Jayco Recon ZX 2011, Owner'S Manual

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SECTION 3
PRE-TRAVEL INFORMATION
Fig 3.4 Trailer Weight Information label
You may question the total weight capacity of
the tires on your RV being less than the
GVWR; this is correct. In order to calculate
the actual weight on the RV tires, it is
necessary to include the tongue weight. The
tongue weight is actually being carried by
your tow vehicle, not the RV tires.
For example: If the tires are rated at
2,000 lbs. each x 4 tires = 8,000 lbs.
and the RV has a GVWR of 9,000 lbs.
with a tongue weight of 1,200 lbs. The
actual weight on the RV tires is 7,800
lbs. which is within the weight rating of
the tires.
If you have further questions, please contact
your dealer or Jayco Customer Service.
F
IFTH
W
HEEL
H
ITCH
(C
USTOMER
S
UPPLIED
)
Hitch selection is important because it affects
the towing and handling characteristics of
your RV. There are many kinds of hitches
available for various uses and assuring that
you have the correct hitch installed is critical
to a safe towing experience.
Ask your dealer about the proper class and
type of hitch you need to purchase for your
individual tow vehicle/RV combination (a fifth
wheel requires a pin box hitch bolted directly
to the floor of the truck box through the
frame). Jayco fifth wheels have a factory-
installed standard pin box that is not
interchangeable).
The hitch manufacturer assigns a hitch class
rating based on the capacity that hitch has for
towing and a weight classification. The weight
classification is determined from the hitch’s
weight carrying capacity (also known as the
pin box weight on a fifth wheel).
Before selecting a hitch, you must know your
GVWR and pin box rating. Maintain the
proper pin box weight; fifth wheels typically
maintain 25% of their overall gross weight
(trailer weight and contents) on the hitch.
Equipment that sometimes gives autos, trucks
and sport utility vehicles a softer ride can
accentuate swaying when pulling a RV;
conversely, suspension that is too stiff will
increase vibration, bounce and accelerate
wear of your tow vehicle and trailer. Educate
yourself to protect you, your family and other
motorists.
The rating of the hitch package purchased
should be equal to or greater than the RV’s
GVWR and the hitch weight (or pin box
rating).
Pin Box Height
Adjust the hitch assembly so that the tow
vehicle and the trailer are essentially level. A
high hitch will transfer weight behind the axles
and cause the vehicle to fishtail. A low hitch
will transfer additional weight to the hitch.
Refer to the hitch manufacturer instructions to
adjust the weight-distributing hitch to the
proper height. If you have additional
questions, consult with your dealer.
Jayco cannot be responsible for the
suspension system of any tow vehicle. There
are a variety of tow vehicle suspension
systems available that will affect the ball
height, stability and levelness of a hooked up
Using an oversized or undersized hitch
can cause damage to the RV frame. Jayco
cannot be responsible for the tow vehicle
suspension system. The final ball height
after the tow vehicle/travel trailer
combination is completely hooked up is a
factor that must be considered. To avoid
overloading your trailer axles and minimize
possible handling difficulties, your trailer
should be level when hooked to your tow
vehicle. Do not overload your tow vehicle.
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