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Tent Camper Owner’s Manual
• Always drive within the speed limit. Reduce speed if you encounter gusty winds, heavy traffic, or unusual road
conditions.
• When backing up, use your mirrors to check for obstructions. If needed, have someone help guide you. Be sure
this person is always in view and at a safe distance from the camper.
• Avoid sudden movements when changing lanes. Always check your mirrors and signal your intention before
passing.
• When driving on steep grades, select the correct transmission range, and drive at proper speeds. Down-shifting
will allow the engine to help control your speed and relieve the extra strain on your brakes. Continuous applica-
tion of the brakes can cause them to overheat, and could result in a temporary loss of braking. Never exceed the
appropriate speed when driving in low gear. Excessive speed in a lower gear can overheat the tow vehicle trans-
mission, which can lead to transmission failure.
• If you encounter driving conditions that put additional strain on the engine, it may be necessary to turn off the
tow vehicle air conditioning to improve engine cooling.
• Do not drive with your foot resting on the brake pedal. Doing so will cause abnormally high brake temperatures
and lining wear, which will result in increased stopping distance.
• If your tow vehicle is equipped with cruise control, do not use it on wet or icy roads, in congested traffic, or on
winding roads.
• If a large truck or a bus passes you, the air from the vehicle may push the rear of the camper to the right, causing
the front of the camper to sway. You may compensate for this additional sway by steering slightly toward the pass-
ing vehicle until the sway is corrected.
• If the camper should become disconnected from the tow vehicle while driving, the safety chains will keep the
camper attached. Slow down and come to a controlled stop at the side of the road. Reattach the safety chains,
remembering to cross them under the tongue and hitch.
b
aCking
u
p
Backing up with an attached camper, presents a new set of driv-
ing rules. When backing up, it is important to proceed slowly. If the
camper turns the wrong direction, stop and consider how to correct
the error. The following pointers should help you with your initial at-
tempts at backing up.
• Concentrate on the back of the camper.
• When your tow vehicle and camper are in a straight line, hold the
bottom of the steering wheel, and turn it in the direction you want
the camper to go.
• Back up, when possible, to the left. You will be able to see the move-
ment of the camper easier.
• Be sure you have a clear line of vision in the mirror.
• When the camper is proceeding in the direction you want it to go,
allow the tow vehicle to ‘follow’. Turn the steering wheel sharply to
bring the camper and tow vehicle back to a straight line. When you
have both vehicles in a straight line, straighten the front wheels of
the tow vehicle before proceeding.
Practice is the best method of becoming proficient at handling your
camper. Take time to practice and become comfortable when towing
your camper.
1. turning tHe WHeel as sHoWn, and
backing up Will bring you to position
b.
2. turn tHe WHeel in tHe opposite
direction and back up to position c.
3. straigHten tHe veHicles by turning tHe
WHeel as sHoWn and backing up.
