Airstream INTERNATIONAL TRAILER Owner's Manual page 20

AIRSTREAM INTERNATIONAL TRAILER OWNERS 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.
Sway Control Device
Although Airstream has not intruded into the hitch
manufacturers field of expertise and preformed
formal testing, we find the vast majority of
Airstream owners purchases sway-control devices.
When passed by large trucks or when exposed to
sudden crosswinds the trailer will be "pushed" and this action will be felt in the tow vehicle. It's our
understanding the sway control devices will reduce the amount of movement and make towing more
comfortable and add some safety.
Follow the directions of the sway control manufacturer when having it installed and using it.
Steps for Hitching Up
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 the front of the trailer. Back the tow vehicle straight back to the
hitch. (See Fig. 2). 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.
Lower the trailer hitch onto the hitch ball. Then close the locking lever and insert safety pin. (See Fig. 3)
Now raise the trailer and tow vehicle to the full height of the hitch jack (See Fig. 7) and then attach the
LEVELING BARS. (See Fig. 4, 5 & 6). Lower the tow vehicle and trailer (See Fig. 7).
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