Coachmen RV Viking, Owner'S Manual

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that combines to give the camper its total weight when traveling.
Included are the weight of the camper, all appliances and
conveniences, water, LP fuel, and all personal belongings and gear
stored both inside and outside. This value must never be exceeded.
Hitch Weight
- This is the weight of the tongue as it bears
down on the hitch of the towing vehicle. Hitch weight should
be determined with the camper as it would be fully loaded for
travel. For stable towing at highway speeds, this weight must be
a minimum of 10% and a maximum of 15% of the gross vehicle
weight.
Base Weight (UVW)
- This is the weight of the camper as
equipped with options. For our purpose, the unloaded vehicle weight
is the weight of the unit with maximum options.
Carrying Capacity - This is the maximum weight of all personal
belongings, food, fresh water, LP gas, tools, dealer installed
accessories, etc., that can be carried by this trailer. (NCC is equal to
or less than GVWR minus UVW).
This trailer is capable of carrying up to ______ gallons of
fresh water (including water heater) for a total of ______ pounds.
Reference: Weight of fresh water is 8.33 lbs./gal.; Weight of LP gas
is 4.5 lbs./gal. (average).

! WARNING!
Exceeding the weight ratings of the camper can
create a serious safety hazard. Check the weight
of your camper frequently as it would be loaded for
travel. Remember to take the weight of all liquids
into consideration. Also, make sure that the weight is
distributed evenly.
Once you become familiar with loading your camping trailer and
know how to distribute the weight and which items you normally
carry, make a list and diagram you can use for future reference.
Plan your loading and storage so that emergency items are easily
accessed. Place heavier or breakable items on the camper floor for
greater load stability. Make sure these items are well packed and
secured to prevent movement. Take extra care not to overload the
front and rear ends of the camper.
Make sure to use packing material around breakable items such
as plates and glasses in cupboards if you will be towing over rough
roads or terrain. It is a good idea to use non-skid materials under
heavier items to help prevent shifting.
Most new camping trailer owners tend to carry more supplies
than they really need. It is important to remember that each item
added brings with it the extra weight to tow and distribute.

! WARNING!
DO NOT store LP gas containers, gasoline, or other
flammable liquids inside the camper because a fire
or explosion may result.

!
WARNING!
CAUTION: Extending the rear bumper or adding rear
supports to carry toolboxes, bikes, motorcycles or
other heavy equipment may seriously overload the
trailer brakes, axle, wheels and tires. In addition,
rear-end load reduces the hitch weight and can
cause severe fishtailing. NEVER EXCEED THE GAWR
FOR YOUR UNIT. NEVER TOW WITH LESS THAN 10%
OF THE TRAILER GROSS WEIGHT ON THE HITCH.
TOW VEHICLE SELECTION
– See your vehicle owner’s manual.
LOAD CARRYING HITCH
REQUIREMENTS
Your camping trailer fits a 2” or 2-5/16” hitch ball. Ask your
Viking dealer about the proper Class of load-carrying hitch to use.
The selection of the hitch is important since it affects towing and
handling characteristics. Read the information supplied by the hitch
manufacturer to achieve best possible performance.
NOTE:
Installation of a Weight-Distributing (Load-Equalizing)
Hitch is NOT recommended on any vehicle towing a camping trailer.
Any Class 2 or 3 load equalizing hitch IS NOT approved.
BRAKE CONTROL
The electric brake controller, required on models with electric
brakes only, automatically activates the brakes on your camper
when the tow vehicle’s brakes are applied. It provides braking effort
directly proportional to the braking action of the tow vehicle.
This is an item that must be purchased additionally as it is not
supplied with the camper from the manufacturer or automatically
supplied by your dealer at the time of purchase. There are several
models to choose from including those that install in your towing
vehicle and those that may be installed on the A-frame of the
camper.
If you are not familiar with them, please contact your dealer for
assistance in choosing the correct one to meet your specific needs.
Units equipped with safety break-a-way switch require auxiliary
battery mounted to trailer with wiring to activate upon trailer break-
a-way. Refer to your Tow Vehicle Owner’s Manual for additional
towing/braking instructions.