17
On the Road
HITCH RECEIVERS
If your RV is factory equipped with a hitch receiver attached to the rear, whether it is a cargo carrying
hitch or an actual tow rated hitch, you will need to account for any loading that you may add as cargo
weight. There are two factory installed hitch types offered as follows:
1.
A 2"
Cargo Carrying Only
receiver which is designed for bike racks, cargo racks, and many
different accessory attachments. This receiver has a
Maximum Load Rating of 250 LBS.
and
should never be used to tow anything behind your RV.
2.
A 2"
Tow Rated
(mid-profile fifth-wheel models only)
receiver which is designed for towing
small boats, four-wheelers, motorcycles, and light weight trailers as well as bike and cargo racks.
A wiring harness connection has been provided for connecting taillights however it intentionally
does not include circuits for braking, back-up lighting, or charge line. This receiver has a
Maximum Load Rating of 300 LBS. Tongue Weight and 3000 LBS. Maximum Trailer Weight
(300/3000 LBS).
If equipped with the tow rated receiver, never use a hitch bar longer than 10"
(254 mm). The maximum length of the hitch bar is measured from the center of the fastening pin
to the center of the ball. Do not use weight distribution bars or equipment with this receiver on
the second trailer. Check the state or province where your tow vehicle and RV are registered as
well as any state or province where travel is planned in the U.S. and/or Canada for braking
requirements and towing regulations.
DISTRIBUTING YOUR LOAD
Using the information located on the Manufacturer Certification Label located at the driver side front of
your RV, you must compare the GVWR with the actual loaded weight of your RV. If the loaded weight
of your RV exceeds the GVWR, your RV is overloaded, and as such, you will need to remove items to
bring the weight below the GVWR. Follow the method outlined here to determine the weight
distribution of your RV. When weighing your RV or tow vehicle always use a platform scale such as
those used by trucking companies or highway weigh scales. The weigh station attendant can guide you
through the correct positioning of the RV and tow vehicle onto the scales.
If you do not have an Outdoors RV factory installed hitch receiver,
towing items behind your RV or overloading the rear may void
warranty and may result in damage to the tow vehicle and/or RV or
add-on items, towing difficulties, property damage and/or personal
injury.
The Tow Rated receiver (if equipped) on your RV is a weight
carrying hitch only. Do not use weight distribution bars or
equipment when towing. Use of this equipment with the hitch
receiver may void warranty and may cause damage that could lead to
adverse towing and handling, loss of control, or an accident
resulting in death or serious injury.
