Airstream Basecamp 2007 Owner's Manual page 22

TOWING
Steps for Hitching Up, Typical Hitch
TYPICAL HITCH LEVELING BAR SYSTEM
B
The following is an example of a typical hitching scenario. Due to the infinite variety of
hitch systems in the present marketplace, the installation and use of your hitch towing
system may be different than as explained below. Always refer to the instructions and
training as provided with your tow vehicle, hitch, and by the equipment providers.
Consult a local dealer if you have any questions on your application.
Step 1. Jack up the trailer hitch until there is clearance for the HITCH BALL to slide
under. Remove the safety pin, slide the locking lever forward and raise. Back the tow
vehicle straight back to the hitch. This can best be accomplished through the use of
prearranged hand signals with the help of another person; but if you are hitching up by
yourself we recommend the use of a HOOK-UP VIEW MIRROR.
Step 2. Lower the trailer hitch onto the hitch ball. Then close the locking lever and
insert safety pin.
Step 3. Now raise the trailer and tow vehicle to the full height of the hitch jack and then
attach the LEVELING BARS and lever the tension on the bars.
Step 4. Lower the tow vehicle and trailer. The hitch ball should be level to slightly
higher. Readjust leveling bars until this condition is correct by increasing or decreasing
the length the chain engaged in "A" frame saddle bracket. Short chain raises hitch
ball, longer chain lowers it. A level condition will result in the best balance for towing
and steering control as the weight-equalizing hitch distributes the hitch load.
A low hitch ball increases tail wagging tendencies by lowering the nose of the trailer,
thus changing the center of support for the trailer and reducing the weight on the
four wheels of the tow vehicle. With proper hitch installation and hitching up, the bar
should have a noticeable amount of the deflection or bending. A little practice with
your rig will teach you how far to pull the bar; you may wish to mark the chain links
that match your rig.
Note: If your tow vehicle is equipped with adjustable load leveling air shocks, you
must load the tow vehicle first with typical luggage and passengers and bring it back
to level. Then attach the trailer and adjust the load leveling bars. Otherwise the air
shocks on the tow vehicle will overload the rear wheels. Do not use air shocks to level
tow vehicle and trailer after hitching up.
Note: Leveling the trailer end to end, then measuring from the ground to the inside top
of the ball socket determines hitch ball height for the tow vehicle
CAUTION
; Retract the hitch jack completely for maximum ground clearance.
CHECK THAT THE MANUAL JACK IS ROTATED AND LOCKED IN IT'S UP
POSITION. NEVER TOW YOUR TRAILER WITH THE JACK DOWN.
Step 5. Attach the safety chains to the welded portion of the hitch or tow vehicle's
frame, but never to the removable ball mount. Cross the safety chains under the
hitch.
Step 6. Remove the jack pad and stow in the tow vehicle's trunk along with the leveling
jack and other gear used when stopped.
Step 7. Always choose level ground for checking correct hookup. Move the rig ahead
about 50 feet and test the trailer brakes, then check the ground for forgotten objects.
Regularly check the condition of your tires, air pressure, and the tightness of your lug
nuts.
CAUTION
; Check that the step is up and LOCKED in its store position and that
the trailer door is completely closed and LOCKED for towing. If they are not
locked the constant vibration of travel may cause them to open with possible
damage.
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