Pacific Coachworks Econ, Owner'S Manual

Page: 20 / 36

18
SECTION II
TOWING & LOADING
Your towing equipment, its adjustments and how you
load your trailer will have a large impact on your trailer
towing stability and handling. The following guidelines
will help you select, adjust and operate your equipment
in a manner that will help produce acceptable towing
characteristics. You should also check the specific
requirements in the states and provinces where you will
be traveling.
Tow Vehicle Selection
The tow vehicle must have sufficient power and
equipment and be rated by its manufacturer to handle
the total combined weight of itself and the trailer and to
carry the tongue weight of the trailer under fully loaded
conditions.
The tow vehicle manufacturer has rated the tow vehicle
for Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) - each axle
(this rating is for a specific wheel/tire combination),
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), Gross
Combination Weight Rating (GCWR), maximum trailer
weight and maximum bumper to hitch weight. These
maximum weight limits are listed on the tow vehicle
certification label located either on the driver's door
post or inside the glove compartment door and/or in the
tow vehicle Owner's Manual.
Pacific Coachworks recommends you refer to your
tow-vehicle manufacturer for tow vehicle ratings and
capacities to determine safe towing guidelines. Consult
your tow vehicle dealer to make sure your tow vehicle
is equipped with the proper towing package to handle
the trailer you have selected;
Hitch Selection
Pacific Coachworks recommends you consult your
dealer or trailer supply store to select the correct hitch
that will properly match your travel trailer to your tow
vehicle.
The installation must follow the tow vehicle and hitch
manufacturer's installation instructions. For your own
safety and comfort
Pacific Coachworks recommends
having your hitch, cord connector receptacle, sway con-
trol, mirrors, and brake controller installed and adjusted
by a competent installer. Have them instruct you on the
proper operation of all hitch related connections and any
required safety devices, for both hitching and
unhitching.
Conventional hitch trailers.
Use a weight distributing (or
load equalizing) hitch rated not less than the trailer
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). The hitch must
be equipped with a 2-5/16" diameter ball. The ball
should be installed as close as practical to the rear
bumper. In addition, it may be desirable to attach a
sway control system along with the load equalizing
hitch. This device helps reduce side sway in heavy
winds or when passing or being passed by a large truck.
When being towed, the trailer should be as level as
possible. The examples shown in the illustrations
demonstrate the essential difference in using a "weight
carrying" versus a "weight distributing" hitch. The top
drawing shows the individual weights of the trailer and
tow vehicle. The middle drawing shows what happens
when a "weight carrying" hitch is used. The
combination vehicle has a distinct sag at the hitch
point. The bottom drawing shows a "weight distrib-
uting" hitch in action. Both the trailer and tow vehicle
weights are only slightly changed.