3-9
SECTION 3
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR MOTOR HOME
3 - GETTING T
O
KNOW YOUR MOT
OR HOME
Corner Weighing (Side-to-Side)
Weighing each corner of the coach sepa-
rately (single L/R front wheels or L/R rear dual
sets) is an accurate method to determine how to
distribute your cargo to avoid overloading, espe-
cially on tires.
To determine the weight distribution on each
tire or dual set, you will need to find a scale
capable weighing side-to-side, or all four ‘cor-
ners’ of the vehicle, separately. A truck scale
may be used if the ground is level with the scale
surface and the scale has clearance to drive one
side of the coach onto the scale as shown below.
Drive the coach on the level area next to the
scale and straddle the scale so that only one side
of the coach will be on the scale pad. Pull only
the front wheel onto the pad as shown.
When the front wheel has been weighed, pull
the coach straight ahead until only the rear
wheel/dual set is on the scale pad as shown.
After the rear wheel set has been weighed,
turn the coach around and repeat this process for
the other side.
The load on each wheel or dual-wheel set
should not exceed one-half of the corresponding
GAWR. For example, if the GAWR for the rear
axle is 12,000 lbs., then the load on each rear
dual set (left rear duals or right rear duals)
should not exceed 6,000 lbs.
Tires should be filled to the recommended
air pressure for the highest loaded tire set on that
axle. For example, on the rear axle, if the left
side weighs more than the right, fill the left tires
to the pressure required for that weight, then fill
the right tires to the same pressure as the left
ones.
If your actual weight is considerably less
than GAWR rating, you may be able to lower
your tire pressure. See a tire dealer for a load/
pressure chart.
NOTE: The Hitch Load from a Towed Vehicle or
carrier box must also be counted on the
Rear GAWR and subtracted from the
rear axle cargo capacity.
Be aware that hitch load can affect handling
characteristics. The more weight on the hitch, the
lighter the front end will feel at the steering
wheel.
Roof Loading
The roof is capable of carrying some light-
weight articles while the vehicle is in motion. A
roof-mounted luggage carrier designed for this
purpose is available from your dealer. However,
roof load while the vehicle is in motion is not to
exceed 10 pounds per square foot or a maximum
of 100 pounds.
When the vehicle is stationary, a cargo load of
100 pounds plus the weight of a 225 pound per-
son to load the cargo or to conduct inspection and
maintenance is permissible.
Weight added to both the roof and the trailer
hitch contribute to the gross vehicle weight,
which must not exceed the vehicle’s GVWR.
TOOL STORAGE
Various supplied tools are stored in clips on
the walls of one or two of the exterior storage
compartments. Actual locations depend on stor-
age compartment configuration of your model.
The photos following show typical arrange-
ments.
Weighing Left Front ‘Corner’
Weighing Left Rear ‘Corner’
