Airstream Travel Trailer Bambi 2023 Weighing Your Trailer User Manual
Weighing Your Trailer
The illustration below shows how to weigh the trailer on scales.
- Trailer’s total weight, cannot exceed GVWR.
- Trailer’s weight on axles cannot exceed GAWR.
- Weight on trailer tongue.
To determine that the GAWR is not exceeded, it is necessary to load all of your allowable personal cargo and variable weights. Then hitch the trailer to the tow vehicle with load equalizing hitch properly adjusted. Chock wheels and place the trailer on a scale with both axles only on the scale (see illustration). If the weight on the axles exceeds the axle system’s GAWR, then some of the personal cargo must be redistributed forward in order to place some of this weight on the tongue. The tongue weight should be 10 to 15% of the trailer’s total weight, and must not exceed the tow vehicle’s or the hitch’s maximum weight rating. To determine tongue load, unhitch tow vehicle and place the tongue hitch post on a scale. The trailer must be properly loaded as determined above, with your allowable personal cargo and variable weights.
Use a scale, such as a bathroom scale, that has a lower weight limit than your tongue load to check the tongue weight by using the following method (see illustration).
Place a piece of wood of approximately the same thickness as the bathroom scale on the ground in line with the trailer hitch jack as shown. It should be so spaced that a short piece of pipe or other round piece will lay exactly one foot from the centerline of the jack extension.
Place the scales so that another round piece can be exactly two feet from the centerline of the jack extension in the other direction. Place a 4×4 piece of wood on the two round pieces and screw the jack extension down on the top of the 4×4 until the tongue of the trailer is supported by it. Multiply the scale reading by three. This will be the tongue weight of your trailer. If you exceed the capacity of the bathroom scale, increase the two-foot dimension to three or four more feet, but always multiply the scale reading by the total number of feet between the wood and scales.
- Bathroom Scale
- Pipe
- Wood Support
NOTE
Be sure trailer is level when reading scale.
Hitching Up
The process of hitching up your trailer is something that will become almost second nature with practice. The following section includes proper hitch load distribution. Proper training on connecting your trailer to a tow vehicle is essential for safety. Please see your dealer or other qualified personnel for instruction on the proper hitching of your trailer. Safety chain use on the hitch is required in all states.
7-Way Plug
- Black, 12-Volt (+)
- Green, Clearance Lights/Taillights
- Red, Left Turn/Stop
- White, 12-Volt (-)
- Blue, Brake
- Brown, Right Turn/Stop
- Blank
NOTE
The 7-Way plug is spliced to the main harness in the area of the 12-volt distribution panel in front of the trailer.
Equalizing Hitch Load Distribution
When a trailer is properly hitched up to a tow vehicle with a load equalizing hitch, approximately 1/3 of the trailer’s tongue weight will be on the trailer’s axles and 2/3 will be transferred to the tow vehicle. One third of this weight transfer will be carried by the front wheels and 1/3 by the rear wheels of the tow vehicle (See illustration). Thus, the tire load of each wheel on the tow vehicle will be increased by 1/6 of the trailer’s tongue weight. The tire air pressure of the tow vehicle should be increased to compensate for this additional weight. Refer to the vehicle’s owner’s manual for this information.
WARNING
The tongue weight should be approximately 10 to 15% of the trailer’s total weight. Under no condition should it exceed the tow vehicles hitch rating. Please refer to the tow vehicles documentation for your vehicles hitch rating information.
Wireless Observation System
Your travel trailer is equipped with a Wireless Observation system consisting of a camera mounted at the rear of the trailer and a wireless monitor for your tow vehicle. This system will allow you to see what is behind you while towing and provide visibility when backing up the trailer.
NOTE
Carefully read and understand all manufacturer’s instructions provided in your owner’s packet prior to operating.
Towing Tips and Information
We want every Airstream owner to be a safe and courteous driver. A few hours of towing practice in a large, empty parking lot will make pulling your trailer over the road much easier. Mark off two corners of the parking lot for left and right turns. These corners may also be used to practice backing and parking.
Tracking Observation
Observe that the tracks made by the trailer wheels are distinctly different from those made by the tow vehicle. Studying this will make it easier for you to correct mistakes.
General Information
After thoroughly inspecting your hitch, brakes, and tires, you should be ready to tow. Check traffic, signal when you are about to pull away, and start slowly. Look in your mirrors often, and observe the action of the trailer, then carefully move into the proper lane of traffic. Remember that the trailer wheels will not follow the path of the tow vehicle wheels; therefore, wider turns are necessary when turning to the left or to the right.
NOTE
Truck or trailer type fender, door grip, and rear view mirrors are a must for maximum visibility and required by law in most states.
Cooling System Overload
When towing, you might encounter a temporary cooling system overload during severe conditions, such as:
- Hot days when pulling on a long grade
- When slowing down after higher speed driving
- Driving with long, idle periods in traffic jams
If the tow vehicle’s temperature gauge or indicator light indicates overheating, and the air conditioner is on, turn it off, pull over in a safe place, and apply the emergency brake. Increase the engine idle speed. Lift the engine hood and check for fluid leaks at the radiator overflow outlet. Ensure all drive belts are intact and the radiator fan is turning. If you have a problem, have it fixed at the next opportunity. If there is no problem, the light should go off or temperature should come down within 1 minute. Proceed on the highway a little slower, and resume normal driving after 10 minutes.
WARNING
Never open a radiator cap when the tow vehicle is hot. Check the coolant level when the vehicle is cool.
Downhill and Non-level Driving
When going downhill in dry weather, downshift so that engine compression will slow the whole rig down. Take dips and depressions in the road slowly and do not resume normal driving speeds until you are sure that the trailer wheels are clear of the dip.
WARNING
On slippery pavement, do not use engine drag to help slow down as this may cause the rear wheels of the tow vehicle to skid. On icy pavement, drive slowly and, if you feel the tow vehicle skidding, gently apply the trailer brakes only. This will bring the tow vehicle and trailer back into a single line. Chains do not help trailer wheels.
Reference Links
View Full User Guide: Airstream Travel Trailer Bambi 2023 User Manual
Download Manuals: https://www.airstream.com/owners/manuals/
Airstream 2023 Top Accessories
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