Holiday Savoy LX 2006, Manual

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Savoy SL & LX 5th Wheel & Travel Trailer 2006 Driving & Safety — Section 2 • 21
Types of Hitches
Weight-Carrying Hitch:
The tow vehicle rear axles and tires, with a weight carrying hitch, must carry all trailer tongue weight. With
heavier trailers this causes the vehicle to lower itself over the rear axle, causing a weight shift from the front
wheels. This weight reduction causes front wheel camber to change and affects braking and steering performance.
Weight-Distributing Hitch:
Weight distributing hitches use special equipment to distribute the tongue load to all axles of the tow vehicle
and trailer to help stabilize the tow vehicle.The hitch is part of the towing vehicle connecting mechanism
including the ball support platform and ball. The hitch should meet the SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers)
standards and be determined by the gross weight (including the load) of the trailer. It distributes the trailer tongue
weight to both the front and rear wheels of the tow vehicle. By adjusting the chain links, spring and torsion bar,
the tow vehicle and trailer are made to ride in the correct position.
Information for mandatory hitch classification and hitch ball diameter required for properly towing a trailer is
permanently marked on the trailer coupler. The dealer should check hitch ball height. Improper height may cause
sway or other undesirable towing characteristics. Ask the dealer for assistance.
Safety Chains
Safety Chains are on the trailer to provide added insurance that the trailer will not detach from the tow vehicle
when under way. It is highly recommended that the chains be crisscrossed under the trailer tongue. Attach the
chain on the left side of the trailer tongue to the hole or ring on the right side of the hitch ball. Attach the chain
on the right side of the trailer tongue to the hole or ring on the left side of the hitch ball. This prevents the tongue
from dropping to the road if the trailer coupler separates from the hitch ball. Rig the chains with just enough slack
to permit tight turns.
Connecting the Hitch
Hitching the Trailer:
• Inspect all hitch related hardware for tightness and damage.
• Back the tow vehicle as close as possible to the trailer.
• Release the coupler-locking device.
• Raise the trailer jack until the tongue socket clears the vehicle hitch ball.
• Back up the tow vehicle so that the hitch ball is directly under the trailer tongue socket.
• Lower the coupler until it is seated on the hitch ball.
• Check under the coupling to ensure the ball clamp is below the ball and not riding on top.
• Latch the coupler to the hitch ball. Ensure it is locked in place by lifting up the trailer tongue.
• Raise the jack completely.
• Store the foot.
NOTE:
If using a weight-distributing hitch with spring bars, follow the above procedures, then
attach spring bar chain to trailer and tighten until the trailer and tow vehicle are level.