Monaco 2008 Knight Owner'S Manual Download

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2 0 0 8 K n I G h t

drIvInG & safety — 2

Pin to ball center should

not exceed 8". Ball mounts

of longer length will

significantly reduce the

weight rating of the hitch

receiver. Observe weight

reduction percentages
that may be listed on ball

mounts longer than 8".

Selecting how much rise or drop a ball mount

will need is relative to hitch receiver height and
height of the towed load with respect to the type
of towing equipment between the motorhome

and towed load.

Weight Distributing Hitches:

A weight distributing hitch uses spring bars of

spring steel to compensate for lack of adequate

rear suspension of the tow vehicle. This type

of hitch is generally used for towing heavier
loads as tongue weight and gross tow weight

increases. The spring bars attach to the hitch

head assembly and the trailer frame.

Hitch Ball:

The hitch ball is what the trailer attaches

to. A hitch ball is available in three common

diameters, 1-7/8", 2" and 2-5/16". The larger the

diameter of the hitch ball, the higher the weight

rating. The diameter of the hitch ball shank also

factors into weight rating. Match shank diameter

with the hole in the ball mount or weight

distributing head. Shank clearance should not

exceed 1/16". There should be at least two

additional threads extending past the nut when

the hitch ball is secure.

Safety Chains:

Safety chains are required by law when towing

any load. The chains and any fasteners used to

attach the chains to the hitch receiver must be

rated for the load being towed. Attach chains

so they crisscross under the towing equipment.

Allow just enough slack in the chains to make

sharp corners. Too much slack will allow the

chains to drag on the road surface. If towed load

should become uncoupled from the hitch ball,
the towing equipment will be cradled by the

safety chains. If the towed load does uncouple,

do not attempt to make a sudden stop and

exacerbate the situation. Apply the brakes with

gentle, steady pressure. Pull over to the side of

road at a safe location.

Tow Capacity and Class Ratings:

Several components may comprise a tow

hitch system. The weight rating of individual

components that are part of the towing system
must be greater than the gross weight of the

load being towed.

Components are classified into weight groups

to help define weight capacity of towing

equipment. Maximum tow capacity is limited

to the component with the lowest weight rating

in the tow hitch system. Example: a ball mount

may have a weight rating of 5,000 lbs. but the

hitch ball is rated 3,500 lbs. Maximum tow

capacity is reduced to 3,500 lbs. Many times

a component will have a Class weight rating.

These groups are shown in chart:

WARNING
Be sure the weight ratings of the ball
mount, tow ball and safety chains are
equal to or greater than the load. The
use of an extension to the receiver or
extended ball mount will significantly
reduce hitch receiver weight ratings.
Modifications to the hitch receiver, or
use of the hitch receiver other than
intended, can void the warranty of the
hitch receiver, chassis or both.

class I

class II

class III

class Iv

class v

weght

carryng

htch

TW - Up to
200 lbs.

WC TW - Up

to 350 lbs.

TW - Up to