Hitching Up - Airstream Excella 1975 Owner's Manual

Hitching Up
Equalizing Hitch Load Distribution
Proper Installation
Hitching up your Airstream trailer is some¬
thing that will become almost second nature
with practice. The following section includes
proper hitch load distribution and a pro¬
cedure for hitching up.
The electric jack is strongly recommended for
anyone who, for any reason, should not
physically exert himself. Available as a
factory option or through the Wally Byam
Stores, the electric jack makes hitching and
unhitching a much easier operation.
Equalizing Hitch Load Distribution
When a trailer is hitched up properly to a tow
vehicle, with a load equalizing hitch, 1/3 of
the trailer 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 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 load should be approximately
10% to 15% of G.V.W.R. and under no
condition exceed the hitch rating. Your hitch
rating information should be provided to you
by your hitch installer.
34% 33% 33%
Percentage of Tongue Load
distributed to car and/or
trailer wheels
Hitch Low
0 to 20% 60 to 90% -10 to +20%
Hitch High
40 to 50%
-20 to +20% 40 to 70%
25