Teardrop Campers • nucamprv.com
14
nucamprv.com • Teardrop Campers
15
TOWING & LEVELING
SPEED
In ideal road conditions, the maximum recommended speed for safely
towing a trailer is 60 mph. Your trailer is more likely to sway under higher
speeds, thus increasing the possibility for loss of control. Your tires can
also overheat, increasing the possibility of a blowout.
RIG DYNAMICS
When towing a trailer, you will encounter:
•
Increased Turning Radius.
This means you must make wider turns
to keep from hitting curbs, vehicles, and any-thing else on your
inside corner.
•
Increased Stopping Distances.
To compensate for increased
stopping distances, while following another vehicle on the highway,
stay one rig length away from the vehicle in front of you for every
10 mph of your speed.
•
Different Vehicle Handling Dynamics.
Your trailer will be more
sensitive to steering in windy conditions. Larger vehicles passing will
have a greater effect on the control and handling of the vehicle.
•
Slower Acceleration.
You will need a longer distance to pass, due to
slower acceleration and increased length.
DRIVING PRACTICES
Safe driving practices and habits:
•
Slippery conditions.
Slippery road surfaces will be more dangerous
when driving a vehicle with a trailer, compared to driving without
a trailer.
•
Rainy Weather.
While rain may seem harmless, the dangers of
hydroplaning increase if you do not reduce your speed. Turn
on your emergency flashing lights to help others on the road to see
you better, especially in heavy rain where visibility is reduced.
•
Black Ice.
In rainy weather when temperatures drop to 32° or lower,
black ice is possible and will show up on bridges first. Reduce your
speed to reduce the risk of losing control.
•
Trailer Sway.
This is caused by excessive steering, wind gusts,
roadway edges, the trailer’s reaction to the force created by passing
trucks and buses, or improper loading of cargo in the trailer—a
frequent problem. When encountering trailer sway under high
speeds, back off the accelerator and “ride it out” by steering
as little as possible to stay on the road. Use small “trim-like”
steering adjustments. Do not attempt to quickly steer out of the
sway. This is dangerous and can result in loss of control. If your
vehicle is equipped with a hand control of the electric trailer brakes,
gently apply the trailer brakes alone to straighten out any sway. This
works because it puts pressure between tow vehicle and trailer
where the sway is happening.
• Check rearview mirrors every 2-3 seconds to observe trailer
behavior and accompanying traffic.
• Always check your rearview mirrors before changing lanes and
always use turn signals.
Excessive speed could result in tire
overheating and blowout. Do not exceed
60 MPH in normal road conditions.
CAUTION
• Use a lower gear when driving down steep or long grades. The
engine and transmission should not serve as a brake but rather to
maintain a lower speed. Use brakes to gently reduce speed then
rely on your engine to maintain the speed. Do not ride your brakes,
as they may overheat and become ineffective.
• Always be aware of your trailer height, especially when approaching
bridges, roofed areas and trees. It is helpful to know your exact
clearance height and check the height dimension on each bridge
before passing underneath.
• Obey all traffic rules. They are for your safety.
• Wear your seatbelt.
• Be alert and courteous to fellow drivers.
• Look out for motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians.
• Always use your running lights to increase your visibility to other traffic
.
• Never drive under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any kind of
medication that will affect your reflexes, comprehension and alertness.
• Never drive when you are tired. If you begin to fight sleep, switch
drivers or, if you are alone, find a place to sleep until you are
rested enough to go on. It is more important to arrive safe than
on time.
• Never use cruise control on wet, icy roads, winding roads or when
traversing mountainous territory.
• Be aware of your travel trailer’s departure angle when entering
or exiting driveways, parking lots, campgrounds or any other terrain
where you must cross a ramp angle. Refer to the nuCamp
website for specifications on your trailer.
TOW VEHICLE
Using a tow vehicle with under-rated towing and loading capacities to
tow a trailer can cause serious stability problems. Additionally, the strain
put on the engine, structural frame and drivetrain of the vehicle may lead
to serious maintenance problems. The maximum towing and payload
capacities of your towing vehicle must never be exceeded. Refer to your
tow vehicle’s Owner’s Manual for the towing capacity of your tow vehicle,
in terms of maximum Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), maximum Gross
Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) and Payload Capacity.
HITCH & COUPLER
For safety, it is extremely important for a trailer to be securely coupled to
the trailer hitch. Before you tow your trailer confirm that:
• The hitch on your tow vehicle is proper for your trailer with the
correct towing and load capacity.
• The ball on your hitch is the correct size and is not worn down,
corroded or cracked. Replace if needed. The ball size required for
your trailer, typically 2" or 2
5
/
16
", is specified on a label attached to
the tongue coupler.
• The ball is fastened tightly to the hitch.
Excessive speed in hazardous road
conditions could result in loss of control,
serious injury or death. Slow down in
hazardous road conditions or pull off the
road and wait for the weather to clear up.
Follow all weather safety directions.
WARNING
Never allow anyone to ride in the trailer
while traveling. Not only is it against
the law in many states, it may result in
serious injury or death.
WARNING
Using a tow vehicle with under-rated
capacities could result in loss of control,
serious injury or death and will void your
warranty. Pull a trailer with a tow vehicle
rated for the trailer’s weight.
WARNING
Using an under-rated or improper ball
hitch could result in uncoupling, loss of
control, serious injury or death and will
void your warranty. Couple your trailer
with the properly rated hitch and correct
ball size.
DANGER
