Highland Ridge RV 2015, Owner'S Manual

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SECTION 3 - PRE-TRAVEL INFORMATION HIGHLAND RIDGE TOWABLE
3-6
T
RAVEL
T
RAILER
H
ITCH
(C
USTOMER
S
UPPLIED
)
Hitch selection is important because it affects the towing and handling
characteristics of your RV. There are many kinds of hitches available for various
uses and assuring that you have the correct hitch installed is critical to a safe
towing experience.
Ask your dealer about the proper class and type of hitch you need to purchase for
your individual tow vehicle/RV combination. A travel trailer requires a frame
mounted hitch.
The hitch manufacturer assigns a hitch class rating based on the capacity that
hitch has for towing and a weight classification.
The weight classification is determined from the hitch’s weight carrying capacity
(also known as the tongue weight on a travel trailer). Before selecting a hitch, you
must know your GVWR and tongue weight.
The rating of the hitch package purchased should be equal to or greater than
the RV’s GVWR and the hitch weight.
Equipment that sometimes gives autos, trucks and sport utility vehicles a softer
ride can accentuate swaying when pulling a RV; conversely, suspension that is too
stiff will increase vibration, bounce and accelerate wear of your tow vehicle and
RV combination.
Highland Ridge cannot be responsible for the suspension system of any tow
vehicle. There are a variety of tow vehicle suspension systems available
that will affect the ball height, stability and levelness of a hooked up RV.
Make sure your dealer is aware of the tow vehicle you are using so a compatible
hookup is achieved.
Travel trailer hitch weight
Maintain the proper tongue weight of the trailer. Stay within the target range of
10%-15% of the overall gross weight (travel trailer weight plus contents).
Travel trailer hitch height & hitch ball
To determine the hitch height for your model, make sure that
the trailer is level. When the loaded RV is hitched to the tow
vehicle, check the hitch ball height. This can be determined
by measuring the distance from the center of the hitch ball to
the ground. Record this number in the box for future
reference.
Adjust the equalizing bars of the hitch assembly so that the tow vehicle and the
trailer are essentially level. A high hitch will transfer weight behind the axles and
cause the vehicle to fishtail. A low hitch will transfer additional weight to the hitch.
Refer to the hitch manufacturer instructions to adjust the weight-distributing hitch
to the proper height.
This unit hitch
height is:
CAUTION
Using an oversized or undersized hitch can cause damage to the RV frame.
Highland Ridge cannot be responsible for the tow vehicle suspension system.
The final ball height after the tow vehicle/travel trailer combination is
completely hooked up is a factor that must be considered. To avoid
overloading your
trailer axles and minimize possible handling difficulties, your
trailer should be level when hooked to your tow vehicle. Do not overload your
tow vehicle.