3-17
SECTION 3
DRIVING YOUR MOTOR HOME
3 DRIVING YOUR
MOT
O
R HOME
activated when the motor home brakes
are applied. The user is responsible to
know and understand the laws of the
state or province being traveled. The
Department of Transportation in a given
state or province should be able to
provide specific information.
Hitch Ratings:
SAE Standard J684 defines
Class 1 trailers as “GVWR not to exceed
2,000 lbs.”;
Class 2 trailers as “GVWR over 2,000 lbs. and
not to exceed 3,500 lbs. GVWR”;
Class 3 trailers as “GVWR over 3,500 lbs. and
not to exceed 5,000 lbs. GVWR”;
Class 4 trailers as “GVWR over 5,000 lbs. and
not to exceed 10,000 lbs. GVWR”.
Hitches are to be permanently marked with
“Maximum trailer GVWR to be drawn” and
“Maximum vertical tongue weight to be
imposed...” The SAE standard does not specify a
vertical load rating, as such. Traditionally,
hitches are labeled 3,500/350 as Class 2 and
5,000/500 as Class 3.
The vertical tongue load value of 10 percent of
drawn rating apparently comes from the
collective experience that 10 percent is the
minimum value that provides stable towing of a
trailer. Ford’s towing guide suggests 10 to 15
percent for trailers over 2,000 lbs. (Hitch ratings
are independent of towing vehicle ratings.)
The user must verify that the hitch equipment
being used is adequate for the application.
MOUNTAIN DRIVING
Special techniques must be used when driving
in mountainous or hilly country.
Climbing A Hill
The transmission will automatically
downshift as needed to climb most hills. If the
hill is long or very steep, however, you may need
to manually shift to a lower gear to keep the
transmission from repeatedly upshifting and
downshifting. Select the lowest adequate gear
range for the duration of the incline. See your
chassis operating guide for specific information.
Descending A Hill
When going down a long grade, you may need
to manually shift to a lower gear rather than
keeping your foot on the brake pedal. A lower
gear will allow the engine to provide a degree of
braking action. Holding your foot on the brake
pedal for an extended period may cause brakes to
overheat, which could cause you to lose control
of the vehicle. See your chassis operating guide
for specific information.
CAUTION
Observe the engine temperature gauge
more frequently than normal. If
overheating occurs, pull off to the side of
the road and allow the engine to
thoroughly cool before refilling the
radiator and restarting the engine.
