Heartland 2014 Bighorn, Owner'S Manual

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25 Home is where your heart is...
Safety Breakaway Switch
Attach the safety breakaway tether to the truck body.
DO NOT attach the cable to the plate handle, hitch
plate base or plate mounting brackets. Adjust the
cable so both vehicles may turn freely without pulling
the pin from the switch. Lubricate the breakaway pin
periodically to ensure good operation. Make sure the
pin is securely in place each time before using the
trailer. The tow vehicle battery will supply power
for the safety breakaway switch pin if a separation
occurs. However, if the pigtail also disconnects,
the vehicles brakes will not engage unless an RV
battery is installed in the vehicle and is charged.
NOTICE
DO NOT USE THE BREAKAWAY SWITCH AS A PARKING BRAKE, AS IT
IS INTENDED FOR EMERGENCY USE ONLY AND SUCH USE WILL DRAIN
YOUR RV BATTERY.
Ride Height of Vehicle – Clearance
When the vehicle is connected to the tow vehicle, check
the ground clearance and front to rear pitch of the
vehicle. If the front of the unit is too high, weight will be
transferred behind the axles, causing the unit to fishtail
and the rear axle tires to prematurely wear. If the front of
the unit is too low, additional weight will be transferred to
the truck. To achieve proper ride height, adjust the pin
box by removing the bolts on each side and raising or
lowering the box until the proper holes are aligned, then
reinsert and tighten the bolts.
Retighten the pin box
bolts every 50 miles for the first 500 miles and prior
to every trip thereafter.
WARNING
NEVER OVERLOAD YOUR 5TH WHEEL. DO NOT EXCEED THE RATED
LOAD OF THE RV OR THE RATED LOAD OF ANY AXLE! OVERLOADING
CAN CAUSE LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE UNIT, WHICH CAN RESULT IN
SEVERE PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH. OVERLOADING CAN ALSO
CAUSE PROPERTY DAMAGE TO THE UNIT, ITS CONTENTS AND THE TOW
VEHICLE.
Dangers of Overloading
During the design and development of our vehicles, the
number and size of storage compartments and the liquid
tank capacities are maximized for value and convenience.
However, be mindful that if all holding tanks are
filled to capacity, and all storage compartments
and cupboards are filled to the maximum volume,
the vehicle could be overloaded causing an unsafe
condition. Refer to the manufacturer’s labels posted
inside and outside of the unit for weight information.
NOTICE
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD THE ENGINE OF YOUR TOW
VEHICLE BE ALLOWED TO “LUG” OR PULL HARD FOR EXTENDED
PERIODS OF TIME. SUCH MISUSE CAN CAUSE ENGINE FAILURE.
In addition to causing premature wear, overloading
can cause problems in the area of handling
characteristics. An overloaded vehicle will take
longer (time and distance) to stop in an emergency.
Overloading can also cause added wear to
components such as tires and wheel bearings.
Overloading can also cause overheating of the tow
vehicle in some instances.
To avoid overloading, you must be aware of your vehicle
weight situation at all times. Know where you stand
when it comes to GVWR, GAWR and your current GVW
AND UVW. The following is a key to understanding
these terms:
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) : is the
maximum permissible weight of this trailer when fully
loaded. It includes all weight at the trailer axle(s) and
tongue or pin.
Unloaded Vehicle Weight (UVW) : is the weight of
this trailer as manufactured at the factory. It includes
all weight at the trailer axle(s) and tongue or pin. If
applicable it also includes full generator fluids, including
fuel, engine oil and coolants.
Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC) : is equal to the
GVWR minus each of the following: UVW, full fresh
(potable) water weight (including water heater), and full
LP-gas weight.
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) : is the value
specified as the load carrying capacity of a single axle
system, as measured at the tire-ground interfaces.
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
: is the weight of the
coach with all the items and supplies that are loaded into
the unit at any point in time.