Jayco Melbourne 2011, Owner'S Manual

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SECTION 3
PRE-TRAVEL INFORMATION
3. SINGLE AXLE - This scale weighs one
axle at a time.
a. Drive your front axle onto the scale
and stop long enough for the weight to
be recorded.
b. Pull vehicle forward until the rear axle
is on the scale.
c. To obtain the gross vehicle weight,
add the two axle loads together.
d. To obtain the individual wheel position
weights, repeat this process with only
one side of the recreation vehicle on
the scale.
Even though the weight of the total axle may
be within the axle's rating, it may be
overloaded on one side. This causes one
wheel position to be overloaded. Therefore,
side-to-side weighing should also be done.
To determine the wheel position weights
a. To determine individual wheel position
weights, it is necessary to repeat the
previous three steps (1a, 1b, and 1c), but
this time, use only one side of the scale.
b. To calculate the opposite side of the
vehicle wheel position weight, subtract
this side's weights from the weights
recorded in steps 1a, 1b, and 1c.
Your recreation vehicle 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.
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 GAWR. It is important
to redistribute the load to avoid component
failure, improve the handling characteristics of
the motorhome and not void the
Motorized
Limited Warranty .
With these actual weights, it is now possible
to compare them against the Motorhome
Weight Information label weight ratings to
ensure you are below the posted minimum
ratings.
F
IRST
S
HORT
T
RIP
After familiarizing yourself with the RV,
including going through test runs on the
systems and having the RV weighed, it is time
to take one or two short trips. The experience
gained can be priceless.
We recommend an overnight stay at a nearby
campground. That way it is more convenient if
you need to go back to get an item you forgot
or didn't know you would need. Otherwise,
you may end up spending time or money
needlessly by bringing along unused items
that take up space or trying to locate and
purchase items you hadn't counted on
needing prior to leaving your home on an
extended trip in unfamiliar territory.
Not all RVers will need the same equipment
or supplies. For example, individual needs
and personal tastes differ, as does the
various climates and terrains you will be
traveling through with your RV.
Remember if most of your trips are planned
for the summer and your shake down trip is
made during some other season, there will be
adjustments that you will need to take into
consideration.
Be sure to have a pen and notebook available
to write down items that you feel may be
needed in future travels, as well as noting the
equipment you feel you need to become more
comfortable using or learning how to operate
safely.
RV Departure Checklist
Following is a preliminary list of items that
need to be checked on your RV before
leaving your home or campsite. As you camp,
you may want to develop your own list
tailored to your individual camping style in
addition to the checklist provided:
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