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Safe towing practices
continued from preceding page
Additionally, check the tow bar bracket every 3,000
miles — inspect for any fractures or cracks in the steel,
or any visible damage. Do not tow if the tow bar bracket
is damaged.
Additionally, check the torque on all bolts. (To find the
torque ratings, refer to the installation instructions for the
mounting bracket and the tow bar.)
•
Never tow a vehicle with one of a comparable
weight.
The towed vehicle’s weight should never exceed
40 percent of the towing vehicle’s weight.
Towing a vehicle with one of similar weight will cause
the towed vehicle to override the towing vehicle, result-
ing in “jackknifing,” “leapfrogging,” or “fishtailing.” Seri-
ous damage to both vehicles, as well as the towing sys-
tem, could result.
•
Always stand to one side and as close to the
motorhome as possible when releasing the tow bar
locking mechanisms.
Never stand between the adjust-
able arms, or put any part of your body between the ad-
justable arms, when releasing the tow bar — always stand
to one side. Because the towed vehicle may jerk forward
when the locking mechanisms are released, face the
towed vehicle and stand as close to the back of the mo-
torhome as possible before releasing the locking mech-
anisms, to keep from being hit by the towed vehicle.
•
Always use safety cables when towing. The safe-
ty cables, which are provided with the Sterling All Ter-
rain, must connect the towed vehicle to the towing vehi-
cle frame to frame.
If the safety cables are ever replaced, use only 6,000
pound or heavier rated safety cables.
Additionally, check to ensure that the safety cables
are the proper length. Refer to the sections titled “How
to use safety cables” and “Proper installation of safety
cables” for further information.
•
Check the motorhome turning radius. Some motor-
home chassis have such a tight turning radius that you
can damage your motorhome, towed vehicle, or tow bar
while turning too sharply. Before getting on the road with
your towed vehicle, you should test your turning radius
in an empty parking lot.
With the towed vehicle attached, have someone
watch as you slowly turn sharply to see whether you have
this potential problem. If you do, note how far you can
safely turn the motorhome’s steering wheel, and be sure
not to turn it further when towing. Damage that results
from turning too sharply is not covered by warranty.
•
Never use the tow bar to tow more than one ve-
hicle.
In some states it is legal to have one vehicle tow-
ing more than just one vehicle (for example, a truck which
is towing a trailer which is towing a boat). However, when
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