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Old 06-01-2014, 02:37 PM   #1
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Is it too low hitting the driveway bump?

Happy Towing my first bambi 16 home this Friday. Something unexpected happened! Click image for larger version

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ID:	213309The spare tire frame hitting the drive way because it is too low. I had to ran to harbor frieight to get an adjustable hight hitch to put on high in order to back in. It seems every time I have to use the high hitch to tow in out and back in the drive way then change the regular weight distribution hitch for the trip.
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Old 06-01-2014, 03:51 PM   #2
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I am a fan of Airstreams, I am not a fan of their stock ground clearance.

I raised mine at the axles.
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Old 06-01-2014, 05:51 PM   #3
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It seems to me that when you take the weight distributing hitch out and use a regular hitch that would make the rear of your car squat even lower. You might investigate putting some air lifts on the rear of your car to raise it when you need to.
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Old 06-01-2014, 06:32 PM   #4
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Make a simple little ramp?
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Old 06-01-2014, 06:52 PM   #5
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Go get som 2x8s to back the trailer or car on to
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Old 06-01-2014, 07:36 PM   #6
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Could you take it in on a different angle? So you have to stop...unhitch, change receivers, then back in? I am so sorry.
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Old 06-01-2014, 07:38 PM   #7
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Be careful to watch the clearance at the other end-the tank valves that hang down-when coming off of that curb. As previously suggested, put a couple of boards in the street to make a ramp and ease the transition.
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Old 06-01-2014, 08:55 PM   #8
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I'm towing with dodge caravan which weight distribution hitch. I thought van is lower than the Toyota venza in the photo. I later measured them that they are actual the same height. I use the Toyota with the high hitch to back in and tow out off drive way, then switch to the caravan for the trip. Click image for larger version

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Old 06-01-2014, 08:58 PM   #9
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I don't have photo of the caravan towing the bambi. It was set up by AS dealer it look very level to me. That make me worried to go some place such as gas station where have the similar bump to turn in...
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Old 06-01-2014, 09:23 PM   #10
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Just throwing this out, have you tried shortening your weight distribution chains to raise the back end up? Just an idea.
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Old 06-02-2014, 03:35 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by J. Morgan View Post
I am a fan of Airstreams, I am not a fan of their stock ground clearance.

I raised mine at the axles.
Does the higher center of gravity affect handling?

Poppy
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Old 06-02-2014, 06:25 AM   #12
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2 by 8 along the curb to raise rear tires on car. Back up slowly and have someone watch and then stop and put board down under car tires or tire to raise vehicle. Easy. Jim
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Old 07-16-2014, 02:54 PM   #13
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How about bigger wheels/tires

Howdy,

My wife have driveway issues....an 11% grade at one of our places...and then a good old fashioned annoying gutter at the other. We (the royal we) decided to do aftermarket one inch bigger tires and wheels for our bambi 16. We used to have to change out hitches to get it up and down the driveway, but we have it dialed in, that even fully loaded we can make it up and down both with no problem. Go slow and keep an eye on your clearance as you go. We had a tire shop do the wheels - paid a little more, but the job was done right. Your setup looks sweet - happy trails, Dr. J
And kudos to the person who mentioned the low drain valves.
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Old 07-16-2014, 03:27 PM   #14
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Well, our 34' has a big problem.. driveway.. so...
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Old 07-16-2014, 04:12 PM   #15
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we also have the same problem - the AS frame or the hitch would scrape since there is a gutter at the end of our driveway and
a slight rise in the driveway itself.

i use these 'pyramids' - one on each side of the AS or truck
as needed.

putting these under the rear tires of the TV just before the scraping begins will raise the vehicle enough to clear.

they ain't pretty but they work.

also, a 6th board can be added if needed.
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Old 07-16-2014, 04:17 PM   #16
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Sorry poppy, I just saw your question for the first time.

The 3" raise in height did not negatively affect handling at all.

All in all going by my seat of my pants fee, it seems as it might have made things better when passing or being passed by semi trucks. I guess maybe more of the pressure wave passes under the trailer.

Gas mileage didn't change one iota.


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