trouble matching height of hitch with AS

[lbilling]

We just bought our first AS, a 2014 23' FB International, from an individual and also acquired the previous owner's Equlizer hitch.
so far, AS has not moved from its parking place because the height of top of hitch of AS is 17.5" and height of hitch in TV is 21". The TV is a 2015 chevy Tahoe with 20" wheels. The trailer has 14" wheels.
I might be able to use the Equilizer if I buy a 9" drop, which is listed as "unusual." Is this a common problem with SUVs?
Do you suggest a different type hitch?
Thanks.

[xrvr]

Put the trailer onto the Tahoe and then see how close you are to 18 inches.

[xrvr]

There are instructional videos for Equilizer hitches. Good luck.

[HowieE]

You have to drop the ball height. Airstreans must ride level because of the type of axles used.You will be OK to tow it home with that hitch but you have to get a new stinger.

Towing an Airstream tongue high increases the tongue weight and in a case this far off put extra load on the rear axle and tires.

[A W Warn]

Originally Posted by lbilling

We just bought our first AS, a 2014 23' FB International, from an individual and also acquired the previous owner's Equlizer hitch.
so far, AS has not moved from its parking place because the height of top of hitch of AS is 17.5" and height of hitch in TV is 21". The TV is a 2015 chevy Tahoe with 20" wheels. The trailer has 14" wheels.
I might be able to use the Equilizer if I buy a 9" drop, which is listed as "unusual." Is this a common problem with SUVs?
Do you suggest a different type hitch?
Thanks.

Suburban and Tahoe have the hitch receiver inside the bumper instead of the more common under the bumper receiver. So you will need a longer drop on the ball mount, regardless of the type of WD hitch.
You must get the trailer level, or one axle will carry more weight than the other.

[Larry C]

Simple solution..... go to etrailer.com, and buy a Curt 12" dip shank. It should solve your problem. Be advised, the trailer has to sit level.

For whatever it's worth
Larry

[TomKirk]

Back in the day, I had a height problem as well. My hitch ball was much too high and had to be lowered more than several inches.

I went to Glenn's Welding in metro (north of) Seattle. All they do is trailer fabrication and hitches. Without question, these guys are pros.

I dropped off my stinger and picked it up before store closing. They got it exactly right the first time.

Tom

[Steve 6919]

When I recently bought a 2015 Yukon I had to buy a new 9 inch drop shank to accommodate the high hitch receiver. Am not especially happy about that, but it is the only choice. I think you must do the same.

[iowaroots]

Before you get to far on this and before you hook up the AS measure the distance from the ground to the top of the wheel wells of your tow vehicle, front and back. Once you have the AS loaded onto the hitchball you will want these measurements to be very close to what they were when you started. Find the actual setup instructions online and it will explains these important details. You will be fine if you follow the instructions. A drop shank is common but you don't want it too long either because it will hit the ground under certain terrains such as drive entrances or exits. If the 9" works then avoid the 12". Again, get the set up instructions. Safety first!!

[jimfa440]

Flip, flop, adjust, and otherwise beat your hitch into submission until the ball height is 18 1/2" from the ground on a flat level surface. This is a really good starting point in getting the proper setup.
Jim

[great2beadaw]

We have a Tahoe and 23fb. I think the rear air bags make it difficult to find the right hitch setup. Have you connected the trailer and had somebody watch as you drive to see if it levels out?

[Sbb]

You need a 9' shank. We have that on Suburban,

[SSquared]

Originally Posted by lbilling

We just bought our first AS, a 2014 23' FB International, from an individual and also acquired the previous owner's Equlizer hitch.
so far, AS has not moved from its parking place because the height of top of hitch of AS is 17.5" and height of hitch in TV is 21". The TV is a 2015 chevy Tahoe with 20" wheels. The trailer has 14" wheels.
I might be able to use the Equilizer if I buy a 9" drop, which is listed as "unusual." Is this a common problem with SUVs?
Do you suggest a different type hitch?
Thanks.

I tow a 25FB with a 2010 Yukon Denali. I believe the receiver in the Yukon is about the same as in your Tahoe. As mentioned by others here, you need to get a long drop shank.

You can see a picture of my first hitch with the long drop shank in post 16 of this thread: http://www.airforums.com/forums/f238...ts-129781.html. You can see how the top of the ball is three or four inches below the bottom of the receiver hole in the car. My car has auto-leveling rear suspension, so it does not sag under the load of the trailer tongue weight. You might not need quite as much drop as I need.

That hitch in the picture is a Blue Ox Sway Pro. I didn't like the Blue Ox and I now have an EAZ-Lift.

[lbilling]

thanks to all for encouragement. I took the measurements and asked for the 9" variety, but salesman thought I was crazy because I did not have a big lift kit on TV and therefore did not need such a radical drop.
Can't wait to pull the level AS out of its parking place.