Jayco 2009 Recon ZX Owner'S Manual Download

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SECTION 3

PRE-TRAVEL INFORMATION

Read through all the weighing instructions
before you begin. If you have further
questions, consult with your dealer or the
scale operator. Your RV must be weighed
fully loaded (that is with food, clothing, fuel,
water, propane, supplies, etc).

1. Weigh the RV including the tongue

weight, while detached from the tow
vehicle. This actual overall weight must be
less than or equal to the GVWR for safe
operation. If the overall weight is greater
than the GVWR, some contents must be
removed until the actual overall weight is
less than or equal to GVWR.

2. Hitch the RV to your tow vehicle. Weigh

the RV and the tow vehicle to determine
the GCW. Make sure that this rating is
less than or equal to the GCWR as
specified by the manufacturer of your tow
vehicle. If this overall weight is greater
than the GCWR, some contents must be
removed to bring the combination into
compliance with the listed ratings.

3. Weigh the RV while attached to but

excluding the tow vehicle. This will result
in the actual weight that is exerted on all
of the RV tires. This weight may be
subtracted from the overall RV GVWR to
determine the actual “tongue” weight.

4. With the RV still attached to the tow

vehicle, weigh each wheel position
separately to ensure each tire is not
overloaded.

To determine the wheel position weight:

5. Pull the RV onto the scale so only one tire

is on the scale. Record the weight. Your
RV must remain as level as possible on
the scale (even though an axle or side is
not physically on the scale). Obviously, to
obtain the side-to-side weights, there must
be enough space on either side of the
scale to accommodate the RV being
partially off the scale.

6. To calculate the opposite side of the RV

wheel position weight, subtract the first
side’s weight from the weight determined
in step #3.

If there is a difference in the weights on one
side of the vehicle as compared to weights on

the other side, components (tires, wheels,
brakes, springs, etc.) on the heavier side
could be overloaded, even though the total
axle load is within the GAWR. It is important
to redistribute the load to avoid component
failure, improve the handling characteristics of
the tow vehicle and not void the

Towable

Limited Warranty

With these actual weights, it is now possible
to compare them against the Trailer Weight
Information label weight ratings to ensure you
are below the posted minimum ratings.

IRST

HORT

RIP

After familiarizing yourself with the RV,
including going through test runs on the
systems and having the RV weighed, it is time
to take one or two short trips. The experience
gained can be priceless.

We recommend an overnight stay at a nearby
campground. That way it is more convenient if
you need to go back to get an item you forgot
or didn't know you would need. Otherwise,
you may end up spending time or money
needlessly by bringing along unused items
that take up space or trying to locate and
purchase items you hadn't counted on
needing prior to leaving your home on an
extended trip in unfamiliar territory.

Not all RVers will need the same equipment
or supplies. For example, individual needs
and personal tastes differ, as does the
various climates and terrains you will be
traveling through with your RV.

Remember if most of your trips are planned
for the summer and your shake down trip is
made during some other season, there will be
adjustments that you will need to take into
consideration.

Be sure to have a pen and notebook available
to write down items that you feel may be
needed in future travels, as well as noting the
equipment you feel you need to become more
comfortable using or learning how to operate
safely.

RV Departure Checklist

Following is a preliminary list of items that
need to be checked on your RV before