17
Before Heading Out
Weight Distribution
Proper weight and load distribution is absolutely essential to safe towing. It is necessary to maintain a
certain percentage of gross vehicle weight on the tow vehicle. Common recommendations place
approximately 10% - 15% of a loaded weight on a travel trailer hitch and approximately 20% - 25% on a
fifth wheel pin weight. Too much or too little weight upon the hitch leads to dangerous driving conditions
such as sway and reduced tow vehicle control. In no circumstance should the loaded weight ever exceed
the GVWR or the GAWRs.
Safety Chains
Always use safety chains when towing. They maintain the connection between the travel trailer and tow
vehicle in the event of separation of the ball and trailer coupling. Safety chains are included with every
travel trailer and are required when towing a travel trailer. Hook them to the frame of the tow vehicle (not
the hitch), crossing them under the trailer’s tongue. Inspect the length of the chains once attached to the
tow vehicle frame. They should be long enough to allow for turns, but short enough to avoid any drag.
Breakaway Switch
The breakaway switch is another safety device as it provides a means of automatically slowing and
stopping your RV if it should become detached during traveling. The cable from the break-away switch
should be attached to the tow vehicle so that it remains connected in the event the trailer coupling
detaches from the hitch ball. The breakaway switch is powered from the RV 12 Volt battery. If separation
occurs the pin is pulled out of the switch and current from the RV battery is applied to the trailer brakes.
See electrical section for testing breakaway switch.
DISCONNECT THE UNIT FROM THE SEVEN-WAY TOW VEHICLE CORD PRIOR TO TESTING THE
BREAKAWAY SWITCH. FAILURE TO DO SO MAY CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE BRAKE CONTROLLER.
Tire Pressure
Maintaining proper tire pressure is another key to safety. The cold inflation pressure for each tire is
located on the Canada Transport Label. Cold inflation pressure refers to the pressure in the tire prior to
traveling. Always check your tire pressure before traveling. Under-inflated tires will cause excessive
sidewall flexing and produce extreme heat, leading to early tire failure and possible loss of control.
Overinflated tires can cause uneven tire wear and also lead to early failure. More information on tires and
maintenance can be found in the Care and Maintenance section.
• Most tires may naturally lose air over time, up to several PSI per month in some conditions.
• Tires can lose air suddenly if you drive over a pothole or other object or if you strike the curb when
parking.
• With radial tires, it is usually not possible to determine under-inflation by visual inspection.
Summary of Contents for Escape 2014
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