Hitching Up - Airstream 1980 Argosy Owner's Manual

Hitching Up
Hitching up your trailer is something that will
become almost second nature with practice.
The following section includes proper hitch
load distribution and a procedure for hitching
UP.
The electric jack is strongly recommended for
anyone who, for any reason, should not
physically exert himself. Available as an option,
the electric jack makes hitching and unhitching
a much easier o~eration.
Equalizing Hitch Load Distribution
When a trailer is hitched up properly to a tow
vehicle, with a load equalizing hitch,
approximately 1 / 3 of the trailer's tongue
weight will be on the trailer's axles and 2 / 3 will
be transferred to the tow vehicle. 1 / 3 of this
weight transfer will be carried by the front
wheels and 1 /3 by the rear wheels of the tow
vehicle (see diagram). Thus, the tire loading of
each wheel on the tow vehicle will be increased
by 1 /6 of the trailer's tongue weight. The tire
air pressure of the tow vehicle should be
increased to compensate for this additional
weight. Refer to the vehicle's owners manual
for this information.
The tongue weight should be approximately
1 0% to 1 6 % of the trailer's total weight but
must not exceed 1000 Ibs. and under no
condition exceed the hitch rating. Your hitch
rating information should be provided to you by
your hitch installer.
Steps for Hitching up
Jack up the trailer hitch until there is clearance
for the hitch ball to slide under, remove safety
pin and raise the locking lever. Back the car
Equalizing Hitch Load Distribution
Proper Installation
Percentage of Tongue Load
I
d ~ s t r ~ b ~ ~ t e d to car and/or
tra~ler wheels 34%
Hitch High
Hitch Low