22
Driving & Safety
SECTION THREE
HITCH
USING THE HITCH RECEIVER
When using the hitch receiver, remember that the
motorhome is intended for towing light loads and is
primarily designed as a recreational vehicle . Safety
and durability of the hitch receiver requires proper use .
Avoid excessive towing loads or other misuse of the
receiver . Towing will affect fuel economy .
When towing a trailer or car without use of an auxiliary
braking device, the brakes on the motorhome must
absorb the increased energy required to stop both
the motorhome and the towed load . This is critical
and extra awareness must be used especially on hills
and mountainous terrain where sharp curves, steep
grades and possibly irregular road surfaces may be
encountered .
Check the motorhome Chassis Operator’s/Owner’s
Guide/Manual for the maximum weight the
motorhome can tow and stop . Extreme caution must
be used especially as weight of a towed load increases .
While the motorhome has a Gross Combination Weight
Rating (GCWR), stopping distances will increase if the
towed load is not equipped with an auxiliary braking
device .
When weighing the motorhome, add all passenger
weight to the GCWR total . The motorhome must be
weighed, in a fully loaded ready to travel condition
which includes weight of fresh water, occupants, carry
on items and any vehicle or trailer towed . Total weight
must not exceed the GCWR .
WARNING:
To avoid injury, never place hands or fingers near
the edges of the bay door when opening or closing .
Always use the latch handle . Apply pressure with
the other hand just above the latch handle .
020134o
Use thumb
to apply pressure
at top of handle
Use caution when opening bay
door after travel
TIPS:
Multi-purpose items, versatile clothing and
periodic removal of unused cargo will streamline
cargo storage .
NOTE:
In most cases the GCWR of the chassis and the
finished motorhome are the same . In some cases,
due to the equipped hitch receiver, the GCWR may
be reduced . Please refer to the Federal Certification
Label posted in the motorhome for the GCWR .
WARNING:
Most states and Canadian provinces require
trailers and/or towed vehicles to have adequate
auxiliary brakes and safety chains . Failure to
comply with these State and Canadian province
requirements may result in fines and/or pose a
safety hazard, that can result in an accident .
WARNING:
Do not tow a trailer or vehicle that exceeds the
rated capacity of the hitch receiver . Overloading
the hitch receiver can cause unusual handling
characteristics and overstress the hitch receiver
and chassis . It could also void the warranty . If there
are any questions, call customer support .
Summary of Contents for Class A Gas 2020
Page 173: ...FLEETWOOD RV CLASS A GAS 2020 OWNER S MANUAL 171...
Page 174: ...172 Notes...
