Tow Vehicle
Recommendations
MANUFACTURER SPECIFICATIONS
SunnyBrook RV
travel trailers and fth wheels can be towed
by many types of vehicles. When selecting a tow vehicle
for travel trailers and fth wheels, complying with vehicle
manufacturer speci c recommendations concerning towing
capabilities and restrictions is critical. Many vehicle
manufacturers and dealers can provide special towing
packages based on speci c requirements, such as trailer
size, maximum trailer load and tow vehicle demands during
travel (i.e. terrain, trip lengths, etc.).
VEHICLE TUNE-UP
Proper vehicle maintenance is necessary including engine
tune-ups and lubrication. An engine may overheat on long
upgrades, which may be prevented with a larger, heavy-
duty radiator and proper care.
BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR
During travel the tow vehicle battery and alternator must
support some of the trailer’s electrical equipment including
taillights, turn signals, brake lights, clearance lights and
electric brakes. The battery and alternator must be in good
condition and able to handle this load.
HITCHES
Many types and ratings of trailer hitches are available.
Important factors when selecting the proper hitch are:
§
Follow the tow vehicle manufacturer’s and the hitch
manufacturer’s recommendations to ensure proper
installation and size requirements.
§
Keep the tow vehicle and the trailer level to maintain
equal weight distribution and ensure maximum steering
control.
§
Heavier springs and/or overload shock absorbers
will help increase hitch load capacity.
ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROLLERS
Many types of electronic brake controllers are available.
Consult your dealer to determine speci c needs. Insist
that any electronic brake controller be installed per the
manufacturer’s instructions. It may be necessary to install
a resistor in the trailer’s braking system. If the trailer skids
or the brakes grab, a resistor in the circuit may remedy the
problem. Follow the individual resistor’s instructions. Do
not use more than one resistor in the circuit.
REAR VIEW SIDE-MOUNTED MIRRORS
Rear view, side-mounted mirrors on both driver and
passenger sides of the tow vehicle are a necessity. Side-
mounted mirrors provide a clear view of following traf c
and an unobstructed view of the trailer action. They should
be properly extended offering an unobstructed view of the
rear of the trailer and possible traf c hazards. A travel trailer
chassis (springs, wheels, tires axles, frame and tongue) is
engineered to carry certain maximum load.
Trailer Loading
WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION
Proper weight distribution between axles and tongue is also
critical to safe towing. Factors to consider when evaluating
proper weight distribution are:
§
On travel trailers, tongue proportion of the GROSS
VEHICLE WEIGHT should be approximately 10% to
15% for tandem axle trailers. Depending on the tow
vehicle, 11% to 12% tongue-weight is ideal.
Hitch
weight proportion on fth wheels is a larger percentage
of the GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT.
§
Proper distribution required for towing stability, assures
the trailer is not rear, front, or side heavy.
§
A light tongue weight or heavy weight placed at the
rear end of the trailer may cause trailer sway.
Too much weight on the tongue can overload the tow
vehicle, and cause poor tow vehicle stability and handling,
poor braking, poor cornering, and may damage the trailer
frame.
TRAVEL TRAILER EQUALIZER HITCHES
Travel trailer load equalizer hitches can add 33% plus or
minus of hitch weight to trailer axles when the trailer and
tow vehicle are level. If the tow vehicle tilts front or rear,
the tension on the equalizer bars will affect the amount of
weight distributed to the axles.
REAR BUMPER LIMITATIONS
The rear bumper of a travel trailer or fth wheel is not
intended to be a weight bearing structure. The bumper is
not capable of supporting any additional weight beyond
that of the tire carrier and spare tire. Besides being unable
to support added weight, adding weight to the rear of the
travel trailer will affect the hitch weight and the stability
of the trailer while towing.
WARNING: The rear bumper of travel trailers and fth
wheels are not intended to be used as steps and are not
designed to support more than 70 pounds.
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