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To ensure your safety and that of your passengers, as
well as the safety of others on the road, follow these safe
towing practices at all times.
•
Do not back up the motorhome with the towed ve-
hicle attached.
Backing up with the towed vehicle attached will
cause the towed vehicle to “jackknife,” which will
damage the tow bar, the mounting bracket, the receiv-
er hitch, the towed vehicle's front end, and/or the rear
of the motorhome. Backing up with the towed vehi-
cle attached is the primary cause of tow bar damage
and will void the warranty.
•
Be sure the vehicle can be towed before taking it
on the road. Some vehicles must be equipped with a
transmission lube pump, an axle disconnect, driveline dis-
connect or free-wheeling hubs before they can be towed.
Failure to properly equip the vehicle will cause severe
damage to the transmission.
Check the vehicle manufacturer’s instructions for the
proper procedure(s) to prepare the vehicle for towing.
•
The tow bar must be within the ‘Safe Zone’ — no
more than three inches above level or four inches below
level. Towing with an out-of-level tow bar will cause sig-
nificant wear and tear on the tow bar and mounting brack-
ets, and on the towed vehicle’s suspension and frame.
(See the section titled “Stay within the ‘Safe Zone’” for
further information.)
•
The steering wheel must be unlocked and free to
turn when towing.
Failure to do so can cause severe tire
and equipment damage. Check the manufacturer's in-
structions for the proper towing procedure(s).
•
The towed vehicle and all its contents cannot ex-
ceed 6,000 pounds.
The Sterling All Terrain tow bar is
rated at a maximum of 6,000 pounds carrying capacity;
therefore the towed vehicle and all its contents cannot
exceed 6,000 pounds.
In addition, the receiver hitch, the safety cables, and
all supplementary towing equipment must be rated at no
less than the weight of the towed vehicle and all its con-
tents.
•
The tow bar must be secured with linch pins (or
optional padlocks) before towing.
Unless the tow bar
is secured to both vehicles with all appropriate pins (or
padlocks), the towed vehicle will detach.
•
Inspect the system before towing — check the
mounts, brackets, fasteners, bolts, wiring, the safety ca-
bles, and all other components each time before towing.
continued on next page
Safe Towing Practices
2
CAUTION