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12
The Hitching Procedure – Conventional Travel Trailer
Hooking up a conventional travel trailer is not difficult and will become easier with
practice. The following procedure will help you until you become more experienced.
1. Block the wheels.
2. Turn the jack crank to raise the travel trailer tongue above the hitch ball.
3. Open the coupler latch on the travel trailer hitch.
4. Back the tow vehicle into the proper position.
5. Turn the jack crank to lower the coupler onto the hitch ball.
6. Close the coupler latch after it is completely seated.
7. Install the weight distributing bars (equalizers) as per recommendations from the
hitch supplier, when required.
8. Remove the dolly wheel or platform and retract the tongue jack to its maximum
height.
9. Attach the breakaway switch cable to the tow vehicle.
10. Attach the safety chains as shown in Figure 3-1.
11. Plug in your 12-volt DC electrical connector from the tow vehicle to travel trailer.
12. The following items must be inspected prior to your journey:
• All lights must be in working order.
• The stabilizer jacks must be in the retracted position.
• The entrance steps must be in the retracted position.
• The refrigerator door should be closed and locked.
• All loose items must be secured.
• The brakes must be tested for operation prior to entering roadway.
• The tire pressure must be checked and maintained per the tire pressure stamped on
the tire sidewall.
This unit
hitch height is:
Hitches – Conventional Travel Trailer
After choosing your tow vehicle, it is very important to install a hitch system with weight
distributing bars to accommodate your travel trailer. The selection and installation should
be performed by a professional hitch service which may or may not be your selling
dealer.
A Class IV weight distribution hitch package is suggested. The rating of the hitch
package should be equal to or greater than the trailer’s GVWR and the hitch weight. The
very equipment that sometimes gives autos, trucks and sport utility vehicles a softer ride
can accentuate swaying when pulling a travel trailer. Conversely, suspension that is too
stiff will increase vibration, bounce and accelerate wear of your tow vehicle and travel
trailer. It is important that your travel trailer be level when hitched to your tow vehicle.
Educate yourself to protect you, your family and other motorists.
1
WARNING:
We recommend the use of a sway control device for
all tow vehicle/trailer combinations.
1
CAUTIONS:
• Using an oversized or undersized hitch can cause damage to the frame of your
travel trailer.
• Jayco, Inc. cannot be responsible for the suspension system of the tow vehicle. The
final ball height after the travel trailer is completely hooked up is a factor to be
considered when towing a travel trailer. To avoid overloading your travel trailer
axles and minimize possible handling difficulties, your travel trailer should be level
when hooked to your tow vehicle.
• Do not overload your tow vehicle.
Hitch Height Specifications - Conventional Travel Trailer
To determine the hitch height for your model, make sure that
the travel trailer is level. Measure from inside the hitch coupler
to the ground. Record this number in the box at the side for
future reference. If you have additional questions, consult with
your Independant Jayco Dealer.
Jayco, Inc. cannot be responsible for the suspension system of
any tow vehicle. There are a variety of suspention systems
available on tow vehicles today which will affect the ball height, stability and levelness of
the RV when hooked to the vehicle. Make certain your dealer is aware of the type of tow
vehicle that will be used so a compatible hookup can be acheived.
Summary of Contents for Conventional Travel Trailer 2003
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