SECTION 4
TRAVELING WITH YOUR MOTOR HOME
4-4
carrying 350 lbs. (max.) on the hitch ball. How-
ever, your coach’s towing and hitch ball capacity
may be less due to the coach’s loaded weight and/
or the towed vehicle’s weight and hitch ball
weight. The combined weight of the coach and
the towed vehicle should not exceed the coach’s
Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR). Also,
the combined weight of the coach and the towed
vehicle’s hitch ball weight should not exceed the
coach’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
or its rear Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
listed on the Vehicle Certification Label.
Because of individual vehicle use and loading
habits, we recommend weighing the vehicle
while fully loaded to avoid exceeding any of the
listed Gross Weight Ratings. See “Vehicle Certi-
fication Label” in the Introduction Section for in-
formation on gross weight ratings.
Towing will affect vehicle handling, durabili-
ty and fuel economy. Exceeding any of the listed
Gross Weight Ratings will result in unacceptable
overall vehicle performance. Maximum safety
and satisfaction when towing depends on proper
use of correct equipment.
Select a drawbar that mates properly with the
towing hitch receiver and provides proper align-
ment to the vehicle tow bar. The tongue of the
tow bar must be as close as possible to parallel
with the ground when attached to the hitch ball.
Installation of a proper trailer brake system is
recommended. Check state regulations on trailer
weight and trailer brake requirements to be sure
you select the right equipment before towing.
NOTE: If you tow a car or trailer that weighs
over 1,000 lbs., it must be equipped with
automatically activated brakes. See the
Ford Recreation Vehicle and Trailer
Towing Guide for maximum towing ca-
pacities and GCWRs. These guidelines
are available from your local Ford deal-
ers.
Before descending a steep or long grade when
towing a trailer, reduce speed and shift into a
lower gear to control vehicle speed. Avoid pro-
longed or frequent application of brakes which
could cause overheating and brake failure.
See also - Trailer wiring connector in Section
6.
PRE-TRAVEL CHECK LIST
Before starting the engine to leave on a trip, be
sure your motor home has been properly pre-
pared and maintained. This will ensure an enjoy-
able trip and help avoid delays. Use this checklist
as a guide.
−
Fluid Levels - Check and fill if necessary:
•
engine oil
•
transmission
•
power steering
•
radiator
•
brake
•
battery
•
windshield washer
−
Wheel Lug Nuts - Check for tightness
For safety towing and vehicle han-
dling, maintain proper trailer weight
distribution.
The total weight of the motor home
and the vehicle towed must not
exceed the Gross Combined Vehicle
Weight rating. Contact the chassis
manufacturer to obtain the Gross
Combined Vehicle Weight rating for
your chassis.
Exceeding any of the recommended
gross vehicle weight ratings may re-
sult in vehicle damage.
Do not install a frame equalizing type
hitch on your vehicle.
WARNING
CAUTION