I previously had a 31' airstream and used a starting ball height of 19 1/2 in. as recommended in AS manual. I recently purchased a 1985 3411 SS which came with a hitch with a ball height at 25". I am towing with a C1500 Surburban. Any suggestion as to the starting height to top of ball. I have taken up one more link in chain but just still doesn't level out.

Any help will be appreciated. Both trailers are about 8,000.

Thanks

Jim

By Perry N. on Friday, June 21, 2002 - 09:31 am:

Hi Jim,

I would suggested taking it to a trusted RV dealer/repair center and have them adjust the hitch for you. They may have to order a few parts that would attach to the hitch in order to bring it to the correct height. I just moved to a 3/4 Suburban from a 1/2 ton. My local RV repair center made all of the necessary adjustments to my weight equilizing hitch due to the extra height of the 3/4 ton over the 1/2 ton model.

Please Note: You may be over the weight limit on your 1/2 ton Suburban unless you have a 2000 or newer model, which has a much higher towing rating than the 1999 and older models.

Good Luck!

Perry N.

By Gayle Damstrom on Monday, June 24, 2002 - 03:36 pm:

I have a '77 Supreme luxury liner. It's owner's manual recommends a ball height of 21 3/4 inches,"otherwise tail wag may occur". I hope this helps.

By Al Grayson on Sunday, October 05, 2003 - 04:54 am:

The manual, rev. 4/78, with my '79 says 23" to top of hitch ball when the tow vehicle is unloaded. P. 6.
Al

By Al Grayson on Friday, October 22, 2004 - 01:13 pm:

Jim mentioned that he can't get his rig to set up level.
Ball height has to be correct to start with.
Then the hitch head (ball mount) platform where the ball sits should be level when the spring bars are hooked up. As the drawbar of the ball mount will deflect a little when loaded, usually it is good for the ball mount to be tilted down slightly toward the rear so that it is level when the bars are hooked up.
The front of the tow vehicle should be lowered the same amount as the rear when the spring bars are hooked up.
The trailer should be level when the rig is ready to tow.
My Reese spring bars were bent slightly, so I removed them from the trunnions and inverted them. Of course the chain U-bolts had to be removed and refastened for proper alignment. It helped. This won't work with the "L" shaped bent spring bars, of course.