Airstream 2013 International, Owner'S Manual

Page: 22 / 127

TOWINg
B - 4
B
B - 5
Airstream weighs the vehicle as finished to arrive at the Vehicle Weight.
That number is subtracted from the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
of the trailer and listed under THE WEIGHT OF CARGO SHOULD NEVER
EXCEED on the tag. The total weight of any and all cargo, including dealer
modifications or additions, water, and propane should never exceed the
number listed.
When loading the vehicle it is important to keep the Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating, Gross Axle Weight Ratings, Tire Weight Ratings (listed on the vehicle
Tire Information Placard), and Cargo in mind. These ratings should never be
exceeded. Your safety depends on not overloading the trailer, trailer axles,
and tires. See the specification section for rating list.
Warning
: Never add items such as generators, heavy tool-
boxes or motorcycle racks to the back of the trailer. Weight behind the
axle will tend to magnify any sway that may occur when passing trucks or
in gusty wind. If a heavy generator is mounted on the rear bumper what
may have been an almost unnoticeable sway turns into a severe sway you
may not he able to control.
nOTiCE
: Damage to your trailer caused by mounting heavy objects on
the rear is considered abuse, and is not covered by warranty.
WEIGHING YOUR TRAILER
The diagram below shows how to weigh the trailer on scales.
When loading heavy objects such as tools, skillets, irons, and boxes of canned
goods, etc. keep them as low as possible - preferably on the floor. Try to hold
additional weight behind the axle to a minimum.
Warning
: The allowable personal cargo must be distributed
in your trailer in such a manner that the Gross Axle Weight Rating is not
exceeded.
To determine this, it is necessary to load all of your allowable personal cargo
and variable weights. Then hitch the trailer to the tow vehicle with load equal-
izing hitch properly adjusted as shown on the following pages.
Place the trailer on a scale with both axles only on the scale (see 2). If the
weight on the axles exceeds the axle system GAWR, then some of the personal
cargo must be redistributed forward in order to place some of this weight on