THOR CLASS A, Owner'S Manual

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W E I G H I N G , L O A D I N G , A N D T O W I N G
C U S T O M E R C A R E | 8 7 7 . 8 5 5 . 2 8 6 7
42
6
• Springs and suspension
components
• Shock absorbers
• Brakes
• Tires
• Steering components
• If any of the corner weight measurements exceed half
of the listed GAWR or tire ratings, redistribute or
remove a portion of the cargo until the weight is with-
in the proper limits for all four corners of the vehicle.
• Periodically check and adjust your motorhome's
cargo weight to obtain optimum mileage from your
tires and to optimize vehicle handling. Inflate ties as
recommended on the Federal Weight Label affixed to
your motorhome.
NOTE: At approximately 8 pounds per gallon, wa-
ter can add a considerable amount of weight to your
motorhome. Additional cargo carrying capacity for
other items can be obtained by reducing the amount
of fresh and waste water carried while traveling.
However, to prevent the build-up of sludge, keep a
few gallons of water in the black tank.
Weight Distribution
Improper weight distribution, or too much weight on
your motorhome’s suspension system, can cause failure or
damage to:
An overloaded motorhome is hard to drive and hard to stop.
In cases of serious overloading, brakes can fail completely,
particularly on steep hills. Proper weight distribution also
affects tire performance. The load a tire will safely carry is a
combination of its size, its construction, its load range, and
corresponding inflation pressure.
Loading the Motorhome
Always consider proper vehicle loading when preparing
for travel. By not overloading the motorhome and keeping
the weight balanced side-to-side and as close to the axles
as possible, the drivability and safe handling of the vehicle
will be maximized.
• Store and secure all loose items inside the motorhome
before traveling. Overlooked items such as canned
goods, or small appliances on the countertop, cooking
pans on the range or free-standing furniture items can
become dangerous projectiles during a sudden stop.
• Distribute cargo side-to-side so the weight on each
tire does not exceed one-half of the GAWR for either
axle. For traveling safety, it is important to make sure
any tie-down straps (if equipped) on appliances or
furniture are secured.
• Give careful attention to where and what type of
flammable materials you store and transport. Certain
storage areas are clearly labeled DO NOT STORE
COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS. Examples of poten-
tial spark producing areas are: base kitchen cabinets,
front dinette base, exterior refrigerator service com-
partment, as well as refrigerator cabinet. Be sure all
canisters are secure and leak free.
• When traveling, keep the quantity of fresh, gray, and
black water within the storage tanks to a minimum.
This reduces the total weight of the motorhome, there-
fore increasing available carrying weight for other
items (refer to Occupant Cargo Carrying Capacity
(OCCC) of the motorhome).