Holiday Trip 2012, Owner'S Manual

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17
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2012 Trip
Ball Mount:
Ball mounts come in
various configurations
and weight limitations.
There are three things to
consider when selecting
a ball mount: weight
rating, pin to ball center
length and rise/drop. The
weight rating of the ball
mount, tongue weight and
tow weight must meet
or exceed the total load
weight.
Pin to ball center should
not exceed 8". Ball mounts
of longer length will
significantly reduce the
weight rating of the hitch
receiver. Observe weight
reduction percentages
that may be listed on ball
mounts longer than 8". Selecting how much
rise or drop a ball mount will need is relative
to hitch receiver height and height of the
towed load with respect to the type of towing
equipment between the motorhome and towed
load.
Weight Distributing Hitches:
A weight distributing hitch uses spring
bars of spring steel to compensate for lack of
adequate rear suspension of the tow vehicle.
This type of hitch is generally used for towing
heavier loads as tongue weight and gross tow
weight increases. The spring bars attach to the
hitch head assembly and the trailer frame.
Hitch Ball:
The hitch ball is what the trailer attaches
to. A hitch ball is available in three common
diameters, 1-7/8", 2" and 2-5/16". The larger
the diameter of the hitch ball, the higher the
weight rating. The diameter of the hitch ball
shank also factors into weight rating. Match
shank diameter with the hole in the ball mount
or weight distributing head. Shank clearance
should not exceed 1/16". There should be at
least two additional threads extending past the
nut when the hitch ball is secure.
Safety Chains:
Safety chains are required by law when
towing any load. The chains and any fasteners
used to attach the chains to the hitch receiver
must be rated for the load being towed. Attach
chains so they crisscross under the towing
equipment. Allow just enough slack in the
chains to make sharp corners. Too much
slack will allow the chains to drag on the
road surface. If towed load should become
uncoupled from the hitch ball, the towing
equipment will be cradled by the safety chains.
If the towed load does uncouple, do not
attempt to make a sudden stop and exacerbate
the situation. Apply the brakes with gentle,
steady pressure. Pull over to the side of road at
a safe location.
Tow Capacity and Class Ratings:
Several components may comprise a tow
hitch system. The weight rating of individual
components that are part of the towing system
must be greater than the gross weight of the
load being towed.
Components are classified into weight
groups to help define weight capacity of
towing equipment. Maximum tow capacity
is limited to the component with the lowest
weight rating in the tow hitch system.
Example: a ball mount may have a weight
rating of 5,000 lbs., but the hitch ball is rated
3,500 lbs. Maximum tow capacity is reduced
to 3,500 lbs. Many times a component will
have a Class weight rating. These groups are
shown in chart:
WARNING:
Be sure the weight ratings of the ball
mount, tow ball and safety chains
are equal to or greater than the load.
Use of an extension to the receiver or
extended ball mount will significantly
reduce hitch receiver weight ratings.
Modifications to the hitch receiver, or
use of the hitch receiver other than
intended, can void the warranty of the
hitch receiver, chassis or both.
Distance from the
top of the shank to
the top of the hitch
ball platform.
020314
Distance from the
center of the hitch
ball hole to the center
of the pin hole.
Distance from the
shank to the top of
the hitch ball platform.
cLass i cLass ii cLass iii cLass iV cLass V
Weght
carryng
htch
TW - Up to 200 lbs. WC TW - Up to
350 lbs.
TW - Up to 500 lbs. TW - Up to 750 lbs. TW - Up to 1,200
lbs.
GTW - Up to 2,000
lbs.
WC GTW - Up to
3,500 lbs.
GTW - Up to 5,000
lbs.
GTW - Up to 7,500
lbs.
GTW - Up to
12,000 lbs.
Weght
dstrbutng
htch
--- --- ---
TW - Up to 1,200
lbs.
TW - Up to 1,400
lbs.
--- --- ---
GTW - Up to
12,000 lbs.
GTW - Up to
14,000 lbs.
GtW = Gross Trailer Weight. Weight of trailer fully loaded.
tW = Tongue Weight. Weight pushing down on Tow Ball.
Wc = Weight Carrying. Weight carrying capacity of the Ball Mount.
Wd = Weight Distributing. Weight carrying capacity of a weight distributing hitch.
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