Towing Vehicle Requirements
When considering a towing vehicle, keep in mind certain requirements for safe and easy use:
- Transmission – The transmission can be manual or automatic, but for most people, an automatic transmission will control engine loads better.
- Power – Make sure your towing vehicle has adequate power to tow your travel trailer on the type of roads you will be using. Factors to consider are engine power, cooling capabilities, and axle ratio. Discuss the towing capabilities of your vehicle with both your recreational vehicle dealer and tow vehicle dealer.
- Tires & Suspension – It is important to make sure that your tow vehicle tires and suspension have a sufficient rating to handle the additional capacity needed to tow a trailer. Check with your tow vehicle dealer and owner's manual for what type of tires and tire pressures are required. If your tow vehicle is equipped with air shocks, do not use the air shocks as a load-leveling device to level the tow vehicle/travel trailer combination once it is hitched up.
- Hitch – Make sure that your towing vehicle is equipped with a weight-distributing hitch that has a rating at least equal to the GVWR. Make sure that it is installed per the hitch manufacturer's instructions, and that it meets the tow vehicle's requirements for fit and performance.
- Sway Control – Make sure to install a sway control system that is compatible with both your hitch and tow vehicle. Have it installed and properly adjusted per the manufacturer's instructions.
- Safety Equipment – Make sure to install proper safety equipment such as towing mirrors. In most states the law requires them. Most styles available are not permanent and can be easily installed and removed. Check with your dealer for correct types and methods of installation. Also make sure to install proper hitch wiring to supply 12-volt power to the travel trailer for turn signal and brake light operations.
Warning: Some motorized vehicles are not good tow vehicles because they cannot adequately control sway in the towed vehicle.
Travel Trailer Hitching Procedures
To safely tow your new travel trailer, you will need to install a weight-distributing hitch with a 2-5/6” ball. It is very important to choose a hitch designed for attachment to your particular tow vehicle, and have it properly installed. Choosing the correct hitch for use with your trailer will enhance the stability and maneuverability of your travel trailer and tow vehicle combination.
A weight-distributing hitch is one in which leverage is used to distribute the tongue weight of the trailer between the trailer and the tow vehicle. It consists of the hitch receiver, which attaches to the tow vehicle, and spring bars that provide the necessary leverage for load distribution. A hitch of this type when properly installed and matched to your tow vehicle, will provide a level ride that can improve braking and steering control, as well as reduce towing strain.
Pay particular attention to the relationship between the tongue load limits of your tow vehicle and the hitch that you purchase.
Another consideration when choosing a hitch is the addition of a sway control system. Friction and cam-action are the two main types of sway control systems available. Be sure to discuss the addition of sway controls with your dealer and hitch supplier when making the decision to purchase a hitch for your tow vehicle.
Warning: Make sure to choose a hitch that does not have a tongue weight rating that exceeds that recommended. Doing so may result in damage to your trailer frame.
Fifth Wheel Hitching Procedures
Height Adjustment
Since not all trucks and fifth wheel hitches are exactly the same size, it may be necessary to adjust the height of your fifth wheel pin box to achieve a level position. If the fifth wheel is hitched up with the front too high, too much weight will be transferred to the rear of the unit, which can cause trailer sway. If it is hitched up too low, additional weight will bear down on the tow vehicle, exceeding the proper hitch weight.
The pin box can be adjusted by removing the bolts on each side that holds the two sections together, repositioning the pin box to a new height, and reinstalling the bolts. Because of the weight and critical nature of the pin box, consult with your dealer before attempting to alter the position of the pin box. Make sure all hardware is reinstalled and tightened correctly.
It is also possible to make height adjustments with most fifth wheel hitches. Refer to the instructions provided with your hitch for the proper method of adjustment.
HITCHING UP
The instructions given here are general instructions applicable for most fifth wheel hitches. It is very important that you read and follow the specific instructions provided with your particular fifth wheel hitch. It is a good idea to discuss hitching procedures with your dealer. They can answer your questions, and offer helpful tips to make the procedure an easy one for first-time fifth wheel owners
Be sure to talk with your tow vehicle dealer before selecting a hitch for your truck, making sure that it meets the specifications required.
When attaching the fifth wheel to the tow vehicle hitch, use the following steps:
- Lower the tailgate of your tow vehicle.
- Remove the latch pin from the hitch latch handle. Make sure that the hitch is in the unlatched position by pulling the hitch latch handle to the open position (check hitch manufacturer's specific instructions).
- Place wheel chocks under both the front and back of the trailer's wheels (both sides).
- Using the fifth wheel jacks, adjust the height of the kingpin plate until it is level with bearing plate on the tow vehicle hitch.
- Slowly back the tow vehicle up until the kingpin is inserted past the jaw plates (or latch plate) of the hitch. Have someone assist you in this with the use of predetermined hand signals. Make sure this person is in view at all times and proceed slowly and cautiously.
- Make sure the kingpin is completely inserted and locked in the hitch.
- Close the coupler-latching lever; making sure that it is fully locked in place. Insert the lock pin in the latching lever.
- Raise the fifth wheel jacks to their fully retracted position.
- Raise and secure the tow vehicle tailgate.
Warning: Follow any and all additional instruction outlined by the hitch manufacturer, tow vehicle dealer, and your recreational vehicle dealer for proper hitching procedures.
UNHITCHING
To unhitch the fifth wheel from the tow vehicle hitch, proceed as follows:
- Park the fifth wheel on a level spot, and place wheel chocks in front and in back of the wheels on both sides.
- Lower the fifth wheel jacks until the weight of the fifth wheel is no longer on the tow vehicle. If the ground is soft, make sure to place supports under the jack pads to keep the fifth wheel stationary.
- Disconnect the breakaway switch cable and the electrical pigtail.
- Remove the latch pin from the hitch latch handle. Pull the hitch latch handle to the open position (check hitch manufacturer's specific instructions).
- Move the tow vehicle slowly away from the fifth wheel.
Warning: DO NOT raise the fifth wheel jacks until you are sure the kingpin is fully engaged and locked in place in the fifth wheel hitch.
OPERATING JACKS
Manual Fifth Wheel Jacks
The manual fifth wheel jacks utilize a hand crank on the side of the unit to raise or lower the fifth wheel from the front. The jacks are used to raise or lower the fifth wheel off or onto the tow vehicle hitch, and also for leveling the unit from front to back.
To operate the jacks, proceed as follows:
- To lift the fifth wheel for hitching or unhitching, drop the pad tube by removing the lock pin. Re-pin in the hole that places the pad closest to the ground. This will compensate for variations in terrain between the two jacks. If parked on a level surface, keep both sides pinned in the same position.
- Open the cover on the side of the unit and insert the hand crank into the alignment tube until the end engages the crankshaft.
- Turn the crank handle counterclockwise to raise the fifth wheel and clockwise to lower.
- When retracting the jacks, raise them as far as possible with crank handle. Remove the lock pin and raise the pad tube, re-pinning in the highest possible position.
- Remove and store the jack crank handle. Close and secure the access door.
Make sure that the lock pin spring lock is positioned around the jack and secured over the end of the pin on the opposite side of the jack tube. This prevents the pin from coming out while traveling.
Before towing, check for maximum clearance between the ground and the bottom of the jacks.
Warning: Before using the jacks, make sure to chock the wheels on both sides of the fifth wheel. Place chocks both in front of and behind the wheels. Always retract the jacks fully before towing the fifth wheel.
Warning: When hitching the fifth wheel to the tow vehicle, DO NOT raise the jacks until you are sure that the fifth wheel is securely latched into position in the tow vehicle hitch.
Note: When the jacks reach their maximum extended or retracted length (or maximum load), you will hear a clicking noise. This is the overriding clutch built into the motor to prevent jack over-extension or retraction. Release the toggle switch as soon as you hear the clicking. Continued operation with the clutch slipping can damage the jacks.
ELECTRIC POWER FIFTH WHEEL JACKS
The power fifth wheel jacks provide an electrically driven motor to take the place of the manually operated jack crank handle for raising and lowering the fifth wheel.
To operate, hold the switch in the position you wish to move the jacks; either UP or DOWN. When released, the switch will automatically return to its centered, OFF position.
Make sure to observe all other instructions and cautions outlined in the previous operating instructions for the manual fifth wheel jacks.
The jacks may also be operated by use of a manual hand crank if the electric drive motor is inoperative.
Warning: DO NOT attempt to use the hand crank at the same time the electric drive motor is being used. Remove the hand crank when using the motor.
REAR STABILIZER JACKS
Your trailer may be equipped with manual stabilizing levelers on the rear left and right sides. Before using, make sure to pick as level a site as possible to park your trailer. If a level site is unavailable, it may be necessary to use wheel ramps or planking under the tires on the low side of the trailer.
To use stabilizer jacks, proceed as follows:
- Obtain as level a position as conditions at your campsite allow before unhitching. It may be necessary to use ramps or planking under the tires to achieve side-to-side balance.
- Always use wheel chocks when parking.
- Unhitch the trailer from your tow vehicle and level from front to rear with front jacks.
- Lower the stabilizer jack on the lowest side of the trailer first, checking for and “fine-tuning” level conditions with the jack.
- Once side-to-side balance is obtained, lower jack on opposite side to secure level position.
It is a good idea to use stick-on levels where they may be observed during the leveling procedure.
ELECTRIC POWER TONGUE JACKS
The power tongue jack takes the place of the manually operated jack for raising and lowering the travel trailer from front to back.
To operate, hold the switch in the position you wish to move the jack; either UP or DOWN. When released, the switch will automatically return to its centered, off position.
Warning: DO NOT attempt to use the stabilizer jacks to raise or lower the trailer, or use to support the total weight of your trailer. The jacks are only meant to stabilize your trailer in a level position. Attempting to raise the trailer by use of the stabilizer jack can cause damage to the jack, trailer frame, or both.
Note: If after leveling, the entrance door to the trailer “sticks," you likely lifted one side of the trailer excessively, causing a binding condition on the frame. If this condition exists, lower the trailer and re-level to obtain proper balance.
OPERATING SLIDE-OUT ROOMS
A switch located inside the recreational vehicle on the sink base or a nearby wall partition operates the slide-out room.
Before extending the room(s) check the exterior for proper clearances.
The recreational vehicle must be level and the stabilizer jacks securely in place. It may also be necessary for the recreational vehicle to be slightly off level, side-to-side, during heavy periods of rain to allow rain to run off the roof away from the recreational vehicle. This will prevent the water from “backing up” and running inside the living area of the trailer. To extend the slide-out, hold the switch in the OUT position.
A moaning or grinding sound at the initial start of the operation is normal. This is the piston shafts traveling through the free travel area of the brackets.
If properly adjusted, the piston shafts or ratchet will stop their travel when the room is in position. If this does not happen, contact your dealer for adjustment.
If the room stops before it is fully extended the piston shafts may need to be adjusted.
To bring the slide-out room in, reverse the above procedure.
JUMPER CABLE CONNECTION
If nothing happens when the switch is pushed check the electrical connections. Also check for a blown 12-volt fuse.
Most of the time when the room fails to move it is due to a low or dead battery, even though you may feel that your battery is sufficiently charged. If the room doesn't move, a direct jumper cable connection from a fully charged battery may be needed.
- Connect the jumper cable hot lead to the connection point (terminal) on the starter solenoid opposite the copper strip.
- Connect the jumper cable ground lead to a ground point such as one of the hose fittings that are mounted in the valve outlet ports, or any convenient point on the valve body or middle section of the power unit.
|
