DIY Network

Hitch Work The Airstream hitch is upgraded and completed. From "Classic Rides" episode DCLR-210

In this first segment hot Kevin Tetz is joined by the RV Doctor, Gary Bunzer, who assists in upgrading and completing the project '70 Airstream hitch by installing a new electric leveling tongue jack, an anti-sway hitch, new aluminum LP cylinders and gas valves.

And a new vehicle harness is installed.

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	The old tongue jack will be replaced by this new model, which...
	features a built-in light for easier hitching at night.
	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C

"Don't stop, keep on going. Hitch up your trailer and go."

--Wally Byam (Airstream founder)

Repair the Trailer Hitch

1. The first step is to stabilize the tongue area of the trailer and remove the old tongue jack.

2. Use jack stands to secure the trailer tongue and free up the tongue jack for removal.

3. Once you have cut the power off, cut the 12-volt power cord to the existing tongue jack and remove the tongue jack mounting bolts.

   Note: It's a good idea to pre-lube these bolts with penetrating oil.

4. The tongue jack can be pried up and removed. Scrap off the rust that's beneath the old tongue jack with a wire brush and scraper.

5. After it's cleaned, spray with a rust preventative paint.

6. To install the new tongue jack, just put it in the hole and match it up with the bolt holes. Snug the bolts down tightly on the tongue jack (figure A).

7. Next run the power to the new jack; the old wire goes back to the battery which is the power source.

8. Now route the new wire from the new jack down to that position and wire up. Use a wire stripper to strip the wire and add a wire quick connect to the end and crimp it in place.

9. Then insert the other wire in into the quick connect and crimp that in place. Slip a wire shrink tube over the connection and seal it with a small butane torch to heat it.

10. The tongue jack wires are tied behind the post with wire zip ties.

11. To replace the LP gas cylinder, the regulator bracket (figure B) goes on to the support rod. The brace goes on the rod to secure the two tanks and is tightened down.

12. The new LP gas lines are connected to the regulator.

    Note: Kevin used inverted flair fittings that don't require any sealant.

13. The other ends of the gas lines are connected to the tanks.

14. Next install an equalizer sway control system (figure C). Measure and mark 32" from the hitch ball and the sway bar bracket goes over the A-frame at that spot marked.

15. The bottom bolt is installed through the holes closest to the frame. The sway bolt bracket is tightened down.

16. Then the L-bracket slides into the sleeve of the frame bracket, aligning the fifth hole from the top with a square head retaining bolt.

17. The bolt is tightened down to secure the L-bracket.

18. Align the tow vehicle to the trailer and use the ball mount to hook up the spring bars.

RESOURCES :

Cyclo Polishers
Website: www.cyclotoolmakers.com

Nuvite
Nuvite Chemical Compounds Corp.
213 Freeman St.
Brooklyn, NY 11222
Phone: 718-383-0008

Perfect Polish
Website: www.perfectpolish.com

Soda Club
Website: www.sodaclubusa.com

Swift Association in Athens, TN
McMinn County Airport
Athens, TN 37303
Phone: 423-745-9547

Coleman Company
Website: www.coleman.com

Atwood Mobile
1120 N. Main St.
Elkhart, IN 46514
Phone: 574-264-2132

Zip Dee Inc.
Website: www.zipdeeinc.com

The Original Equal-i-zer Sway Control Hitch
Website: www.equalizerhitch.com

GUESTS :

Gary Bunzer
The RV Doctor
Bunzer Consulting
PO Box 2074
El Cajon, CA 92021
E-mail: gbunzer@cox.net
Website: www.rvdoctor.com

Ron Mullins
Awning Expert
56 Braemar Dr.
Elk Grove Village, IL 60007
Phone: 847-690-1679

James G. Webb
Awning Expert
137 Kenmore
Elmhurst, IL 60126
Phone: 630-279-7420

Robert Miller
Awning Expert
1645 Clover
Inverness, IL 60067
Phone: 847-359-7518

William Culp
RV Assistant
3721A Taliluna Ave.
Knoxville, TN 37919

Caleb Wilson
RV Assistant
1202 Clinch, #5
Knoxville, TN 37919
Phone: 865-256-5290

Tom Numelin
Perfect Polish Representative
81 Pine Dr.
Fairfax, CA 94930
Phone: 707-775-2841