Jayco Conventional Travel Trailer 2003, Owner'S Manual

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Weighing Instructions
To properly weigh your recreation vehicle, it should first be weighed, including the
tongue weight, while detached from the tow vehicle. This actual overall weight must be
less than or equal to the GVWR for safe operation. If the overall weight is greater than
the GVWR, some contents must be removed until maximum GVWR limitations are
achieved. Once the actual overall weight is determined and the recreation vehicle is
within GVWR limits, the following weights should be determined:
1. The weight of complete recreation vehicle, while attached, but excluding the tow
vehicle. This will result in the actual weight which is exerted on all of the recreation
vehicle tires. This weight may be subtracted from the overall recreation vehicle
weight (above) to determine actual “tongue” weight.
2. With the recreation vehicle still attached to the tow vehicle, each wheel position
should then be weighed separately to be sure each tire is not overloaded.
To determine the wheel position weight:
• Pull the recreation vehicle onto the scale so that only one tire is on the scale.
Record the weight. Your trailer must remain as level as possible on the scale
(even though an axle or side is not physically on the scale). Obviously, to obtain
the side-to-side weights, there must be enough space on either side of the scale to
accommodate the recreation vehicle being partially off the scale.
• To calculate the opposite side of the vehicle wheel position weight, subtract the
first side’s weight from the weight determined in step #1.
If there is a difference in the weights on one side of the vehicle as compared to weights
on the other side, components (tires, wheels, brakes, springs, etc.) on the heavier side
could be overloaded, even though the total axle load is within the GVWR. It is important
to redistribute the load to avoid component failure, as well as to improve the handling
characteristics of the vehicle.
Tires
The tires on all Jayco travel trailers are designed and built for recreational use. Tires are
radial in design, having two steel cords and two polyester cords, offering excellent
strength and mileage in all kinds of weather, when used as designed. See brochure in
owner’s packet.
NOTE: Tires are warranted by the tire manufacturer and are to be serviced and
warranted by a service center. They are not to be returned to the dealer or
travel trailer manufacturer.
The air pressure must be kept at its suggested pressure because the weight capacity is
related to tire pressure. Always check the tires when they are cold; such as before
traveling at the beginning of the day. It is normal for air pressure to increase when
traveling as tires will heat up.
DO NOT release air pressure as tires become hot. If you
do, the tires will then be under-inflated when they cool down.
Examine your tires frequently for unusual wear. Alignment, balance and bearing wear
will effect tire wear.
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WARNING: It is recommended that the tire pressure be checked at the
beginning of each journey to obtain the maximum life of the tires.
Follow the instructions of the tire manufactuer to determine the correct tire
pressure. Underinflation may cause tire failure or swaying and loss of control,
resulting in injury, death or property damage.
Inflation: Always follow inflation guidelines printed on sidewall of tire.
Loading Cargo
Packing equipment requires serious consideration. All cargo should be distributed evenly
with the heaviest items stored in the lower cabinets. Heavy items must be secured to
prevent weight shifts during travel. Additional weight should be added to either side of
the trailer, or behind or in front of the axle in an even manner so the balance and hitch
weight of the trailer are maintained.
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CAUTION: DO NOT overload your travel trailer. Do not exceed the GVWR
of your Jayco travel trailer.
When loading is completed, it is strongly suggested that you drive to a large scale and
have your travel trailer weighed. If you are over loaded, it is advisable that you remove
some of your cargo or liquids.
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WARNING: The rear square tubular bumper on the frame of
conventional travel trailers and fifth-wheel travel trailers is not
designed to carry over 100 pounds (45 kilograms). Never add items such as
bike racks, generators, motorcycle racks, heavy tool boxes, etc. to this bumper.
Installation of items exceeding 100 pounds (45 kilograms) will cause metal
fatigue, weld stress and damage your bumper.
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WARNING: DO NOT tow a trailer behind your travel trailer. Your
trailer frame and bumper are NOT designed to tow another trailer. If
your unit is equipped wiht a frame mounted bike rack receiver, this receiver
must never be used for towing anything behind the travel trailer. Towing a
trailer behind your Jayco trailer or overloading the rear may result in damage
to your trailer or to the added items, or cause towing difficulties, resulting in
property damage or personal injury.
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CAUTION: Damage from add-on equipment or improper loading is not
covered by your Jayco Limited Warranty.
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WARNING: We recommend that you DO NOT travel with waste in
your holding tanks. The weight of holding tank contents are not calcu-
lated into the cargo carrying capacity of the unit and the extra weight will
greatly diminish the cargo weight available to you, possibly causing you to
exceed the gross vehicle weight rating of the unit. This can damage suspension
components, such as springs, tires and axles. If your model has the holding
tanks located behind the axles, the weight of a full tank will reduce the hitch
weight. Sway and other handling difficulties can be the result of the hitch
weight being too light. If you are dry camping and cannot immediately empty
the tanks, use caution when towing and maintain lower speeds for better
control of the trailer until you reach a dumping station. Towing your trailer
with one or more full or nearly full tanks, together with cargo you have added,
may exceed the GVWR of your trailer, causing towing difficulties and result-
ing in property damage or personal injury.
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WARNING: If your unit is equipped with a roof ladder, do not attach
items to it while traveling. The ladder has a weight limit of 350# when
using it to access the top of the unit. Do not exceed this limit.