REV Midwest Automotive Design American Coach Patriot 2022 Owner'S Manual Download

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A M E R I C A N C O A C H P A T R I O T O W N E R ’ S M A N U A L

A M E R I C A N C O A C H // P A T R I O T

S E C T I O N 4 //

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To ensure you have an enjoyable experience while towing a trailer
behind you, it is important to take a few moments to prepare� This
is a critical safety task, and you should complete it every day before
departing on a multi-day trip with a trailer in tow� Check your trailer setup
each time you stop for a rest break or whenever you refuel as well�

Before you go, perform a complete safety pre-check of your
Sprinter and trailer:

•

Tires (condition and pressure)

•

Check the hitch connection / safety pin

•

Check the trailer safety chains / cables

•

Check the sway control (if equipped)

•

Ensure the hitch ratings have not been exceeded (capacity and

tongue weight)

•

Breakaway lanyard is attached to the tow vehicle chassis or

hitch

(if equipped)

•

Electric brakes are functioning

•

Wiring harness connection is tight

•

Running lights work

•

Brake lights work

•

Turn signal lights work

•

Hazard flashers work

•

Verify the security of the trailer’s load

Then check your towing vehicle:

•

Adjust all mirrors for maximum visibility

•

Check the trailer connections again

•

Check the electronic brake controller (if equipped) for proper

setting

of the gain and confirm the brakes apply correctly when

you step on the brake pedal

•

Confirm you have not exceeded GVWR

•

Ensure all cargo, luggage, and gear is stowed securely within

the coach

•

Verify that the trailer will not make contact with the rear doors,

bumper or tail lights when making a sharp turn

•

Ensure your Sprinter Van is level and not sagging at the rear�

If it is, redistribute or remove weight to ensure it rides level

WARNING

Failure to ensure a proper physical and electrical connection
between a trailer and the tow vehicle may result in loss of
control, a crash, and severe injury or death of persons if
not avoided.

WARNING

Keep in mind that the load in a trailer may shift over time if
not properly secured. Always check the trailer’s contents to
ensure the load has not shifted whenever you stop for a rest
break or fuel. Never assume that all is good.

WARNING

When towing a boat, it is also wise to check trailer wheel
bearings frequently to ensure they are not overheating. Any
sign of high heat radiating off a trailer wheel’s center hub or
smoke while driving is an indication of an overheating wheel
bearing. Boat trailers tend to be more problematic due to
their frequent immersion in water, which can damage the
wheel bearings.

WARNING

Do not tow with an overheated trailer wheel bearing as
it could seize and / or cause a tire to blow out due to
excessive heat, resulting in sudden loss of control, a crash,
and severe injury or death of persons if not avoided.

The tongue weight of the trailer should typically equal 10% of the
gross weight of the trailer with its load� The tongue weight is measured
at the front of the trailer directly beneath the coupling, which is the
attachment point with your coach’s trailer hitch� The tongue weight

must never exceed the hitch rating, which is specified directly on
the hitch capacity label affixed to the hitch assembly. Correct tongue

weight is essential to ensure the distribution of the trailer’s weight and
the hitch load are appropriate�

warning