SunnyBrook Mobile Scout Titan 2006, Руководство пользователя

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Tow Vehicle
Recommendations
MANUFACTURER SPECIFICATIONS
SunnyBrook RV travel trailers and fifth wheels can be
towed by many types of vehicles. When selecting a tow
vehicle for travel trailers and fifth wheels, complying with
vehicle manufacturer specific recommendations
concerning towing capabilities and restrictions is critical.
Many vehicle manufacturers and dealers can provide
special towing packages based on specific 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 specific 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 traffic
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 traffic 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 fifth 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 fifth 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
fifth wheels are not intended to be used as steps and
are not designed to support more than 70 pounds.
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