Airstream Basecamp 2020, Owner'S Manual

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Towing
2020 Basecamp
7-5
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
(See illustration)� 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.
Please refer to the tow vehicles documentation for
your vehicles hitch rating information.
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�
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.
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�
Cooling System Overload
When towing, you might encounter a temporary cooling
system overload during severe conditions, such as:
• Hot days when pulling on a long 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� Increase the engine idle speed�
Lift the engine hood and check for fluid leaks at the
radiator overflow outlet. Ensure all drive belts are intact
and the radiator fan is turning� If you have a problem,
have it fixed at the next opportunity. If there is no
problem, the light should go off, or temperature should
come down within one minute� Proceed on the highway
a little slower; resume normal driving after 10 minutes�
WARNING
Never open a radiator cap when the tow vehicle is
hot. Check the coolant level when the vehicle is
cool.