Load leveling Bars?

59overlander · 05-24-2007, 10:41 PM

Bought a 1959 airstream and it has 2 short bars on each side of the frame just behind the tongue. They move down and look like some part of a load leveling system. Does anybody know how they work?
thanks

Fyrzowt · 05-25-2007, 12:59 AM

It sounds like you're on the right track, post some photos if you can. You should get some answers.

yukionna · 05-25-2007, 02:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 59overlander

Bought a 1959 airstream and it has 2 short bars on each side of the frame just behind the tongue. They move down and look like some part of a load leveling system. Does anybody know how they work?
thanks

Welcome to the forums! If I were to guess, I think you are referring to the weight distribution bars. Take a look at some of the threads below and see if any of these help to answer your question. I hope this helps.

dwightdi · 05-25-2007, 04:41 AM

If they are attached to the trailer and hang down, they have some chains attached to them, they are the cams for the Reese Twin Cam system. You need to see if the previous owner still has the head and the weight distribution bars to complete the system. Otherwise those parts some times show up on ebay separately. Once in a while you can find them at a swap meet at a Region rally or at a garage sale. If those avenues fail you can always buy new at your local trailer or RV store.

overlander64 · 05-25-2007, 05:31 AM

Greetings 59Overlander!

Welcome to the Forums and the World of Vintage Overlander ownership!

What you describe sounds like the trailer side of the Reese Dual Cam setup. The cam bars were typically clamped to the tongue, but in the early days of the system may have been welded to the tongue (I know of two 1960 Overlanders with the welded setup). I am attaching a photo of the Reese Dual Cam setup on my '78 Minuet. The hitch uses the Reese Trunion Hitch with standard weight distribution bars -- the standard chains are unbolted and replaced by steel saddles that ride in the stirrups on the coach -- you can also purchase new style bars that have a hook on the end that don"t require th saddles. The saddles and other parts are still available from Reese.

Good luck with your Overlander!

Kevin

59overlander · 05-26-2007, 10:55 PM

Thanks for all your help !!!
We found the rest of the hitch inside the trailer.
It is a twin cam set up.