Here is towing information to help you enjoy your new CrossRoads RV. Click any towing header to expand the information.

Towing Vehicle Requirements

When considering a towing vehicle, keep in mind certain requirements for safe and easy use:

1. Transmission – The transmission can be manual or automatic, but for most people, an automatic transmission will control engine loads better.
   
   
2. Power – Make sure your towing vehicle has adequate power to tow your travel trailer on the type of roads you will be using. Factors to consider are engine power, cooling capabilities, and axle ratio. Discuss the towing capabilities of your vehicle with both your recreational vehicle dealer and tow vehicle dealer.
   
   
3. Tires & Suspension – It is important to make sure that your tow vehicle tires and suspension have a sufficient rating to handle the additional capacity needed to tow a trailer. Check with your tow vehicle dealer and owner's manual for what type of tires and tire pressures are required. If your tow vehicle is equipped with air shocks, do not use the air shocks as a load-leveling device to level the tow vehicle/travel trailer combination once it is hitched up.
   
   
4. Hitch – Make sure that your towing vehicle is equipped with a weight-distributing hitch that has a rating at least equal to the GVWR. Make sure that it is installed per the hitch manufacturer's instructions, and that it meets the tow vehicle's requirements for fit and performance.
   
   
5. Sway Control (caravans only) – Make sure to install a sway control system that is compatible with both your hitch and tow vehicle. Have it installed and properly adjusted per the manufacturer's instructions.
   
   
6. Safety Equipment – Make sure to install proper safety equipment such as towing mirrors. Most styles available are not permanent and can be easily installed and removed. Check with your dealer for correct types and methods of installation. Also make sure to install proper hitch wiring to supply 12-volt power to the travel trailer for turn signal and brake light operations.

Caravan Hitching Procedures

To safely tow your new caravan, you will need to install a weight-distributing hitch with a 50 mm ball. It is very important to choose a tow bar designed for attachment to your particular tow vehicle, and have it properly installed. Choosing the correct tow-bar for use with your trailer will enhance the stability and maneuverability of your caravan and tow vehicle combination.

A weight-distributing tow-bar is one in which leverage is used to distribute the tongue weight of the trailer between the trailer and the tow vehicle. It consists of the tow-bar receiver, which attaches to the tow vehicle, and spring bars that provide the necessary leverage for load distribution. A tow-bar of this type when properly installed and matched to your tow vehicle, will provide a level ride that can improve braking and steering control, as well as reduce towing strain.

Pay particular attention to the relationship between the tongue load limits of your tow vehicle and the tow-bar that you purchase.

Another consideration when choosing a tow-bar is the addition of a sway control system. Friction and cam-action are the two main types of sway control systems available. Be sure to discuss the addition of sway controls with your dealer and tow-bar supplier when making the decision to purchase a tow-bar for your tow vehicle.

Warning: Make sure to choose a tow-bar that does not have a tongue weight rating that exceeds that recommended. Doing so may result in damage to your trailer frame.

Fifth Wheel Hitching Procedures

Height Adjustment
As not all trucks and fifth wheel hitches are exactly the same size, it may be necessary to adjust the height of your fifth wheel pin box to achieve a level position. If the fifth wheel is hitched up with the front too high, too much weight will be transferred to the rear of the unit, which can cause trailer sway. If it is hitched up too low, additional weight will bear down on the tow vehicle, exceeding the proper hitch weight.

The pin box can be adjusted by removing the bolts on each side that holds the two sections together, repositioning the pin box to a new height, and reinstalling the bolts. Because of the weight and critical nature of the pin box, consult with your dealer before attempting to alter the position of the pin box. Make sure all hardware is reinstalled and tightened correctly.

It is also possible to make height adjustments with most fifth wheel hitches. Refer to the instructions provided with your hitch for the proper method of adjustment.

HITCHING UP
The instructions given here are general instructions applicable for most fifth wheel hitches. It is very important that you read and follow the specific instructions provided with your particular fifth wheel hitch. It is a good idea to discuss hitching procedures with your dealer. They can answer your questions, and offer helpful tips to make the procedure an easy one for first-time fifth wheel owners

Be sure to talk with your tow vehicle dealer before selecting a hitch for your truck, making sure that it meets the specifications required.

When attaching the fifth wheel to the tow vehicle hitch, use the following steps:

1. Lower the tailgate of your tow vehicle.
   
   
2. Remove the latch pin from the hitch latch handle. Make sure that the hitch is in the unlatched position by pulling the hitch latch handle to the open position (check hitch manufacturer's specific instructions).
   
   
3. Place wheel chocks under both the front and back of the trailer's wheels (both sides).
   
   
4. Using the fifth wheel jacks, adjust the height of the kingpin plate until it is level with bearing plate on the tow vehicle hitch.
   
   
5. Slowly back the tow vehicle up until the kingpin is inserted past the jaw plates (or latch plate) of the hitch. Have someone assist you in this with the use of predetermined hand signals. Make sure this person is in view at all times and proceed slowly and cautiously.
   
   
6. Make sure the kingpin is completely inserted and locked in the hitch.
   
   
7. Close the coupler-latching lever; making sure that it is fully locked in place. Insert the lock pin in the latching lever.
   
   
8. Raise the fifth wheel jacks to their fully retracted position.
   
   
9. Raise and secure the tow vehicle tailgate.

Warning: Follow any and all additional instruction outlined by the hitch manufacturer, tow vehicle dealer, and your recreational vehicle dealer for proper hitching procedures.

UNHITCHING
To unhitch the fifth wheel from the tow vehicle hitch, proceed as follows:

1. Park the fifth wheel on a level spot, and place wheel chocks in front and in back of the wheels on both sides.
   
   
2. Lower the fifth wheel jacks until the weight of the fifth wheel is no longer on the tow vehicle. If the ground is soft, make sure to place supports under the jack pads to keep the fifth wheel stationary.
   
   
3. Disconnect the breakaway switch cable and the electrical cable.
   
   
4. Remove the latch pin from the hitch latch handle. Pull the hitch latch handle to the open position (check hitch manufacturer's specific instructions).
   
   
5. Move the tow vehicle slowly away from the fifth wheel.

Warning: DO NOT raise the fifth wheel jacks until you are sure the kingpin is fully engaged and locked in place in the fifth wheel hitch.

Operating Jacks

ELECTRIC POWER FIFTH WHEEL JACKS
The power fifth wheel jacks provide an electrically driven motor to take the place of the manually operated jack crank handle for raising and lowering the fifth wheel.

To operate, hold the switch in the position you wish to move the jacks; either UP or DOWN. When released, the switch will automatically return to its centered, OFF position. Make sure to observe all other instructions and cautions outlined in the previous operating instructions for the manual fifth wheel jacks.

The jacks may also be operated by use of a manual hand crank if the electric drive motor is inoperative.

Warning: DO NOT attempt to use the hand crank at the same time the electric drive motor is being used. Remove the hand crank when using the motor.

REAR STABILIZER JACKS
Your trailer may be equipped with manual stabilizing levelers on the rear left and right sides. Before using, make sure to pick as level a site as possible to park your trailer. If a level site is unavailable, it may be necessary to use wheel ramps or planking under the tires on the low side of the trailer.

To use stabilizer jacks, proceed as follows:

1. Obtain as level a position as conditions at your campsite allow before unhitching. It may be necessary to use ramps or planking under the tires to achieve side-to-side balance.
   
   
2. Always use wheel chocks when parking.
   
   
3. Unhitch the trailer from your tow vehicle and level from front to rear with front jacks.
   
   
4. Lower the stabilizer jack on the lowest side of the trailer first, checking for and “fine-tuning” level conditions with the jack.
   
   
5. Once side-to-side balance is obtained, lower jack on opposite side to secure level position.
   
   
6. It is a good idea to use stick-on levels where they may be observed during the leveling procedure.

Operating Slide-Out Rooms

A switch located inside the recreational vehicle on the sink base or a nearby wall partition operates the slide-out room.

Before extending the room(s) check the exterior for proper clearances.

The recreational vehicle must be level and the stabilizer jacks securely in place. It may also be necessary for the recreational vehicle to be slightly off level, side-to-side, during heavy periods of rain to allow rain to run off the roof away from the recreational vehicle. This will prevent the water from “backing up” and running inside the living area of the trailer. To extend the slide-out, hold the switch in the OUT position.

A moaning or grinding sound at the initial start of the operation is normal. This is the piston shafts traveling through the free travel area of the brackets.

If properly adjusted, the piston shafts or ratchet will stop their travel when the room is in position. If this does not happen, contact your dealer for adjustment.

If the room stops before it is fully extended the piston shafts may need to be adjusted.

To bring the slide-out room in, reverse the above procedure.

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