Specifications

2
SECTION
2
SECTION
Coast
to Coast
CARAV
AN & LEISURE
TIPS FOR SAFER TOWING
braking, & extra time should be allowed for passing,
stopping & changing lanes. Severe bumps & rough roads
can damage your towing vehicle, hitch or trailer, & should
be negotiated at a slow steady speed.
TYRE INFLATION:
Check the recommendations of your towing vehicle &
trailer manufacturer.
TRAILER LIGHTS, TURN SIGNALS, ELECTRIC
BRAKES & BREAK AWAY SWITCH CONNECTIONS:
Make these safety-critical connections every time you
tow no matter how short the trip. CHECK TOW BALL,
COUPLER, RETAINING PINS & CLIPS & ALL OTHER
CONNECTIONS EVERY TIME YOU TOW. Do not proceed
until you are sure everything is secure & that trailer lights
& brakes are working properly. Re-check at fuel & rest
stops.
SAFETY CHAINS:
Cross safety chains under trailer tongue & attach
to towing vehicle with just enough slack to permit
full turning. Don’t let them drag on the road. Secure
connections so they can’t bounce loose. CONNECT THEM
EVERY TIME YOU TOW
GOOD TO KNOW...
Now that police have access to data on vehicle
manufacturers’ specifications regarding towing and
ball weights and the ATM’s (Aggregate Trailer Mass -
this is the total loaded mass of a trailer including the
tow ball download) of many caravan models, instead
of checking heavy trucks, the emphasis is reportedly
shifting to caravans. Many people do not seem to realise
that loading the tow vehicle decreases the amount it
can legally tow. We have seen a large number of rigs
where people have added a heavy tool box, an extra
spare wheel, or even a motorbike on the A-frame.
This changes the whole picture of the manufacturer’s
specifications. If in doubt, put your vehicle and van on a
public weighbridge. Knowing your rig is compliant could
save you a lot of inconvenience, and it also improves your
safety.
- Source: http://www.caravanworld.com.au/latest-reviews/
article/articleid/75519.aspx (07/09/2011)
When & why should I use a weight distribution hitch?
A weight distributing hitch should be used when a trailer
and tow vehicle are not sitting level when connected to one
another. Weight distributing hitches equalize the weight
between the axle of the trailer (the connection point between
trailer and vehicle) and the rear axle of the vehicle. This
provides the driver with a safe, stable and smooth towing ride.
How do I work out if I require the 600 or 800 series hitch?
Use the guide below to help you determine what size hitch you
need:
• Determine the ball weight of the trailer - ball weight includes
the trailer ball weight with full gas, water, waste systems
& a packed trailer.
• Estimate the car boot load - be sure to include all items
carried in the back of the vehicle.
• Match the sum of these weights to the Correct EAZ-LIFT®
Hitch - For example, a ball weight of 500lbs (227Kg) coupled
with a car boot load of 200lbs (90Kg) equates total hitch
weight of 700lbs (317Kg).
From the guide above, this example of vehicle-trailer
combination would require an Eaz Lift 800 Series WDH - 800
Series for weights higher than 272Kg & up to 363Kg. Make
sure the ball weight & the gross trailer weight do not exceed
the tow vehicle manufacturer’s recommended capacities. The
hitch selected must have a maximum Gross Trailer Weight
rating equal to or greater than the trailer rating. Ball weight is
generally 10% of gross trailer weight.
What Maintenance is required with the EAZ-LIFT® WDH?
Use Camco Eaz-Lift® Trailer Hitch Lubricant (350-05500) on
hitch ball and on spring bars. Recommended daily while in use.
Keep hitch painted to prevent rust and check tightness of bolts
regularly. Clean out old grease; do not let it harden inside of the
ball mount.
TRAILER LOADING:
Proper trailer loading is your first-line of defence against
dangerous instability & sway. Heavy items should be
placed on the floor in front of the axle. The load should
be balanced side-to-side & secured to prevent shifting.
Tongue weight should be about 10-15 percent of gross
trailer weight for most trailers. Too low a percentage of
tongue weight can cause sway.
DRIVING:
Good habits for normal driving need extra emphasis when
towing. The additional weight effects acceleration &
SOME EAZ LIFT WDH QUESTIONS?
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