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The Hitching Procedure – Fifth-Wheel Travel Trailer
1. Block the wheels.
2. Make sure the hitch lever is in its open or “cocked” position unless it has been
designed to open automatically.
3. Back the truck so the hitch encircles the fifth-wheel travel trailer pin.
4. A gentle contact of the hitch saddle against the pin will cause the mechanism to
close.
5. Secure the hitch lever as specified by the manufacturer.
6. Be sure to raise the fifth-wheel landing gear all the way up.
7. Attach the breakaway switch cable to the tow vehicle.
8. Plug the 12-volt DC electrical connector from the tow vehicle to the fifth-wheel
travel trailer.
9. Raise the tailgate of the tow vehicle, if applicable.
10. When unhitching, make sure you do not forget to lower the tailgate.
11. The following items must be inspected prior to your journey:
• All lights must be in working order.
• The stabilizer jacks must be in the retracted position.
• The entrance steps must be in the retracted position.
• The refrigerator door should be closed and locked.
• All loose items must be secured.
• The brakes must be tested for operation prior to entering roadway.
• The tire pressure must be checked and maintained per the tire pressure stamped on
the tire sidewall.
Towing
While towing your Jayco travel trailer, you need to be aware of the extra weight behind
your vehicle. The following list contains some pointers to remember while traveling.
• With the travel trailer attached, you will have slower acceleration and require greater
distance to stop.
• Make sure you have enough area at corners when turning. Wider turns are necessary.
Use your turn signals for your own safety.
• When passing or changing lanes, take into consideration the overall length of your travel
trailer and allow ample distance and time. DO NOT SPEED AND BE PREPARED FOR
DISPLACED AIR WHEN PASSING OR BEING PASSED BY LARGE TRUCKS.
• Use your rearview mirrors frequently to observe your travel trailer and traffic conditions.
•
When being passed by a large truck or bus, be prepared for displaced air as it may cause
you to sway slightly. Steer straight and use your trailer brakes, if necessary, to slow
slightly or control the sway of the trailer.
• Upon climbing steep, long grades and again descending, use lower gears even before it
seems necessary. Use your brakes smoothly and evenly.
• Decrease your speed for safety! Most states require vehicles pulling trailers to maintain
slower speeds, usually the same as truck traffic.
• Drive slowly during wet and icy conditions to ensure better control of your vehicle.
• Check all exterior lights before each trip.
• Obey traffic laws, allow extra time for stopping and decrease speed when visibility is
limited or roads are wet.
• Have a safe and wonderful trip!
If towing a trailer is new for you, please take time to practice towing, parking and
backing skills prior to traveling. Your dealer can answer many of your questions, but
nothing replaces practice. We recommend that you find a large and quiet parking lot to
practice your skills.
The Safety Chain – Conventional Travel Trailers
There are different safety chain requirements determined by the various state laws. Your
vehicle is equipped with chains to meet SAE standard requirements for maximum gross
trailer weight. Always have the safety chains attached when towing. Install them as
shown below so they do not restrict sharp turns, but tight enough so they do not drag on
the ground.
Hitches – Fifth-Wheel Travel Trailer
Different types of hitches are available for pickup trucks to tow fifth-wheel travel trailers.
The best type of hitch is one that is bolted directly to the floor of the truck box through
the frame.
Another type of hitch is the mini-hitch. The mini-hitch has two brackets attached to the
truck box, and is placed over the fender. This type of hitch generally does not provide
frame support for strength.
Hitch Height - Fifth-Wheel Travel Trailer
There is no recommended hitch height for fifth-wheel travel trailers. The pin box is
adjustable at two inch intervals for variance in trucks and their suspension systems.
Always travel with the truck and travel trailer as level as possible.
Fig. 3-1
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