Greetings NashBuff!
Welcome to the Forums and the world of Vintage Airstream ownership!
Quote:
Originally Posted by NashBuff
So from checking out this forum and doing some research, we decided our very fist trailer should be an Airstream.
We are picking up a 1972 31' Sovereign on Friday. Appears to be in awesome shape, thanks to all of you for telling me what to look for.
My biggest question has to do with the trailer hook up. I am getting a sway bar with it. I have a 2004 Nissan Titan do I need to do anything special for the trailer brakes? For our boat we just plug it in and go.
|
At the bare minimum,
you will need to be prepared for:
- Weight distributing hitch with adjustable head that will allow a hitch height of approximately 19"
- Hitch ball measuring 2 5/16" with a weight rating of at least 8,000 pounds.
- Sway control of your choice -- either friction or built-in hitch type such as Reese Dual Cam or Equal-I-zer
- Load pulling capability to handle an empty weight of:
- 4,990 pounds
- With an empty hitch weight of 520 pounds
- Electronic Brake Controller
- Seven pole Bargman type connector on tow vehicle.
- Extended trailer towing mirrors
Remember that empty weight reflects only the trailer with no optional equipment and absolutely no fluids on board. Typical loaded weight of a coach of this size will easily surpass 6,000 pounds, and could approach 6,500 pounds rather easily.
Good luck with your new coach!
Kevin
P.S.: Also, be prepared for the possibility that the trailer will not be wired to the industry standard of today for the Bargman plug. It was well into the 1980s before Airstream adopted the Industry Standard Bargman Plug Wiring schematic. The Bargman plug on a 1972 Airstream was wired to
this schematic. Your truck will likely be wired to the current Industry Standard for the Barman plug as shown in
this schematic.