10
On the Road
OPERATOR LICENSING REQUIREMENTS
States, Canadian provinces and municipalities may require special permits and licenses based on the size
and weight of your RV especially if it is over eight feet wide.
Some states or Canadian provinces may require additional equipment for the tow vehicle such as side
and rear-view mirrors. Inquire at your local motor vehicle administration to find out what requirements
affect you. If you plan to travel in another state or Canadian province don't forget to check its
requirements also. For example, surge brakes may not be legal in some jurisdictions. In addition to
licenses and permits there may be weight, height, and width limits for using certain roads, bridges, and
tunnels. Also be aware of restrictions regarding the transport of propane and other volatile gases or fuels
in tunnels. And don't forget to contact your insurance company to make sure you have the proper
coverage.
HITCHING UP
The hitch, spring bars, sway control, safety chains, and breakaway switch are all important safety
devices that protect your investment as well as other people's lives and property. As an RV owner it is
your responsibility to be familiar with these devices and their proper use. Make sure you read and
understand the instructions furnished by the manufacturers of each of these devices. Hitching up your
RV will become routine with experience. Make it a habit to examine all hitch components before
hitching your RV. Always inspect the condition of wiring and connectors for damage and function. Test
breakaway switch to verify that the RV brakes do indeed lock up in the event of a disconnected hitch
while traveling. Remember that the breakaway switch emergency braking feature requires a fully
charged battery on the RV. This important safety item is required in most states.
Check for cracked or bent hitch components, cracked welds, and deformed or stripped bolts. Be sure the
hitch ball is tight and well lubricated. Check the tongue for cracks especially at the front cross member.
Be sure the coupler locking device works freely. Inspect the safety chains. If you have a fifth wheel
model check all truck mounted hitch components. Be sure the king pin locking device works properly.
Inspect the pin-box and king pin assembly. Periodically check pin-box mounting bolt torque. Be sure
that all moving parts of the hitch are well lubricated. If you find defects in any hitch component correct
it before towing the RV.
Before attempting to hitch up your RV read the instructions provided by the hitch manufacturer. The
following instructions are usable in most cases. If the instructions provided with your hitch are different
than the instructions below, follow the hitch manufacturer's instruction. Hitching up should be a two-
person job. One person should drive the truck and the second person should act as the spotter to assist
the driver when maneuvering the truck into position. The RV should be on flat ground when stored.
When hitching up it is recommended that a set of tire chocks be used on at least one tire (One chock in
front of the tire and one behind the tire). This will help reduce any unintentional movement of the RV.
It is highly recommended that tire chocks be placed in front and rear
of at least one tire to help prevent any unintentional movement.
