Ball Height ??

[Alden Miller]

My wife has cleaned up the Airstream in preparation for our first trip. I am looking for my manual to check what height the tow ball should be at. I just installed an easy rider air hitch and I am trying to get the height correct.

I measured where it was on my fixed hitch and set it on the air hitch so it would be at the same height. With all the weight of the trailer on the ball I am at 17 1/2" to the top of the ball. I seem to remeber this is about right. Can anyone confirm this?

The trailer looks level to a little bit nose low (although I have not pit the Weight Distribution bars on yet). Does this sound right?

-Alden

[CanoeStream]

As you can see at Airstream FAQs it looks like they're saying 18.75". I've seen things like that is to the top of the ball before you hitch up... which is nearly meaningless due to variable squishy-ness of suspensions. Are the tires the same size as original (more than likely). Best thing to do is try something close to the recommended height (or anything really), engage your WD bars and stand well back and look at it. Better yet, take a picture and post it here.

Measure to the top of the TV's wheel enclosure sheet metal before you hitch up. With WD properly engaged the body of your TV should settle equally front and back. Cinch up your WD a bit (links on a chain?) until it gets close to settling equally -- nothing is perfect y'know. If the trailer then looks high at the nose I'd consider lowering the ball a bit since you do have a pretty stiff suspension. Then post a picture and ask the experts here what they really think ...

And Alden -- a belated HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! Hope you have a fun trip.

[Alden Miller]

Just remember, no matter where you go, there you are... I like your tag line!

Is that height before the weight is put on the ball or after? If it's after then I am about an inch and a quarter low (probably one hole on the hitch). I've got to find that book. I checked where my wife said it should be but found nothing.

I got the air hitch because of the suspension and the discussions I've read here about beating up the trailer with it.

Thanks for the belated birthday wishes!

-Alden

[CanoeStream]

I've read it is the height to the top of the ball before you engage the hitch. There are so many variables I heard some speak to the greater importance of the following:
1. Equal settling of the TV front-to-back to gauge proper WD setting.
2. Then don't want the Airstream looking like it's traveling nose high.

I'm ready for any further comments from other members here ...

[WayWard Wind]

I've got a set-up file from www.rvtowingtip.com/hitch-setup.htm, which gives pretty detailed steps for setting up the W/D. you may find it to be help.
Best,

[CanoeStream]

Hey Al -- Beautiful weather today! First PaulaFord, now you changing your ASForums mantra. How will I keep up with it all?

That rvtowingtip.com link might be dead ... Do you have another URL source that is working?

Thanks,
Bob

[WayWard Wind]

It was so nice today, that for a moment I thought I was in Minnesota. I'm sorry, but that url was all that was on my sheet. I'll do some surfing of my favorites. I'm thinking it's on there, if not an address would get a copy to whomever would want one. It's 4 pages (both sides) long and really detailed.
Best,

[WayWard Wind]

Hey Canoe---I just typed in the url and the site came up o.k. Lots of other good info there if you go to the home page. Once again http:www.rvtowingtips.com/hitch-setup.htm. Should be a go.
Best,