Jayco Eagle Owner's Manual - page 13
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CHAPTER 3
USE OF YOUR FOLDING CAMPING TRAILER
In this chapter you will find helpful information to assist you in preparing, traveling and
using your folding camping trailer.
EQUIPMENT
Tow Vehicle
WARNING: Review the compatibility of your tow vehicle with the trailer you
will be towing. You should not exceed the gross vehicle weight rating of the
trailer (GVWR). Know your loaded hitch weight and select a hitch that is
adequate for that weight. You, as the owner, are responsible for the safety and
compatibility of your tow vehicle and trailer selections. Consult your hitch and
tow vehicle manufacturers with any questions before you tow your trailer.
You are responsible for the maintenance of your tow vehicle and trailer. Do
not exceed the tow or cargo capacity of your tow vehicle, and remember that
the GCVWR relates to towing capacity and does not necessarily indicate
braking capacity. Do not overload your trailer with additions, cargo, or tank
fluids to exceed the GVWR of the trailer. Do not load your trailer so that it is
unbalanced from front to rear or from side to side. You should clearly
understand how your particular tow vehicle capacities are calculated. Make
sure your tow vehicle is mechanically sound for your intended usage and pay
particular attention to suspension components, tires and tire pressure. We
recommend that you use anti-sway devices and weight distributing hitches
with all Jayco towable products. Many states have lower speed limit require-
ments for tow vehicle/trailer combinations. Obey all traffic laws and use your
seatbelts at all times. We recommend that you do not exceed 55 MPH when
towing a trailer. There are private RV driving schools and some RV clubs
offer driving seminars as part of their club activities. Recreation vehicle
publications and the Internet can be a source of information regarding RV
driver education as well as many other topics to help you learn to safely use
your recreation vehicle.
Consult experts on hitch and tow vehicles before you tow your trailer. Jayco does not
recommend or endorse particular tow vehicles or hitch assemblies. Review the compatibilty
of your tow vehicle with the trailer you will be towing. As a minimum requirement, the
gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of your trailer must not exceed your tow vehicle’s
rated towing capacity. Know your loaded hitch weight and select a hitch that is adequate
for that weight. You, as the owner, are responsible for the safety and compatibility of
your tow vehicle and trailer selections. You are responsible for the maintenance and
proper connection of your tow vehicle, hitch assembly, and trailer. Do not exceed the
towing or cargo capaciy of your tow vehicle and do not exceed the GVWR of the trailer.
Make sure your tow vehicle is mechanically sound for your intended usage and pay
particular attention to suspension components, tires, and tire pressure. Anti-sway devices
and weight distributing hitches should be used with all Jayco towable products with the
guideance of a trained hitch installer. Towing a trailer is not the same as driving a
passenger car or a single vehicle. Many states have lower speed limit requirements for
tow vehicle/trailer combinations. Obey all traffic laws and use your seatbelts at all times.
Do not exceed 55 MPH when towing a trailer. Consult an expert for specific driver
education when towing a trailer. RV driving schools and some RV clubs may offer
helpful driving seminars as part of their club activities.
Begin your camping experiences by using a tow vehicle that will adequately transport
your folding camping trailer to and from your destinations. You must use the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) factor as a measuring tool to cross match the capability
of your selected tow vehicle. Ford, Chrysler-Daimler and Chevrolet provide trailer
towing guides for their products, as do most auto and truck manufacturers. Ask your local
automotive dealer for a copy or contact the factory’s customer assistance for information.
Most tow vehicles have towing packages available as an option and these should be given
serious consideration. The condition of the suspension system in your tow vehicle is also
important and will affect your trailer’s handling. Become familiar with and understand
how to properly distribute loads in your trailer and tow vehicle and never overload either
unit. Make sure your tow vehicle is in good mechanical condition and maintenance is up
to date. When you tow a RV, you must drive differently than you do when driving a
single vehicle. Practice hooking up, driving, backing up and braking in a safe environ-
ment (with vehicles fully loaded as if for normal travel is possible) or seek out professional
instruction. Obey all posted speed limits. Be prepared to drive slower and if you must
pass, do so with utmost care, particularly in strong winds. When being passed by or when
passing semi-trailers or large buses, be prepared for displaced air, as it can be severe
enough to cause trailer sway. Understand how trailer brakes, tow vehicle brakes, accelera-
tion can affect your control of the trailer when you experience trailer sway as well as
proper hitches and sway controls.
There are many excellent publications about traveling with a RV. We strongly recom-
mend you make use of available resources at your local library, the internet or bookstore.
Hitches
After choosing your tow vehicle, it is very important to install a hitch system with weight
distributing bars to accommodate your coach. This weight selection and installation
should be performed by a professional hitch service which may or may not be your
selling dealer.
Class II or III hitches are suggested. With the Class III, 350# equalizing bars can be used
if installed correctly with the surge brakes. The very equipment which sometimes gives
autos, trucks and sport utility vehicles a softer ride can accentuate swaying when pulling
a trailer. Conversely, too stiff a suspension can increase vibration, bounce and accelerate
wear of your tow vehicle and trailer. It is important that your trailer be level when hitched
to your tow vehicle. Educate yourself to protect you, your family and other motorists. An
anti-sway device may be needed with some tow vehicle/trailer combinations.
CAUTIONS:
• Using an oversized or undersized hitch can cause damage to the frame of your
folding camping trailer.
• Jayco, Inc. cannot be responsible for the suspension system of the tow vehicle. The
final ball height after the coach is completely hooked up is a factor to be consid-
ered when towing a trailer. To avoid overloading your RV axles and minimize
possible handling difficulties, your RV should tow level when hooked to your tow
vehicle.
• Do not overload your tow vehicle