21
2 0 0 8 l a Pa l m a X l
drIvInG & safety — 2
Ball Mount:
Ball mounts come in
various configurations
and weight limitations.
There are three things to
consider when selecting
a ball mount: weight
rating, pin to ball center
length and rise/drop. The
weight rating of the ball
mount, tongue weight
and tow weight must
meet or exceed the
total load weight.
Pin to ball center
should not exceed 8".
Ball mounts of longer
length will significantly
reduce the weight rating
of the hitch receiver.
Observe weight reduction
percentages that may be listed on ball mounts
longer than 8". Selecting how much rise or
drop a ball mount will need is relative to hitch
receiver height and height of the towed load with
respect to the type of towing equipment between
the motorhome and towed load.
Weight Distributing Hitches:
A weight distributing hitch uses spring bars of
spring steel to compensate for lack of adequate
rear suspension of the tow vehicle. This type of
hitch is generally used for towing heavier loads
as tongue weight and gross tow weight increases.
The spring bars attach to the hitch head assembly
and the trailer frame.
Hitch Ball:
The hitch ball is what the trailer attaches
to. A hitch ball is available in three common
diameters, 1-7/8", 2" and 2-5/16". The larger
the diameter of the hitch ball, the higher the
weight rating. The diameter of the hitch ball
shank also factors into weight rating. Match
shank diameter with the hole in the ball mount or
weight distributing head. Shank clearance should
not exceed 1/16". There should be at least two
additional threads extending past the nut when
the hitch ball is secure.
Safety Chains:
Safety chains are required by law when towing
any load. The chains and any fasteners used to
attach the chains to the hitch receiver must be
rated for the load being towed. Attach chains
so they crisscross under the towing equipment.
Allow just enough slack in the chains to make
sharp corners. Too much slack will allow the
chains to drag on the road surface. If towed load
should become uncoupled from the hitch ball,
the towing equipment will be cradled by the
safety chains. If the towed load does uncouple,
do not attempt to make a sudden stop and
exacerbate the situation. Apply the brakes with
gentle, steady pressure. Pull over to the side of
road at a safe location.
Tow Capacity and Class Ratings:
Several components may comprise a tow
hitch system. The weight rating of individual
components that are part of the towing system
must be greater than the gross weight of the
load being towed.
Components are classifid into weight groups
to help define weight capacity of towing
equipment. Maximum tow capacity is limited
to the component with the lowest weight rating
in the tow hitch system. Example: a ball mount
may have a weight rating of 5,000 pounds but
the hitch ball is rated 3500 pounds. Maximum
tow capacity is reduced to 3500 pounds. Many
times a component will have a Class weight
rating. These groups are shown in chart:
Distance from the
top of the shank to
the top of the hitch
ball platform.
020314
Distance from the
center of the hitch
ball hole to the center
of the pin hole.
Distance from the
shank to the top of
the hitch ball platform.
class I
class II
class III
class Iv
class v
weght
carryng
htch
TW - Up to
200 lbs.
WC TW - Up
to 350 lbs.
TW - Up to
500 lbs.
TW - Up to
750 lbs.
TW - Up to
1,200 lbs.
GTW - Up to
2,000 lbs.
WC GTW - Up
to 3,500 lbs.
GTW - Up to
5,000 lbs.
GTW - Up to
7,500 lbs.
GTW - Up to
12,000 lbs.
weght
dstrbutng
htch
---
---
---
TW - Up to
1,200 lbs.
TW - Up to
1,400 lbs.
---
---
---
GTW - Up to
12,000 lbs.
GTW - Up to
14,000 lbs.
Gtw
= Gross Trailer Weight. Weight of trailer fully loaded.
tw
= Tongue Weight. Weight pushing down on Tow Ball.
wc
= Weight Carrying. Weight carrying capacity of the Ball Mount.
wd
= Weight Distributing. Weight carrying capacity of a weight distributing hitch.
Summary of Contents for 2008 LaPalma XL
Page 12: ......
Page 14: ......
Page 16: ......
Page 47: ...43 2008 LaPalma XL driving safety 2 Weight Record Sheet Actual Worksheet 020255b...
Page 102: ...appliances 4 98 2008 Lapalma xl Notes...
Page 128: ...equipment 5 124 2008 LaPalma xl Notes...
Page 144: ...water systems 6 140 2008 LaPalma xl Notes...
Page 172: ...electrical systems house 8 168 2008 LaPalma xl Notes...
Page 188: ...electrical systems chassis 9 184 2008 LaPalma xl engine no start flow chart...
Page 232: ...INDEX 228 2008 LaPalma xl Notes...
