40 Amp Type 1W.P. Breaker, Location: under the floor the floor on roadside exterior
front end.
A
Oil Can with 30 Weight Non-Detergent Oil Spray Contact Cleaner
Light Household Type Oil Exterior Seam Sealer
Hitch Ball Lube (May use wheel bearing grease.)
A - 8
WARRANTY AND SERVICE
MAINTENANCE RECORD
A
DATEDEALERSERVICE PERFORMEDDATEDEALERSERVICE PERFORMED
A - 9
TOWING
TOW VEHICLE
The light Gross Vehicular Weight rating of the BaseCamp provides many options in
selecting a tow vehicle.
If you plan to buy a new vehicle to tow your trailer, we suggest that you consult with
local automotive manufacturers on the towing capabilities and options offered. Options
include such things as a heavy-duty alternator and radiator, heavy-duty springs (See
Note), shock absorbers, transmission cooler, heavy-duty fan and flasher unit and
others, depending upon the make of the vehicle. Most of these options are included in
tow packages offered in today’s market.
Transmissions may be manual or automatic, but an automatic transmission may pro-
long your tow vehicle’s life and generally does a better job of controlling engine loads
than the average driver using a manual shift.
Having adequate power is very important when considering the purchase of a new
vehicle or the trailer towing capability of your present one. American manufacturers
realize more than 30% of the vehicles they sell will be used for towing some type of
trailer. The dealers are provided with guidelines to use when helping a customer decide
on a tow vehicle. The guidelines are not just determined by the power output of the
engine. The gear ratio of the differential is also a very important part of the guideline.
Inspect the vehicle’s hitch regularly for loose bolts or nuts, cracked welds, loose ball
mounts, and worn parts.
New trailerists often carry more food and other supplies than really needed. Remember
that every item you take along is one more thing to stow and adds weight to the total
load you must pull. Consolidate items in storage areas and in the refrigerator. Special
care must be taken not to overload the front and rear ends of the trailer.
NOTE: Be realistic when ordering heavy duty springs. Only springs heavy enough to
support your loaded vehicle (not including trailer) are necessary. Too harsh of spring
rate will only shorten the life of the tow vehicle and trailer, and will make your journeys
less enjoyable.
ELECTRIC BRAKES
The brakes are operated by 12 volt current from your tow vehicle and MUST BE
HOOKED UP SO THAT YOU HAVE AN INTEGRAL SYSTEM WITH YOUR TOW
VEHICLE BRAKES. To prevent problems and insure satisfactory braking action, install
an electronic controller in line with the brakes in your tow vehicle.
An electronic controller installed in your tow vehicle will synchronize the trailer brakes
with your tow vehicle brakes. It is designed to apply the trailer brakes with your tow
vehicle brakes.
Your brake controller should be adjusted to provide for a slight lead of the trailer brakes
over the tow vehicle brakes. Follow the directions provided with your controller and
keep the information for future reference. Don’t be afraid to ask questions! If you don’t
understand the directions, have the installer explain the procedures.
Due to normal brake lining wear, the brakes and the controller setting should be
checked and readjusted, if necessary, during the trailer manufacturer’s recommended
inspection intervals.
Note: Brake lining adjustment should be periodically checked (fully) to be sure trailer
brakes are in the same adjustment as the tow vehicles.
Properly set adjustments will provide for safe comfortable stops. They will also
help assure optimum brake and tire life for both the tow vehicle and the trailer.
B
B - 1
B
TOWING
IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENTAL SEPARATION of the tow vehicle and the trailer,
the BREAK-AWAY SWITCH will set and lock the trailer brakes for a sufficient length
of time to stop the trailer. The switch is activated when the wire attached to it and to
the tow vehicle pulls out the small pin in the front of the unit. THIS PIN SHOULD BE
PULLED OUT, LUBRICATED WITH LIGHT HOUSEHOLD OIL, AND REPLACED EVERY
90 DAYS.
To prevent corrosion within the breakaway switch, pull the switch’s pin straight forward
and spray the inside of the switch through the hole with an electric contact cleaner
(such as Spra-Kleen) and re-insert pin. A drop of light household oil on the groove
near the base of the pin will allow the pin to operate freely. WHEN THE TRAILER IS
CONNECTED TO THE TOW VEHICLE, THE BREAKAWAY SWITCH LOOP SHOULD
BE ATTACHED TO THE PERMANENT FRAME OF YOUR HITCH. When disconnecting
the trailer from the tow vehicle remove wire loop from the frame. DO NOT REMOVE
PIN FROM SWITCH BECAUSE THIS WILL APPLY THE TRAILER BRAKES.
WARNING: Do not use breakaway switch for parking brake.
7-way Plug Diagram
Black, 12V
Brown, Right
Turn
Blue, Brake
-
Blank
Clearance Lights
Green
Left Turn, Red
12V, White
,
B - 2
LOADING
Below is a sample of the weight information chart provided in all Airstream vehicles.
This information can be found inside the wardrobe of the vehicle about 60” up from
the floor on the side panel.
TRAILER WEIGHT INFORMATION
VIN OR SERIAL NUMBER
GVWR (GROSS VEHICULAR WEIGHT RATING) IS THE MAXIMUM WEIGHT OF THIS TRAILER
WHEN FULLY LOADED. IT INCLUDES ALL WEIGHT AT THE TRAILER AXLE(S), AND TOUGUE
OR PIN.
UVW (UNLOADED VEHICLE WEIGHT), IS THE WEIGHT OF THIS TRAILER AS MANUFACTURED
AT
THE FACTORY. IT INCLUDES ALL WEIGHT AT THE TRAILER AXLE (S) AND TOUGUE OR PIN.
IF APPLICABLE, IT ALSO INCLUDES FULL GERNERATOR FLUIDS, INCLUDING FUEL, ENGINE
OIL, AND COOLANTS.
CCC (CARGO CARRYING CAPACITY) IS EQUAL TO GVWR MINUS EACH OF THE FOLLOWING:
UVW, FULL FRESH (POTABLE) WATER WEIGHT, (INCLUDING WATER HEATER, FULL PROPANE
WEIGHT.
MINUS UVW..................................................................................
MINUS FRESH WATER WEIGHT OF GALLONS @ 8.3 LB/GAL
MINUS PROPANE WEIGHT OF GALLONS @ 4.2 LB/GAL
POUNDSKILOGRAMS
TOWING
WARNING: Never add items such as generators, heavy toolboxes or
motorcycle racks to the back of the trailer. Weight behind the axle will tend to
magnify any sway that may occur when passing trucks or in gusty wind. If a heavy
generator is mounted on the rear of the trailer, what may have been an almost
unnoticeable sway turns into a severe sway you may not he able to control.
When loading heavy objects such as tools, skillets, irons, and boxes of canned goods,
etc. keep them as low as possible - preferably on the floor. Try to hold additional weight
behind the axle to a minimum.
CAUTION: Damage to your trailer caused by mounting heavy objects on the rear
is considered abuse, and is not covered by warranty.
WARNING: The roof rack tubes are for decorative purposes only and
are not intended for carrying cargo. DO NOT attach cargo, luggage carriers, or
other equipment intended for cargo purposes to the tubes.
B
*CCC FOR THIS TRAILER...........................................................
*DEALER INSTALLED EQUIPMENT WILL REDUCE CCC
CONSULT OWNER MANUAL (S) FOR SPECIFIC WEIGHING INSTRUCTIONS
AND TOWING GUIDELINES
CD-133
See specification section in this manual for definition and weight pertaining to this
label.
B - 3
B
TOWING
WEIGHING YOUR TRAILER
The diagram below shows how to weigh the trailer
on scales.
CAUTION: The allowable personal cargo must
be distributed in your trailer in such a manner that
the Gross Axle Weight Rating is not exceeded.
To determine this, 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 as shown on the
following pages.
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).
the jack extension down on the top of the 4 x 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 scales, increase the two-foot dimen-
sion to three or four more feet, but always multiply
the scale reading by the total number of feet between
the wood and scales.
Place the trailer on a scale with both axles only on
the scale. See illustration above. If the weight on the
axles exceeds the axle system G.A.W.R. 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 in between 10% - 15%
of the trailer’s total weight, but must not exceed the
manufacturer’s maximum recommended hitch weight
of the tow vehicle or hitch.
Place a piece of wood of approximately the same
thickness as the bathroom scales 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 center line of
the jack extension. Place the scales so that another
round piece can be exactly two feet from the center
line of the jack extension in the other direction. Place
a 4 x 4 on the two round pieces and screw
B - 4
Note: Be sure trailer is level when you read scales.
TOWING
HITCHING UP
Hitching up your trailer is something that will become
almost second nature with practice. The following
section includes proper hitch load distribution and a
procedure for hitching up.
Equalizing Hitch Load Distribution
When a trailer is hitched up properly 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, 1/3 of this
weight transfer will be carried by the front wheels and
1/3 by the rear wheels of the tow vehicle (See diagram),
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.
Percentage of Tongue Load
distributed to car and or trailer wheels
HITCH JACK
The manual hitch jack raises and lowers the trailer for
hitching and leveling. To operate, turn the lock handle
counter clockwise to loosen the collar. This will allow
the jack to slide up and down in the collar. Slide the jack
down until the foot pad in resting almost on the ground.
Tighten the lock handle to hold the jack firmly in place.
Turn the jack crank to raise or lower the trailer.
To store the jack after use, hitch the trailer to a stable
tow vehicle. Raise the jack with crank handle. Be sure
the notch on the jack shaft is aligned with the slot on
the jack case as you raise the jack completely up. This
will lock the wheel in place and prevent the wheel/shaft
from spinning and sustaining damage during travel.
After raising the wheel, loosen the lock handle and lift
the jack assembly to its highest position. Tighten the
lock handle firmly to safely store the jack for travel.
Raise/Lower
B
WARNING: The tongue weight should
he approximately 10% to 14% of the trailer’s total
weight. Under no condition should it exceed the
hitch rating. Your hitch installer should provide your
hitch rating information to you.
Lock
Handle
Slot
Notch
B - 5
TOWING
B
Steps for Hitching Up, Typical Hitch
TYPICAL HITCH LEVELING BAR SYSTEM
The following is an example of a typical hitching scenario. Due to the infinite variety of
hitch systems in the present marketplace, the installation and use of your hitch towing
system may be different than as explained below. Always refer to the instructions and
training as provided with your tow vehicle, hitch, and by the equipment providers.
Consult a local dealer if you have any questions on your application.
Step 1. Jack up the trailer hitch until there is clearance for the HITCH BALL to slide
under. Remove the safety pin, slide the locking lever forward and raise. Back the tow
vehicle straight back to the hitch. This can best be accomplished through the use of
prearranged hand signals with the help of another person; but if you are hitching up by
yourself we recommend the use of a HOOK-UP VIEW MIRROR.
Step 2. Lower the trailer hitch onto the hitch ball. Then close the locking lever and
insert safety pin.
Step 3. Now raise the trailer and tow vehicle to the full height of the hitch jack and then
attach the LEVELING BARS and lever the tension on the bars.
your rig will teach you how far to pull the bar; you may wish to mark the chain links
that match your rig.
Note: If your tow vehicle is equipped with adjustable load leveling air shocks, you
must load the tow vehicle first with typical luggage and passengers and bring it back
to level. Then attach the trailer and adjust the load leveling bars. Otherwise the air
shocks on the tow vehicle will overload the rear wheels. Do not use air shocks to level
tow vehicle and trailer after hitching up.
Note: Leveling the trailer end to end, then measuring from the ground to the inside top
of the ball socket determines hitch ball height for the tow vehicle
CAUTION; Retract the hitch jack completely for maximum ground clearance.
CHECK THAT THE MANUAL JACK IS ROTATED AND LOCKED IN IT’S UP
POSITION. NEVER TOW YOUR TRAILER WITH THE JACK DOWN.
Step 5. Attach the safety chains to the welded portion of the hitch or tow vehicle’s
frame, but never to the removable ball mount. Cross the safety chains under the
hitch.
Step 6. Remove the jack pad and stow in the tow vehicle’s trunk along with the leveling
jack and other gear used when stopped.
Step 4. Lower the tow vehicle and trailer. The hitch ball should be level to slightly
higher. Readjust leveling bars until this condition is correct by increasing or decreasing
the length the chain engaged in “A” frame saddle bracket. Short chain raises hitch
ball, longer chain lowers it. A level condition will result in the best balance for towing
and steering control as the weight-equalizing hitch distributes the hitch load.
A low hitch ball increases tail wagging tendencies by lowering the nose of the trailer,
thus changing the center of support for the trailer and reducing the weight on the
four wheels of the tow vehicle. With proper hitch installation and hitching up, the bar
should have a noticeable amount of the deflection or bending. A little practice with
Step 7. Always choose level ground for checking correct hookup. Move the rig ahead
about 50 feet and test the trailer brakes, then check the ground for forgotten objects.
Regularly check the condition of your tires, air pressure, and the tightness of your lug
nuts.
CAUTION; Check that the step is up and LOCKED in its store position and that
the trailer door is completely closed and LOCKED for towing. If they are not
locked the constant vibration of travel may cause them to open with possible
damage.
B - 6
Sway Control Device
Although Airstream has not intruded into the hitch manufacturers field of expertise and
preformed formal testing, we find the vast majority of Airstream owners purchases
sway-control devices.
When passed by large trucks or when exposed to sudden crosswinds the trailer will
be “pushed” and this action will be felt in the tow vehicle. It’s our understanding the
sway control devices will reduce the amount of movement and make towing more
comfortable and add some safety.
Follow the directions of the sway control manufacturer when having it installed and
using it.
TOWING
B
B - 7
TOWING
B
TOWING TIPS
A few hours of towing practice in a large empty supermarket lot will make pulling your
trailer over the road much easier. Line out two corners for left and right turns. You may
also use these corners to practice backing and parking.
After thoroughly inspecting your hitch, brakes, and tires you should be ready to tow.
Check traffic, signal that you are about to pull away, and start slowly. Look often in your
mirrors, 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.
We want every owner to be a safe and courteous driver. On a two-lane road cars may
be lining up behind you because you travel at a lower speed. It is both courteous and
sensible to signal, pull onto the shoulder, and let them pass. Your trailer is designed
to be towed easily at any legal speed, so if you are not careful you may be inclined to
forget it is there.
The BRAKE CONTROLLER is activated when you apply the brakes of the tow vehicle.
Your tow vehicle brakes will automatically apply the trailer brakes first when properly
adjusted. This will help keep your tow vehicle and trailer in a straight line and make you
stop as if you were driving the tow vehicle alone. If swaying or swerving should occur,
briefly operating the controller separate from the vehicle brakes may help correct the
situation. Practice this maneuver on a clear highway. Don’t wait for an emergency then
grope for the controller.
brake. Don’t turn off the engine. Increase the engine idle speed. Lift the engine hood
and check for fluid leaks at the radiator overflow outlet. Check to see that all drive
belts are intact and the radiator fan is turning. The fan may be powered by an electric
motor instead of a belt. This type of fan is electronically activated and will run only if the
engine coolant reaches a certain temperature. 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 one minute. Proceed on the highway a little slower. Ten minutes
later resume normal driving.
WARNING: Never open a radiator cap when the tow vehicle is hot.
Check the coolant level when the vehicle is cool. Read your tow vehicles owner’s
manual and follow all instructions on the cooling system.
Tracking
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. Truck or trailer type fender or door grip rear view
mirrors are a must for maximum visibility and in most states the law requires them.
When trailering 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, or driving long idle periods in traffic jams. If the hot indicator
light comes on, or the temperature gauge indicates overheating and you have your air
conditioner turned on, turn it off. Pull over in a safe place and put on your emergency
B - 8
TOWING
Passing
ON FREEWAYS OR EXPRESSWAYS try to pick the
lane you want and stay in it. Always maintain plenty
of space between you and the car ahead, at least the
length of the tow vehicle plus trailer for every ten miles
per hour. Remember that in order to pass another ve-
hicle you will need longer to accelerate. You must also
allow for the length of the trailer when returning to the
right hand lane.
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.
CAUTION: When driving in mud and sand let the
momentum carry the rig through. Apply power gently
and use as little as possible. Stay in the tracks of
the vehicle ahead
and keep the tow
vehicle in the high-
est possible gear.
If you get stuck
it is best to tow
out the entire rig
together without
unhitching.
WARNING: When stopping on a hill or
slope, leaving your tow vehicle in gear is not enough
for standstill safety. CHOCK THE TRAILER WHEELS
to be double sure. Do not use trailer brakes as park-
ing brakes.
B
When going downhill in dry weather, down shift or if
so equipped, turn the Overdrive off on the tow vehicle
transmission 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
Despite the best
hitch you will notice
that whenever a large bus or truck overtakes your rig
the displaced air first pushes the trailer rear slightly to
the right and then affects the front. It may be necessary
to steer very slightly, momentarily, toward the bus or
truck to help compensate for the sway induced by the
passing-vehicle. Do not apply the vehicle brakes, as
this can tend to exaggerate the situation. You may find,
however, that briefly applying the trailer brakes with
your manual control will help eliminate sway.
B - 9
TOWING
Backing Up
B
In BACKING UP the important thing to remember is to DO EVERYTHING SLOWLY and
to correct immediately if you see the trailer turning the wrong way. Concentrate on the
rear of the trailer. With your tow vehicle and trailer in a straight line back up slowly and
turn the bottom of the steering wheel in the direction you want the trailer to go. Watch
out the window or in the mirror until the rear of the trailer is pointing in the desired
direction. Your vehicle will be following the trailer in an arc. Straighten the tow vehicle
and trailer by turning the steering wheel more sharply, and then when they are in line,
straighten the steering wheel.
ALWAYS TRY TO BACK TO YOUR LEFT BECAUSE THE VISIBILITY IS MUCH BETTER.
(See Illustration) When you don’t make it on the first try it is usually much easier to pull
forward to your original position and start over.
If your spouse or traveling companion normally directs you when backing they should
position themselves forward of the tow vehicle so the driver can easily see them. Their
directions should always indicate to the driver the direction the rear of the trailer should
go. A little practice in a parking lot with the person giving directions can save a lot of
frustration when backing into a campsite.
B - 10
TOWING
Controlling Sway or Fishtailing
Sway or fishtailing is the sideways action of a trailer caused by external forces. It is
common for travel trailers to sway in response to strong winds or crosswinds or when
passed by or passing a semi-tractor and trailer or driving downhill.
WARNING: Excessive sway or fishtailing of your travel trailer can lead
to the rollover of the trailer and tow vehicle. Serious injury or death can occur. It is
important that you read and understand the information in this section.
Sway or fishtailing of your recreation vehicle can be controlled and is primarily im-
pacted by four factors:
· Equipment
· Tongue weight
· Driving
· Corrective measures
Equipment – When hitched together, the trailer and the tow vehicle must be level.
The tires of both the trailer and tow vehicle should be in good condition and inflated
to the pressure recommended as noted on the exterior of the trailer and in the owner’s
manuals of the trailer and tow vehicle.
Your trailer brakes should work in synchronization with your tow vehicle brakes. Never
use your tow vehicle or trailer brakes alone to stop the combined load. Your brake
controller must be set up according to the manufacturer’s specifications to ensure
proper synchronization between the tow vehicle and the trailer. Additionally, you may
have to make small adjustments occasionally to accommodate changing loads and
driving conditions.
Also, we recommend a friction sway damper or hitch with built-in sway control be
provided for your unit. Please consult your dealer regarding this equipment, as the RV
manufacturer does not provide sway control devices.
Tongue weight – The tongue weight should be between 10% to 15% of the total travel
trailer weight. See page xxx of this manual regarding the proper weight distribution of
your recreation vehicle.
B
Driving – This is the most important component. The tendency for the vehicle to
sway increases with speed therefore, obey all speed limits and reduce speed during
inclement weather or windy conditions.
Corrective measures – If sway occurs the following techniques should be used:
1. Slow down immediately, remove your foot from the accelerator. Avoid using
the tow vehicle brakes unless there is a danger of collision. Reduce speed gradually
whenever possible. If you can do so safely, use the brake hand controller (independent
of the tow vehicle brakes) to gently and progressively apply the trailer brakes. This
will help to keep the vehicles aligned. Practice using the brake hand controller on a
deserted parking lot. Don’t wait until an emergency occurs before using it. Location of
the brake hand controller is important and should be made easily accessible.
2. Steer as little as possible while maintaining control of the vehicle. Because
of natural reaction lag time, quick steering movements to counter trailer sway will
actually cause increased sway and loss of control. Keep both hands on the wheel.
Hold the wheel as straight as possible until stability is regained.
3. Do not jam on the brakes or attempt to press on the accelerator to speed
your way out of the fishtailing. Both actions make the situation worse and could cause
severe injury or death.
4. Once the swaying is under control, stop as soon as possible. Check tire
pressures, cargo weight distribution and look for any signs of mechanical failure.
Travel at reduced speeds that permit full control until the problem can be identified