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Level towing must be achieved through adjusting the hitch ball height on the tow vehicle. If after hitching up and
adjusting the spring bars (as described earlier in this manual) you find your vehicle out of level, measure the amount
the vehicle is out of level and have a qualified professional adjust the hitch ball height on the tow vehicle.
While Driving
Driving with a trailer in tow is different. Start out slowly, checking the traffic after signaling and being sure
the road is clear. Accelerate slowly and evenly, checking the mirrors frequently as you move into the
proper lane. Try to drive with an anticipation of problems that may occur way ahead and prepare for them,
even though they may never happen. As a motorist sharing the road, you are taller, heavier, longer and
require more time and distance to stop. Weather and road conditions will require adjustments to speed.
Anticipate dips, gutters, and depressions in the road, slowing down well in advance. These are the
hardest jolts of any kind on your vehicle, hitch, recreational vehicle and items stored inside the unit. Take
dips and bumps slowly and be certain the trailer wheels have passed the point before accelerating.
Towing Speed
Reasonable speed is probably the greatest factor in safe and pleasant towing. Towing stability is
increased and emergency stopping distances are reduced with a reduction in speed. Reduce your driving
speed substantially while towing. Slow down for grades and turns. Towing stability is reduced downhill
and around bends. With experience, you will develop the special driving skills needed for safe trailer
towing.
Stability in Towing
Swaying of a trailer behind a tow vehicle is an inherent characteristic of any combination of two or more
vehicles. There are numerous factors that affect towing stability that you as the owner have control over
before you take your vehicle on your first trip. And there are factors you need to be aware of while driving.
We will address the most common factors in this section.
Choose the right tow vehicle
There are several factors in choosing a tow vehicle that will affect towing stability. The best source of
information to make an informed decision on matching the tow vehicle to the travel trailer is your RV
dealer and tow vehicle dealer. It would be impossible for us in this manual to address all the factors or
make specific recommendations, however, the following are important considerations:
Weight of the tow vehicle—Generally the heavier the tow vehicle the better because it will be better able
to dampen lateral loads through the hitch as a result of wind or other factors.
Wheel Base—The longer the wheel base the better. This is especially a factor as the length of the travel
trailer increases. The greater the wheel base of the tow vehicle the better it will be able to dampen lateral
loads through the hitch as a result of wind or other factors.
Rear Overhang Distance—The rear overhang is the distance from the hitch ball to the center of the rear
tow vehicle axle. A shorter distance will result in a more stable ride.
Summary of Contents for Escape 2014
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