Towing Vehicle Requirements
When considering a towing vehicle, keep in mind certain
requirements for safe and easy use:
1. Transmission - The transmission can be either
manual or automatic, but an automatic transmission
will control engine loads better.
2. Power - Be sure your tow vehicle has adequate
power to tow your camper on the type of roads you
will be using. Factors to consider are engine power,
cooling capabilities, and axle ratio. Discuss the tow-
ing capability of your vehicle with both your recre-
ational vehicle dealer and tow vehicle dealer.
3. Tires and Suspension - It is important to make sure
that your tow vehicle tires and suspension have a
sufficient rating to handle the additional capacity
needed to tow a camper. Check with your tow
vehicle dealer and your vehicle’s Owner’s Manual
for the type of tires and tire pressures required. If
your tow vehicle is equipped with air shocks, do not
use the air shocks as a load leveling device to level
the vehicle/camper combination.
4. Hitch - Your tow vehicle should be equipped with a
hitch that has a rating at least equal to the GVWR.
Be sure that it is installed per the hitch manufactur-
er’s instructions and that it meets the tow vehicle’s
requirements for fit and performance. Also, be sure
to install proper hitch wiring to supply 12-volt power
to the tent camper for turn signal and brake light
operations.
5. Sway Control - Install a sway control system that is
compatible with both your hitch and tow vehicle.
Have it installed and properly adjusted per the
manufacturer’s instructions.
6. Safety Equipment - Install proper safety equipment
such as towing mirrors. In most states, they are
required by law. Most styles available are not per-
manent and can be easily installed and removed.
Check with your dealer for correct types and meth-
ods of installation.
W ARNING
Some motorized vehicles are not good tow
vehicles as they cannot adequately control sway in
the vehicle being towed.
Hitch
Those units with a 2 5
⁄
16
"
ball require a class IV weight
carrying hitch. It is very important to choose a hitch
designed for attachment to your particular tow vehicle,
and have it properly installed. Pay particular attention to
tongue load limits of your tow vehicle and the hitch you
purchase.
Choose a hitch that does not overload the axle on the
tow vehicle. Be sure that the hitch ball is not below, or
more than, three inches above the leveled camper
tongue.
Weight Distribution Hitches
Hitches can be installed on units with box tube A frames
(i.e., not on C-channel A frames) with the following five
stipulations:
1. Properly installed by a qualified, trained technician.
2. Match system with GVWR of the camper.
3. The camper is loaded per the manufacturer’s rec-
ommendations.
4. Never exceed 15% of the GVWR on the ball hitch.
5. No weld on weight distributing hitch mounting
brackets.
NOTE:
Failing to follow any of the above five stipulations will
void the frame warranty on your camper.
Wiring
Along with your hitch, it is also necessary to install the
proper electrical connection from the tow vehicle to your
camper. A car end pigtail is supplied with leads of
adequate length to allow connection to your tow vehicle
wiring system. Be sure you use wiring of the correct
gauge with sufficient slack between the camper and tow
vehicle to allow for turning without dragging on the
ground. Have your tow vehicle dealer, and/or hitch
installer, assist you with the installation.
If your tow vehicle has a separate amber turn signal, it
will require a special adapter to allow your camper lights
to function properly. This adapter may be purchased from
your dealer.
Wiring Code
The wiring color code for connection is as follows:
White
- Ground.
Green
- Tail, clearance identification, and side marker
lights.
Red
- Left turn and stop.
Brown
- Right turn and stop.
Blue
- Optional electric brakes.
Black/Red
- Interior lights and accessory. (Connect
directly to the tow vehicle battery using #10 wire and a
15 amp in-line fuse at the battery. Be certain the wire is
properly routed away from the exhaust system and mov-
ing parts.)
Although your tent camper has been checked at the fac-
tory, we recommend that you visually check all lights to
ensure they are functioning properly before leaving your
dealer.
Weighing, Loading And Towing
20
Summary of Contents for Coachmen Clipper
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