ball size

[jlester]

I have just bought a 1962 globetrotter 19foot. Can anyone tell me what size ball I will need on by hitch? The owner is not sure.

thanks so much.
julia

[MW64OVERLANDER]

The ball size on my 64 overlander is 2". Someone can correct me if i'm wrong, but if you have the original Marvel hitch, your ball size will be 2" as well.

[dscluchfc]

Mine is 2 & 5/16".
Of course everyone in Texas has the same sized balls....
so we can pull each other's trailers... hehee.

[overlander64]

Greetings Julia!

Welcome to the Forums!

I agree with Mark, all Airstreams of the time period of your '62 and our '64s started out life with Marvel 2" couplers - - those that vary have typically been modified by a previous owner.

Something else that you may want to be prepared for if you are preparing your tow vehicle for a towing expedition with the coach. If the coach has not had its umbilical cord wiring modified, it will not match the current industry standard utilized on the Bargman plugs on most modern tow vehicles. You can find the 1964-1965 Airstream Bargman Connector Wiring Schematic on the Airstream corporate website - - it will likely be very similar to that of the '62s. To verify the function of each wire, I have utilized a garden tractor battery with 24" alligator clamps to test the wires with both my '64 Overlander and '78 Minuet when towing them for the first time - - in each case the connector needed to be rewired (it helps to have a new connector that matches the one on your tow vehicle in your toolkit).

Good luck with your investigation!

Kevin

[jlester]

Thanks for the info. I am so excited. I leave sunday to pick up my new baby. 2" ball it is then. I was wondering what type of wiring I will find. The owner says all the lights and everything work. I am howevery bringing an assortment of wiring parts just in case.


Thanks again.
Julia

[overlander63]

Julia, probably the smartest thing you can do, is get a 7 pin trailer plug that matches the plug on your tow vehicle, that way if it is different, you are not scrambling around looking for the correct one. If you are like me, that will mean you will be out there at 3:57am on Sunday, with sleet/freezing rain, or a blizzard. A plus to this is the new plug will have a wiring diagram of the new industry standard enclosed with it. It is pretty cheap, maybe $10.00, and is worth a lot more than that in reduced aggravation.
Good luck, and safe towing.
Terry

[jlester]

Good idea, just went to our trailer store bout a female end for my tow car and cable length. Think I am ready to go as long as it does not snow too bad, bringing the chains just in case.


Thanks again.
Julia

[bredlo]

Ahh... brings back great old memories of picking up our Globey last year... and not knowing a single thing about it. Still don't, as a matter of fact.