Airstream REI Co-op Special Edition, Owner'S Manual

Page: 56 / 90

Towing
7-2
2023 REI Special Edition
Tow Vehicle
When buying a new vehicle to tow your trailer, we
suggest including towing options offered by most tow
vehicle manufacturers� These include such things as a
heavy-duty alternator and radiator, heavy-duty springs
and shock absorbers, transmission cooler, heavy-duty
fan and flasher unit, etc., for the make of the vehicle.
WARNING
Springs that are too stiff can hinder the action of
the weight equalizing hitch and prevent the transfer
of weight to the front of the vehicle.
NOTE
Only use springs heavy enough to support your
loaded vehicle (not including trailer). Having a too
harsh spring rate on your tow vehicle will only
shorten the life of the tow vehicle and trailer, and
will cause your trips to be less enjoyable.
Transmissions may be manual or automatic, but an
automatic transmission may prolong your tow vehicle’s
life and generally does a better job of controlling engine
loads than does the average driver using a manual
shift�
Having adequate power is very important when
considering the purchase of a new vehicle or the
trailer-towing capability of your present one� Auto
dealers are provided with guidelines to use when
helping a customer decide on a tow vehicle� Guidelines
are not determined solely by the power output of the
engine� The gear ratio of the differential is also a very
important part of the guideline�
Inspect the tow vehicle’s hitch regularly for loose bolts
or nuts, cracked welds, loose ball mounts, worn parts,
etc�
New trailerists often carry more food and other supplies
than really needed� Remember that every item you
take along is one more thing to stow and adds weight
to the total load you must pull� Consolidate items in
shelves, lockers, and in the refrigerator� It is better
to have one full and one empty locker, than two
half empty ones� Special care must be taken not to
overload the front and rear ends of the trailer�
Brakes
All trailers are equipped with Dexter Nev-R-Adjust
brakes� Please follow all maintenance procedures
in the Dexter user’s manual provided in the owner’s
packet�
Electronic Brake Controller
The trailer brakes are operated by 12-volt current
from your tow vehicle and must be hooked up so you
have an integral system with your tow vehicle brakes�
To prevent problems and ensure satisfactory braking
action, install an electronic controller in line with the
brakes in your tow vehicle�
An electronic controller will synchronize the trailer
brakes with your tow vehicle brakes� It is designed to
apply the trailer brakes with your tow vehicle brakes�
Your brake controller should be adjusted to provide for
a slight lead of the trailer brakes over the tow vehicle
brakes�
NOTE
Study all material provided with your particular
brake control. If you do not understand the
information, have the installer explain the
information to you or call the manufacturer of the
controller.
Proper Electric Brake Use
Proper synchronization of tow vehicle to trailer braking
can only be accomplished by road testing� Brake
lockup, grab, or harshness is quite often due to lack
of synchronization between the tow vehicle and the
trailer being towed, a too-high threshold voltage (over 2
volts), or under adjusted brakes�
WARNING
Never use your tow vehicle or trailer brakes alone
to stop the combined load.
WARNING
The braking system should be checked and
serviced by qualified, certified technicians only.
Failure to do so could result in loss of control
of your vehicle or the trailer, causing damage to
property, injury, and/or death.