Airstream INTERNATIONAL TRAILER, Owner'S Manual

Page: 21 / 138

AIRSTREAM INTERNATIONAL TRAILER OWNERS MANUAL
B-7
The hitch ball should be level to slightly higher. Readjust leveling bars until this condition is correct by
increasing or decreasing the length the chain engaged in A-frame saddle bracket. Short chain raises hitch
ball, longer chain lowers it. A level condition will result in the best balance for towing and steering control
as the weight-equalizing hitch distributes the hitch load.
A low hitch ball increases tail wagging
tendencies by lowering the nose of the
trailer, thus changing the center of support
for the trailer and reducing the weight on
the for wheels of the tow vehicle. With
proper hitch installation and hitching up,
the bar should have a noticeable amount of
the deflection or bending. "See figure 8".
A little practice with your rig will teach you
how far to pull the bar; you may wish to
mark the chain links that match your rig.
Always choose level ground for checking
correct hookup.
Note : If your tow vehicle is equipped with
adjustable load leveling air shocks, you
must load the tow vehicle first with typical
luggage and passengers and bringing back
to level. Then attach the trailer and adjust
the load leveling bars. Otherwise the air
shocks on the tow vehicle will overload the
rear wheels.
Do not use air shocks to level
tow vehicle and trailer after hitching up .