Page 16
Page 16
SECTION
3
Weight, Loading and Towing
This will form a cradle that
catches the hitch coupler should
it come loose. The end connectors
should always be connected to
the hitch base plate or another
location specifically provided
for this purpose. NEVER attach
safety chains by looping around
the ball hitch. If the chains are too long, simply twist them.
NOTE:
IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO LOWER THE LATCH
AND INSERT THE SAFETY PIN INTO THE HOLE.
NOTE:
AT NO TIME SHOULD THE WEIGHT OF THE FULLY
LOADED UNIT EXCEED THE TOW VEHICLES’ MAXIMUM
WEIGHT RATING.
LEVELING YOUR TRAVEL TRAILER OR
FIFTH WHEEL MANUAL LEVELING
• DO NOT use the stabilizer jacks to raise or lower the trailer.
• DO NOT use the stabilizer jacks to support the total weight
of the trailer.
• DO NOT place jacks on the extreme corners of the frame
on a fifth wheel with slide rooms. Doing so could cause
damage to the slide room.
NOTE:
THE JACKS ARE ONLY MEANT TO STABILIZE YOUR
TRAILER IN A LEVEL POSITION. ATTEMPTING TO RAISE
THE TRAILER BY USE OF THE STABILIZER JACK CAN
CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE JACK, FRAME OR BOTH.
NOTE:
AFTERMARKET STABILIZER STANDS MUST BE
PLACED ONLY UNDER CHASSIS FRAME RAILS.
NOTE:
ALWAYS FULLY RETRACT THE JACKS BEFORE
TOWING THE RV.
BEFORE USING THE JACKS, BE SURE TO
CHOCK THE WHEELS ON BOTH SIDES.
PLACE CHOCKS BOTH IN FRONT OF AND BEHIND THE
WHEELS.
LEVELING YOUR RV
Before leaving on a trip, you must ensure your unit is level.
1.) You may choose
to purchase three
levels, a large and a
small which could be
installed permanently
on your unit and an
additional one to use
temporarily to insure
the trailer is level
before attaching the
two permanent levels.
your unit to a weigh station and have the entire unit weighed
on the scale. The total weight from the scale subtracted from
the GVWR will give you the amount of cargo weight you can
load into your unit. If you are still unsure of overloading, you
can take the fully loaded unit to a weigh station and have it
weighed the same way. The total weight of the unit should
never exceed the GVWR of the unit.
TRAVEL TRAILER HITCH
AND SWAY CONTROL:
To safely tow your new travel trailer, we recommend having
a weight distributing hitch with a 2 5/16” ball. It is very
important to choose a hitch designed for the particular tow
vehicle and have it properly installed. Choosing the correct
hitch for use with your unit will enhance the stability and
maneuverability of your unit and tow vehicle combination.
Forest River recommends you consult with your Forest
River dealer for assistance in selecting the proper weight
distribution and sway control systems for your application.
A weight distributing hitch is one in which leverage is used to
distribute the tongue weight of the trailer between the trailer
and the tow vehicle. It consists of the hitch receiver which
attaches to the tow vehicle, and spring bars that provide
the necessary leverage for load distribution. A hitch of this
type, properly installed and matched to your tow vehicle, will
provide a level ride that can improve braking and steering
control, as well as reduce towing strain. Pay particular
attention to the relationship between the tongue load limits
of your tow vehicle and the hitch that you purchase. Another
consideration when choosing a hitch is the addition of a
sway control system. Friction and cam-action are the two
main types of sway control systems available. Be sure to
discuss the addition of sway controls with your dealer and
hitch supplier when making the decision to purchase a hitch
for your tow vehicle.
WARNING!
This unit may become unstable and/or unsafe if towed
without proper weight distribution and sway control systems.
These should be installed as per the weight distribution and
sway control manufacturers’ instructions. Again your Forest
River dealer should be a valuable resource in selecting the
proper weight distribution and sway control systems for
your unit.
SAFETY CHAIN
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS.
On travel trailers, safety chains should always be connected
by crossing them under the trailer tongue. The right chain
attaches to the left side and the left chain attaches to the
right side.
WARNING
Ball Hitch Coupler
New style stabilizer jack for Travel
Trailers and Fifth Wheels
‘WARNING’ indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
