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Old 07-04-2018, 03:08 PM   #21
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2006 19' Safari SE
Tucson , Arizona
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For what it's worth — though I know this sort of incident is a possibility especially if things are not set up properly — this is the first time I can remember that it actually happened and was reported here ... at least in my recollection.

You were lucky and as said above it's not all your fault. Don't beat yourself up about it ... and most of all, don't let this deter you from enjoying your Airstream in the future.

You learned a hard lesson which you have graciously shared with us ... be glad that it happened where and how it did and that no one was hurt ... and that your rig sustained no extreme damage. (I'd wonder if the jack post that hit the pavement was bent...that needs to be checked.) It would have been far worse if you were on a highway or interstate traveling at higher speeds.

Good luck and thanks for reporting ... to remind us all to be careful.
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Old 07-04-2018, 03:12 PM   #22
Ldytraveller
 
1998 34' Excella 1000
1990 29' Airstream 290
Algonquin Highlands , Ontario
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 30
Do Not Dispair. There is a solution.

All the info you have received is very valid but the bottom line is you need to speak/correspond with a towing specialist. We have a 34 ft AS excella 1000 widebody - 1998, that we tow with a Dodge Grand Caravan. It is solid as a rock and we have had no issues with towing it from Canada (Ontario) to Florida, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona as well as through Kentucky & the mountains in Tennisee. We had our rig set up by CanAm RV in London, Ontario. I know this is not in your area but they have a great website with lots of helpful videos and I know they will answer your enquiries and suggest what you need to do to tow properly and safely. They have many U.S. customers who come to Canada to have their rigs set up. It is a second generation business. One of the owners, Andy Thompson writes articles for RV magazines on towing. Do yourself a favour and checkout their website - ask some questions. You will come away better informed and more comfortable with the decisions you make regarding your rig. The website is www.CanAmRV.ca

Good Luck with your classic lady. Wonderful adventures await you.
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Old 07-04-2018, 03:28 PM   #23
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2017 25' Flying Cloud
Waco , Texas
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All Airstream trailers sold after 1965 require 2 5/16" hitch ball for the hitch coupler. In fact, 1 7/8" and 2" hitch couplers are extremely rare for the entire RV industry. I think uHaul was quite remiss for not recognizing this basic fact and providing the wrong equipment.

Talk to people in your area, and find out the most qualified RV tow hitch installer. Let him order and install a proper Weight Distribution hitch setup for your Airstream. Request several hitch and unhitch procedures be performed for you. Then do it yourself in front of the expert. No more worst nightmare after this task is accomplished.
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Old 07-04-2018, 03:52 PM   #24
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2019 30' Classic
Canfield , Ohio
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Well! At least it didn't pass you by going down a hill!

We have friends that told us a story at Alumapolosa about their 1972 30 ft. AS that while driving, he saw a tire pass by his tow vehicle and into traffic on the other side of the freeway. Caused an accident with two cars. His insurance company wasn't happy.

Then, on his way home from Alumapolosa, it happened again!!

Things happen from time to time for a reason. You were lucky. I bet you won't make that mistake again.
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Old 07-04-2018, 04:39 PM   #25
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2013 20' Flying Cloud
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Before just replacing the ball make sure the hitch U-hual sold you is rated for the weight of your trailer. One mistake is more than enough!
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Old 07-04-2018, 08:36 PM   #26
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Morrill , Nebraska
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Keep in mind.
The 2 5/16" ball comes in numerous weight ratings.
Just like the stinger.
The hole in the stinger, is a different size depending on the weight rating.
The threaded shank on the ball should match the diameter of the hole in the stinger.
The larger the hole in the stinger, the larger the threaded shank. The higher the tow/weight rating.
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Old 07-04-2018, 09:13 PM   #27
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1970 25' Tradewind
Cincinnati , Ohio
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Thankfully, there wasn't any damage and it's a good lesson learned. We use the Convert-A-Ball hitch on our truck because we have a couple trailers that use different sized balls. We had an incident where I towed the Airstream 40+ miles using the wrong sized ball. Didn't discover it until we arrived at our destination and there was no damage. Very scary and I'm much more aware now.
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Old 07-05-2018, 12:24 PM   #28
Undereducated AS Newbie
 
1989 34.5' Airstream 345
Charlotte , North Carolina
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Pin the nut

FWIW, if you drill a hole in the threaded shank immediately below the nut and place a roll pin in the hole, you will have 1 less thing to worry about.


The nut can become loose, allowing the ball (& anything attached to it) to depart the tow vehicle. Safety chains can keep the tandem together, but the trailer can determine where everything winds up...been there, done that!!
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Old 07-05-2018, 08:12 PM   #29
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2017 23' Flying Cloud
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wimpy View Post
FWIW, if you drill a hole in the threaded shank immediately below the nut and place a roll pin in the hole, you will have 1 less thing to worry about.
A cotter pin may be a better choice than a roll pin. I bought a spare tire for a utility trailer years ago. I mounted it to the front of the trailer with 2 carriage bolts. I drilled through the carriage bolts and put cotter pins through the holes right behind the nuts. I will need slip-joint pliers to get them out, but I can't lose the spare.
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Old 07-07-2018, 01:00 PM   #30
tjp
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1973 31' Sovereign
thousand oaks , California
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take it to someone reputable, get it corrected and then hit the road ! you'll be fine
take a few minutes to learn the basics of hooking -up, use a checklist EVERYTIME, and you're good to go
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Old 07-07-2018, 02:28 PM   #31
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1964 26' Overlander
Rancho Palos Verdes , California
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Michello - don't feel bad. Think of this as a "learning opportunity". In my early trailering years I messed up every single thing you can mess up hooking up my trailer. One time I forgot to put the pin in that holds the hitch ball into the receiver on the truck. When I pulled the trailer forward I heard a big THUNK. Got out to investigate and found the trailer attached to the truck by only the chains - the ball was still firmly attached to the trailer, but sitting about 2 inches off the ground. That was my horse trailer with thankfully no horses in it.

Once you get the correct ball size and hitch setup figured out take the trailer to a big empty parking lot. Practice hitching and unhitching. Take some cones and create obstacles to drive around and practice backing around. This will build your confidence very quickly.

I'll tell you a secret: I'm better at backing the trailer than my husband. I'll let him do the easy stuff, but if there's anything tricky, I kick him out of the drivers' seat and do it myself.

You can do it!
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Old 07-09-2018, 12:50 PM   #32
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1961 22' Spaceliner
Portland , Oregon
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Happened to a friend...he wasn't so lucky...

This recently happened to a friend with his boat and the boat took out the back of his truck...he had to replace the entire tail gate. So you made out quite well!

He simply forgot to put the pin in. His accident made me realize I have been careless to date. I sometimes forget to put the pin in but worse, sometimes when the ball goes in there's pressure and the latch thingy won't close all the way. I've just towed it like that knowing that it will fall closed once I get underway. DUMB! I will be making sure it's latched and pinned from now on!
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