intend to tow, take advantage of reading
and studying literature that is available from
vehicle manufacturers, the National Highway
traffic Safety Administration, equipment
On The Road
04-4
WARNING
Failure to understand and follow these guidelines
as presented in this section could result in dam-
age to the motor home frame or body, could cause
unstable driving and handling characteristics, and
will restrict your warranty coverage.
!
Receiver
Chain Loop
Chain Bracket
Receiver Tube
Safety Chain
Hitch Ball
Weight-Carrying Hitch
Head Assembly
Weight-Distributing Hitch
Head Assembly
Typical hitch system components are shown in the following illustration.
Typical Hitch System Components