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Hitching Up
The process of hitching up your trailer is something that will
become almost second nature with practice. Proper training on
connecting your trailer to a tow vehicle is essential for safety. See
your dealer or other qualified personnel for instruction on hitching
of your trailer. Safety chain or cable use on the hitch is required in
all states.
7-Way (7-Pin) Wiring Harness Plug
NOTE
The 7-Way plug is spliced to the main harness in
the area of the 12-VDC distribution panel in front of
the trailer.
Equalizing Hitch Load Distribution
When a trailer is properly hitched up 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. One third of this weight transfer will be carried by the
front wheels and 1/3 by the rear wheels of the tow vehicle. 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 be approximately 10 to
15% of the trailer's total weight. Under no condition
should it exceed the tow vehicles hitch rating.
Refer to the tow vehicle documentation for hitch
rating information.
7-4
Towing Tips and Information
We want every Airstream owner to be a safe and courteous
driver. A few hours of towing practice in a large, empty parking
lot will make pulling your trailer over the road much easier. Mark
off two corners of the parking lot for left and right turns. These
corners may also be used to practice backing and parking.
Tracking Observation
Observe that the tracks made by the trailer wheels are distinctly
different from those made by the tow vehicle. Studying this will
make it easier for you to correct mistakes.
General Information
After thoroughly inspecting your hitch, brakes and tires, you
should be ready to tow. Check traffic, signal when you are about
to pull away and start slowly. Look often in your mirrors and
observe the action of the trailer, then carefully move into the
proper lane of traffic. Remember that the trailer wheels will not
follow the path of the tow vehicle wheels, therefore, wider turns
are necessary when turning to the left or to the right.
NOTE
Truck or trailer type fender, door grip, and rear
view mirrors are a must for maximum visibility and
required by law in most states.
Cooling System Overload
When towing, you might encounter a temporary cooling system
overload during severe conditions, such as:
• Hot days when pulling on a steep grade
• When slowing down after higher speed driving
• Driving with long, idle periods in traffic jams
If the tow vehicle's temperature gauge or indicator light indicates
overheating and the air conditioner is on, turn it off, pull over in a
safe place and apply the emergency brake. Check for fluid leaks
at the radiator overflow outlet. Ensure all drive belts are intact
and the radiator fan is turning. If there is no obvious problem, the
light should go off and temperature should come down within
one minute. Proceed onto highway at a little slower speed.
Resume normal driving after 10 minutes.
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