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hitch is installed. This device helps give the tow vehicle and trailer a "one-vehicle" feel. There
are two basic types of sway control systems available:
¾
Friction bar—slides in and out and is activated by the motion of the vehicles. When you
brake or turn, the trailer weight compresses the bar, which then compresses the trailer against
the tow vehicle.
¾
Dual cam sway control—usually works better for large trailers with heavy tongue weights.
The cam action is applied to the spring of the trailer to reduce sway and shifts the weight
forward. It also adjusts weight shifts, which allows the trailer to follow the tow vehicle.
Spring Bars
For trailers with multiple axles, Spring Bars (also called load-levelling bars) are often used to
distribute the tongue weight among all axles of the tow vehicle and trailer with a weight-
distribution hitch.
Trailer Load Ratings
Trailer manufacturers provide load ratings on certification tags at various points inside or outside
the trailer. The certification tags are usually placed on the front left-side exterior wall of a travel
trailer. Know where to locate this information on your trailer and review this information
regularly so you are familiar with the load ratings. At no times should these load ratings be
exceeded.
This is not meant to be a recommendation, since it affects trailer weight, but an idea you may
want to consider. I installed a heavy-garage shelf in the cavity under the back of the trailer. It is
designed to be raised and lowered. Used for the 18-gallon waste-water tote, it works well. I did
run it by the service manager at the dealership where we bought the Bigfoot, who thought it was
not only acceptable, but a good idea.
Performing a Pre-Trip Safety Inspection
Before the start of a trip involving trailer towing, a visual pre-trip safety inspection shall always
be conducted, regardless of the length of the trip. The safety inspection should thoroughly
evaluate the tow vehicle, trailer, and hitch to ensure everything is in proper operating order.
Additionally, the load weight and distribution on the trailer should be inspected. If issues are
found during the pre-trip inspection, corrective action must be completed before the trip can be
taken. For this reason, it is recommended to conduct the pre-trip safety inspection well in
advance of the planned departure, so that no surprise inspection issues delay or prevent a trip
from taking place.
An example of a pre-trip inspection checklist is included in the forms section at the back of this
manual.
Hitching Up Your Trailer
Hitching up your trailer will become routine with experience. Make it a habit to examine all
hitch components before hitching up the trailer. If you have a conventional ball hitch, check for
cracked or bent parts, cracked welds, deformed or stripped bolts. Inspect the weight distributing
hitch spring base and chains. Be sure the hitch ball is tight and well lubricated. Check the trailer
tongue for cracks. Be sure the ball locking device works freely. Inspect the safety chains. If
you find defects in any hitch component, correct it before towing the trailer.
Summary of Contents for T2801
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