Airstream INTERNATIONAL CCD - Manual (Page 22)

B
TOWING
B - 6
Steps for Hitching Up
The following steps are for a typical hitch system
and are not meant to supercede instructions and
training provided for the hitch installed on your tow
vehicle. Please follow instructions and training pro-
vided with your hitch and its installer. The next page
is provided for notes as needed on your hitch.
1. Jack up the trailer hitch until there is clearance for
the HITCH BALL to slide under. Remove the safety
pin, slide the locking lever forward and raise. Back the
tow vehicle straight back to the hitch. This can best
be accomplished through the use of prearranged hand
signals with the help of another person; but if you are
hitching up by yourself we recommend the use of a
HOOK-UP VIEW MIRROR.
2. Lower the trailer hitch onto the hitch ball. Then close
the locking lever and insert safety pin.
3. Now raise the trailer and tow vehicle to the full height
of the hitch jack and then attach the LEVELING BARS.
Lever the tension on the bars. Lower the tow vehicle
and trailer.
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 four wheels of the tow vehicle. With proper
hitch installation and hitching up, the bar should have a
noticeable amount of the deflection or bending. 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 you’re tow vehicle is equipped with adjustable
load leveling air shocks, you must load the tow vehicle
first with typical luggage and passengers and bring it
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.
Note: Leveling the trailer end to end, then measuring
from the ground to the inside top of the ball socket
determines hitch ball height for the tow vehicle
4. Attach the safety chains to the welded portion of the
hitch or tow vehicle’s frame, but never to the remov-
able ball mount. Cross the safety chains under the
hitch.
5. Remove the jack pad and stow in the tow vehicle’s
trunk along with the leveling jack and other gear
used when stopped.
CAUTION ; Check that the foldaway step is up and
LOCKED in its store position and that the main door
is completely closed and the dead bolt LOCKED for
towing. If they are not locked the constant vibra-
tion of travel may cause them to open with possible
damage.
CAUTION ; Retract the hitch jack completely for
maximum ground clearance. NEVER TOW YOUR
TRAILER WITH THE JACK DOWN.
6. Move the rig ahead about 50 feet and test the trailer
brakes, then check the ground for forgotten objects.
Regularly check the condition of your tires, air pres-
sure, and the tightness of your lug nuts.
NOTICE! CHECK WHEEL LUGS
On first trip, tighten wheel lugs at start and at 10, 25,
and 100 miles. See Chart in Specification Section in
this manual for wheel torque ratings. There after,
check wheel lugs before each trip, after excessive
braking, and following winter storage.