Section 3
Weight Distribution, Loading and Towing
• Do not place heavy items in the overhead cabinets. They could shift and fall during travel.
• Luggage and similar cargo stored inside your Aviator must be secured to prevent possible damage if
it should become necessary to make a sudden stop.
• Heavy items should be stored close to the floor in the center of the unit. Avoid loading heavy
items near either end of your Aviator or on the rear bumper. Adjust cargo, as needed, to keep the
side to side wheel loads equal.
• Carry only as much water as needed for travel use or to balance the load. Empty your black
(waste) and gray (shower and sinks) tanks before beginning each leg of your trip.
• Weights of stored items will vary greatly and will affect total weight of your recreational vehicle.
Always weigh the recreational vehicle at a certified weigh station equipped with platform
scales.
• Check the telephone directory or with local authorities for the location of weigh stations in your area. If
you find that you have exceeded the GVWR of the recreational vehicle, you will have to remove items
until you are within the specified limits. If you find that either of the GAWR's has been exceeded you
will need to redistribute the load within the recreational vehicle to meet the specified limits. Plan ahead
before loading your Aviator to insure that items will be evenly distributed. Not only will the recreational
vehicle handle and ride better, you will also have reduced tire wear and increased fuel economy.
• When weighing the recreational vehicle, weigh both right and left hand sides separately. This will insure
that you have not overloaded one side or the other, affecting handling. To avoid possible damage, DO
NOT store heavy items near the front or rear ends of your Aviator.
• Empty the holding tanks before leaving on a trip, and as often as possible when traveling to help keep
weight reduced. Try to carry only as much water as you will need while traveling. Sometimes, the water
tanks can be used to help balance the weight in the recreational vehicle (a gallon of water weighs 8
pounds).
• Secure all items stored inside and outside the recreational vehicle, and be sure all doors and drawers are
secure.
Notes:
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Revised September 2012
