Roadmaster RM3477 Manuel du propriétaire télécharger pdf (Page 5)

Glossary of towing terms

binding — When the tow bar is difficult to detach because of excessive pressure, the tow

bar is said to be “bound.” All Terrain tow bars (see pages 4 and 5) have a patented latch-

ing mechanism which virtually eliminates this problem.

car-mounted — a tow bar designed to be mounted and stored on the towed vehicle.

curb weight — the total weight of a vehicle when not loaded with either passengers or

cargo.

diode — Diodes allow the towed vehicle’s brake and turn signal lights to mimic the motor-

home’s (which is required by law) without damaging the towed vehicle’s electrical system.

They allow current to flow in only one direction, thereby eliminating electrical feedback,

which could damage the towed vehicle’s wiring, fuses or other electrical components.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (or “GVWR”) — how much weight a vehicle is designed

to carry. The GVWR includes the net weight of the vehicle, plus the weight of passengers,

fuel, cargo and any additional accessories. The GVWR is a safety standard used to prevent

overloading.

hitch (or “receiver hitch”) — the tubular shaft extending from the motorhome which is

used to attach a motorhome-mounted tow bar to the motorhome.

motorhome-mounted — a tow bar designed to be mounted and stored on the motor-

home.

mounting bracket (a.k.a. “bracket” or “base plate”) — connects the towed vehicle to the

tow bar. All mounting brackets are bolted on to the subframe of the towed vehicle.

proportional braking — A supplemental braking system which brakes at the same time

and intensity as the motorhome is said to be “proportional.” There are two proportional

systems in this catalog — a direct system (BrakeMaster) and a portable system (Even

Brake).

removable bracket arms — All mounting brackets have arms which extend out from

the vehicle. ROADMASTER’s XL, MX and EZ brackets (see page 9) have arms that can be

easily removed, making the bracket virtually invisible.

quick-disconnects — the connection point between the tow bar and the tow bar mount-

ing brackets. These components allow the tow bar to be quickly connected and discon-

nected. There is one quick-disconnect (“QD”) for the driver’s side and one for the pas-

senger side. Quick-disconnects also allow for the mounting of accessories such as the

Guardian and the Nixtopper.

quick links — used to attach the safety cables. They look like one link in a chain, and

have a nut which can be threaded up or down to open or close the link.

safety cables — Required by law, safety cables connect the towed vehicle to the towing

vehicle. They are a secondary safety device to hold the vehicles together if the towing

system separates for any reason.

stinger — the part of the tow bar that inserts into the motorhome’s receiver hitch. A hitch

pin and clip secure the tow bar to the motorhome.

supplemental braking — an independent braking system that brakes the towed vehicle

in tandem with the motorhome.

Step 3 — A supplemental braking system

Supplemental brakes are required in most states, and for an excellent

reason — the laws of physics. At highway speeds or during a panic stop,

the inertia of a towed vehicle’s weight significantly increases stopping dis-

tance.

Oftentimes, the difference between a severe accident and a close call

is just a few feet. Supplemental braking systems are designed to stop the

towed vehicle-motorhome combination in about the same distance as the

motorhome alone.

ROADMASTER manufactures four supplemental braking systems. (Which

system is right for you? See page 22.)

Step 4 — The proper safety equipment and accessories

Required by law in almost every state, safety cables (A) attach to both

your towed vehicle and your motorhome as a secondary security device.

Your towed vehicle must also be wired for functioning turn signals and

taillights while in tow. A Universal Wiring Kit (B) safely connects the two ve-

hicles’ electronics. An electrical cord (C) is necessary to conduct the light-

ing signals from the mo-

torhome to the towed

vehicle.

These three items can

be purchased separate-

ly or you can purchase a

Combo Kit similar to the

one shown here, which

includes all three items,

a tow bar cover (D) and

other common accesso-

ries (some kits vary).

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Roadmaster RM3477 Manuel du propriétaire Page 5

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