Jayco Qwest, Owner'S Manual, Page: 19 / 86

11
Begin your camping experiences by using a tow vehicle that will adequately transport
your camper to and from your destinations. You must use the Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR) factor as a measuring tool to cross match the capability of your selected
tow vehicle. Ford, Chrysler-Daimler and Chevrolet provide trailer towing guides for their
products, as do most auto and truck manufacturers. Ask your local automotive dealer for
a copy or contact the factory’s customer assistance for information. Most tow vehicles
have towing packages available as an option and these should be given serious consider-
ation. The condition of the suspension system in your tow vehicle is also important and
will affect your trailer’s handling. Become familiar with and understand how to properly
distribute loads in your trailer and tow vehicle and never overload either unit. Make sure
your tow vehicle is in good mechanical condition and maintenance is up to date. When
you tow a RV, you must drive differently than you do when driving a single vehicle.
Practice hooking up, driving, backing up and braking in a safe environment (with vehicles
fully loaded as if for normal travel, if possible) or seek out professional instruction. Obey
all posted speed limits. Be prepared to drive slower and if you must pass, do so with the
utmost care, particularly in strong winds. When being passed by or when passing semi-
trailers or large buses, be prepared for displaced air, as it can be severe enough to cause
trailer sway. Understand how trailer brakes, tow vehicle brakes, acceleration can affect
your control of the trailer when you experience trailer sway as well as proper hitches and
sway controls.
There are many excellent publications about traveling with a RV. We strongly recom-
mend you make use of available resources at your local library, the Internet or bookstore.
Hitches
After choosing your tow vehicle, it is very important to install a hitch system with
weight distributing bars to accommodate your camping trailer. This weight selection and
installation should be performed by a professional hitch service which may or may not be
your selling dealer.
Class II or III hitches are suggested. With the Class III, 350# (160 kilograms) equalizing
bars can be used if installed correctly with the surge brakes. The very equipment which
sometimes gives autos, trucks and sport utility vehicles a softer ride can accentuate
swaying when pulling a trailer. Conversely, too stiff a suspension can increase vibration,
bounce and accelerate wear of your tow vehicle and camping trailer. It is important that
your camping trailer be level when hitched to your tow vehicle. Educate yourself to
protect you, your family and other motorists. An anti-sway device may be needed with
some tow vehicle/camping trailer combinations. Short wheel bases on tow vehicles can
contribute to sway.
CAUTIONS:
• Using an oversized or undersized hitch can cause damage to the frame of your
folding camping trailer.
• Jayco, Inc. cannot be responsible for the suspension system of the tow vehicle.
The final ball height after the camping trailer is completely hooked up is a factor
to be considered when towing a camping trailer. To avoid overloading your RV axles
and minimize possible handling difficulties, your RV should tow level when hooked
to your tow vehicle.
• Do not overload your tow vehicle.