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TRAVELING
Weights and Cargo Capacity
For safety reasons, it is very important to provide RV owners with the most accurate
weight information available. The “Federal Certification” label (Fig. 3-2), located on
the roadside front corner of the travel trailer is shown here. Several weight terms an
owner needs to understand when operating a towable recreation vehicle are defined
on the “Trailer Weight Information” label (Fig. 3-3), which will be found on the
back of a cabinet door in the kitchen base cupboard. An important term in addition
to the label information is the GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating). The GAWR is
the maximum weight rating that components of each axle are designed to support
(i.e. tires, brakes, springs, axle). Make sure that you review and understand the
weight terms and information.
The weight provided in the Jayco literature for your travel trailer is based on
standard equipment on that particular model and is “dry” (i.e. no liquids of cargo).
Remember that any options or personal cargo added must be subtracted from the
available cargo capacity.
Never exceed the gross vehicle weight rating of your
travel trailer.
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WARNING:
Do not add accessories or components that are not
safe and appropriate for this product. Jayco, Inc. DOES NOT
provide warranty coverage for equipment installed by dealer or owner
for such modifications or additions. Any such modifications effect weight
specifications, AND CAN ADVERSELY AFFECT HANDLING AND
STABILITY OF THE UNIT, AS WELL AS ACCELERATE WEAR TO
OTHER COMPONENTS.
Fig. 3-2
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WARNING: Your recreation vehicle’s load capacity is designated
by weight, not by volume, so you cannot necessarily use all avail-
able space when loading the vehicle. Do not exceed your gross vehicle
weight capacity and ensure you are loading the unit as evenly as you can
for the best possible handling. Ensure heavy items are secured so they do
not shift during travel.
Towing
While towing your Jayco travel trailer you need to be aware of the extra weight behind
your vehicle. The following list contains some pointers to remember while traveling.
• With the travel trailer attached, you will have slower acceleration and need more dis-
tance to stop.
• Ensure that you have enough area at corners when turning, as wider turns are necessary.
Utilize your turn signals for your own safety.
• When passing or changing lanes, take into consideration the overall length of your travel
trailer and allow ample distance and time. DO NOT SPEED AND BE PREPARED FOR
DISPLACED AIR WHEN PASSING OR BEING PASSED BY LARGE TRUCKS.
• Use your rearview mirrors frequently to observe your trailer and traffic conditions.
•
When being passed by a large truck or bus, be prepared for displaced air as it may cause
the trailer to sway slightly. Steer straight and use your trailer brakes, if necessary, to slow
slightly or control sway on the trailer.
• Upon climbing steep, long grades and again descending, use lower gears even before it
seems necessary. Use your brakes smoothly and evenly.
•
Decrease your speed for safety!
Most states require vehicles pulling trailers to main-
tain slower speeds, usually the same as truck traffic. DO NOT EXCEED 55 M.P.H.
• Drive slowly during wet and icy conditions to ensure better control of your vehicle.
• Check all exterior lights before each trip.
• Obey traffic laws, allow extra time for stopping and decrease speed when visibility is
limited or roads are wet.
• Have a safe and wonderful trip!
If towing a trailer is new for you, please take time to practice towing, parking and
backing skills prior to traveling. Your dealer can answer many of your questions, but
nothing replaces practice. We recommend that you find a large and quiet parking lot to
practice your skills.
