Hitching Up - Airstream Basecamp 2007 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.
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 load 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 owner's manual for this information.
WARNING
: The tongue weight should
he approximately 10% to 14% of the trailer's total
weight. Under no condition should it exceed the
hitch rating. Your hitch installer should provide your
hitch rating information to you.
Percentage of Tongue Load
distributed to car and or trailer wheels
B - 5
TOWING
HITCH JACK
The manual hitch jack raises and lowers the trailer for
hitching and leveling. To operate, turn the lock handle
counter clockwise to loosen the collar. This will allow
the jack to slide up and down in the collar. Slide the jack
down until the foot pad in resting almost on the ground.
Tighten the lock handle to hold the jack firmly in place.
Turn the jack crank to raise or lower the trailer.
To store the jack after use, hitch the trailer to a stable
tow vehicle. Raise the jack with crank handle. Be sure
the notch on the jack shaft is aligned with the slot on
the jack case as you raise the jack completely up. This
will lock the wheel in place and prevent the wheel/shaft
from spinning and sustaining damage during travel.
After raising the wheel, loosen the lock handle and lift
the jack assembly to its highest position. Tighten the
lock handle firmly to safely store the jack for travel.
Raise/Lower
Slot
Notch
B
Lock
Handle