Newsletter July 2014
Back To Newsletters
The Leale’s staff wishes you the...
"How much do you weigh?"
Why should you weigh your RV?
For a safe and enjoyable trip, weigh your RV. Because overload conditions result in premature wear and poor handling, you can end up with breakdowns and expensive repairs to components like transmissions, brakes, and tires.
Remember, everything in and on your coach contributes to its overall weight.
It’s important to avoid overloading.
- Safety
The #1 reason to avoid overloading. The leading cause of RV accidents is driving or towing an overloaded RV. - Tough on tires
Tires are affected more than anything else by overloading your RV. Tires not properly inflated for the load can result in failure. - Suspension system and brake problems
Component failures include: springs, shocks, and brakes, as well as tires.
Understand weight ratings.
Individual components of the RV have their own weight ratings: the RV itself, suspension system, tires, wheels, brakes, axles. These ratings are established by the manufacturer and overloading any component risks premature wear or complete failure.
Know your ratings:
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): the maximum allowable weight of the vehicle when fully loaded for travel, including all passengers, all cargo, fluids and fuel. This is the most crucial weight rating for safety.
- Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) is the maximum allowable weight that can be loaded on each axle of the RV.
- Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) is the maximum allowable combined weight of the fully loaded vehicle and the fully loaded vehicle/trailer being towed.
- There are other weight ratings for motorized and towable RVs. Never exceed any weight rating.
Weigh it.
It’s dangerous to exceed any weight rating, and the only way to know is to have your RV weighed.
- Locate scales where you can weigh your RV.
- Weigh it at Leale’s!
- Weigh everything….so get on the scales when your coach is fully loaded.
- If towing another vehicle, weigh that vehicle fully loaded too, so you get the weight of the total load.
- Include all cargo, passengers, food, clothing, fuel, water, and propane.
- Do this periodically to have a good sense of the weight of your coach on an ongoing basis.
Towing with your RV.
Before you get on the road with your towed load, consider the following:
- Take a course in RV driving that includes towing instructions.
- Practice! Practice steering, braking, and parking.
- Always hook your towed vehicle to your RV on a level surface.
- Check all headlights, taillights, turn signals, and marker lights on both your RV and towed vehicle.
- Tie down all loose objects in the towed vehicle as well as in the RV.
- When passing, be especially mindful of the space both vehicles take up.
- Give yourself extra room when stopping.
- Avoid situations where you have to back up, and if you do, have someone help guide you. Our technicians strongly suggest not putting yourself in positions where you must back up.
- Make sure that your insurance specifically covers towing another vehicle.
Do you plan to tow? Consider the regulations before you go.
When towing a vehicle behind your RV, become familiar with the towing regulations of all the states you plan to travel through, since they can vary by state. Pay special attention to limits for height, speed, and weight. Also look into insurance requirements.
For specific state towing regulations, a good Website to use is
http://towingworld.com/towinglaws
Leale's offers flexible towing solutions for RVs
If you’re interested in towing a car, boat, or other vehicle behind your RV, and have questions about the variety of available towing solutions, let the experts at Leale’s help. We will guide you to the best option for your specific towing situation.
Miguel installs a custom tow system.
Leale’s can install several different tow package brands, specializing in Blue Ox and Roadmaster. We can install completely new systems or help customize tow packages with mixed components… whatever you need.
Tow package custom installation by Leale’s expert technicians.
Leale’s customer on the road: Renegade Motor Home, Honda CRV, and Roadmaster Falcon II customized tow system.
Blue OX offers tow bar trade-in allowance!
Blue Ox, the leading manufacturer of towing products now takes trades on tow bars. You can trade in your used tow bar, regardless of the brand, for a new one. Any make or model applies.
Contact Leora for more details and trade-in allowance amounts.
408-286-5353
Tips from our technicians!
Save on gas this summer. Before you leave on your next trip, check your tire pressure. You can save money by checking it before and during your trip.
Look on your coach’s VIN # sticker for the PSI recommended by the manufacturer. If your tires are now different from those originally installed, you can check the tire specs with the tire manufacturer or installer.
It's all about the parts!
One way to reduce heat in your RV this summer is to replace your incandescent light bulbs with those that burn much cooler. Most every-day-use light bulbs are now available in LED. For these and other “hot” new products, check out our parts department.
For all your parts needs:
Contact Tammy, Leale’s Parts Department
408 286-5353
RV camping tip
Information at your fingertips! Put this Website on your “Favorites” list:
www.50states.com
This site gives you a listing of all 50 states. Click on the state you’re interested in for a wealth of information……from state facts to RV campgrounds, local events, restaurants, etc……and even the weather.
It’s all about the parts!
Exciting products for your RV are being introduced every day. On your next visit to Leale’s, drop by the parts desk and ask Tammy about what’s new.
For all your parts needs:
Contact Tammy, Leale’s Parts Department
(408) 286-5353
"And now……a word from our customers"
Wayne, our chassis expert.
"Wayne, great mechanic makes sure the job is done right and is willing to clearly explain and demonstrate causes of any issues found while performing maintenance. He keeps me safe!"
By Larry E.
Leale’s RV
2070 S. Seventh St.
San Jose, CA 95112
PHONE:
(408) 286-5353
FAX:
(408) 286-5252