Hitching - Airstream Caravanner 1977 Owner's Manual

Hitching Up
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 procedure 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,
approximately
Vz
of the trailer's tongue
weight will be on the trailer's axles and %
will be transferred to the tow vehicle.
Vz
of
this weight transfer will be carried by the
front wheels and
Vz
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 'A of the trailer's
tongue weight. The tire air pressure of the
tow vehicle should be increased to com¬
pensate for this additional weight. Refer to
the vehicle's owners manual for this
information.
Equalizing Hitch Load Distribution
Proper Installation
Percentage of Tongue Load distributed to car and/or trailer wheels.
Hitch High
Hitch Low
The tongue weight should be approx¬
imately 10% to 15% of the trailer's total
weight but
must not exceed 1000 lbs.
and
under no condition exceed the hitch rating.
Your hitch rating information should be
provided to you by your hitch installer.
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