Grand Design Solitude 2017, Owner'S Manual

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59
Pre-Travel Information
Loading Your RV
For traveling safety, distribute cargo side-to-side so the
weight on each tire does not exceed one-half of the GAWR
for either axle.
It is important to secure the tie down straps (if so equipped)
on appliances or furniture. Free-standing furniture or over-
looked items on the counter top or range can become dan-
gerous projectiles during a sudden stop.
Store and secure all loose items inside the RV before travel-
ing. Check that all items such as canned goods, small appli-
ances, cooking pans, etc. are safely put away.
Weighing Your Tow Vehicle & RV
There are two important factors when loading your RV, total
weight and balance. It is imperative that you verify compli-
ance within all applicable weight ratings. Overloading your
RV will void the Limited Base Warranty and Limited Struc-
tural Warranty, and the warranties of many component part
manufacturers.
Have your RV weighed periodically at a public scale to deter-
mine the proper load distribution. Keep in mind that individual
scales will operate differently. The surroundings of the scale
need to be adequate to accommodate weighing each side of
your RV.
To weigh your tow vehicle and RV
Read through all the weighing instructions before you begin.
If you have further questions, consult with your dealer or the
scale operator. Your RV must be weighed fully loaded (that is
with food, clothing, fuel, water, propane, supplies, etc.).
1. Weigh the RV including the tongue weight, while de-
tached from the tow vehicle. This actual overall weight
must be less than or equal to the GVWR for safe op-
eration. If the overall weight is greater than the GVWR,
some contents must be removed until the actual overall
weight is less than or equal to GVWR.
DO NOT EXCEED YOUR
GVWR! This means you
should weigh your RV as
loaded for your normal
travel to determine the
actual weight. If you
exceed the GVWR, you
MUST remove items from
the RV, or drain liquids,
then re-weigh the RV to
ensure you have achieved
a safe weight. Do not
travel with full grey/black
holding tanks. This not only
wastes gas but, depending
upon the location of the
grey or black holding
tanks, can affect handling
characteristics.
Never load the RV in excess
of the GAWR for either axle.
Overloading the RV may
result in adverse handling
characteristics and
damage to the chassis.
Only store items in the
areas designated for
storage. Do not store
anything in the areas
reserved for the furnace,
water heater, converter, or
electrical panels, etc.
Total weight of your tow
vehicle and RV must not
exceed the GCWR. Do
not assume that you can
tow an RV that happens to
be within the capacity of
the tow vehicle hitch. By
doing so, you may exceed
the total GCWR of your
tow vehicle and RV towing
combination.
WARNING
WARNING
WARNING
WARNING