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Old 09-27-2014, 03:42 PM   #1
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Hitches

I'm a newbie and could really use some hitch advice from one of you experienced Air-streamers. I ordered a new Flying Cloud 25 foot that shows a GVWR of 7300 lbs. I also ordered a Ford F150 with the correct axle and all towing options. Now while I'm waiting on them to come in, I'm trying to figure out my hitch. My dealer wants me to use the E2 Fastway...probably because that's what they sell. I've talked to Hensley and they say the Hensley Swift Arrow. Reese says the RP66084. Who do I believe or where do I get un biased advice? Thanks in advance for any help.



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Old 09-27-2014, 03:47 PM   #2
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I'd sure take a serious look at the ProPride too!


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Old 09-27-2014, 03:50 PM   #3
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Thanks!


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Old 09-27-2014, 03:50 PM   #4
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Welcome, The hensley and propride are both over kill for your trailer. Check out the BlueOx Swaypro.
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Old 09-27-2014, 03:52 PM   #5
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OK...thanks!


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Old 09-27-2014, 03:56 PM   #6
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The Eaz-Lift Prostar with the 9.5' drop if truck is 4x4. 10,000# towing.
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Old 09-27-2014, 03:58 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AWCHIEF View Post
Welcome, The hensley and propride are both over kill for your trailer.
Considering a new truck and trailer, I would beg to differ. A 25' over 7,500 lbs is getting up there and if it were me I would be looking at the Hensley, Propride offering.
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Old 09-27-2014, 04:01 PM   #8
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Since this is my first trailer...I might go up to a larger one someday and then I'll need a better hitch for sure. So, is there any reason I shouldn't get the Hensley now and just be done with it? Will it cause me trouble with my 25 foot?


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Old 09-27-2014, 04:04 PM   #9
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I personally like the design of the air-safe hitch.. even though i did not try it yet..propably another alternative to the ones mentioned above.
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Old 09-27-2014, 06:18 PM   #10
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I have a 2014 25 flying cloud and my TV is a 2013 Ford F250 FX4 Diesel I myself picked a Equalizer hitch. It works I've logged lots of miles and never had any issues. It's a good hitch for the money.


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Old 09-27-2014, 06:39 PM   #11
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I have a 2014 25 flying cloud and my TV is a 2013 Ford F250 FX4 Diesel I myself picked a Equalizer hitch. It works I've logged lots of miles and never had any issues. It's a good hitch for the money.


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I am picking up a new 25 flying cloudFB next month. My TV is a Chevy 2500 HD Diesel. The Airstream dealer is recommending an Equalizer E4 hitch 12000. I had previously planned on purchasing a ProPride. I realize that there are many, many opinions on which hitch is best. I am trying to determine if the Equalizer will do the job and provide safe towing. Silverbp can you elaborate on your experience with the Equalizer. Interested in others on the forum opinion on effectiveness of the Equalizer E4. Also on whether the size of the Equalizer needed for my setup.


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Old 09-27-2014, 06:50 PM   #12
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Well I also looked the PP hitch and talked to lots of folks before went the way I did. Just could not see spending twice to three times as much for a hitch that didn't work any better then the Equalizer hitch. I have the very same hitch that you listed and I can't be any happier. I'd say save the money and put it toward something worth wild. It's your call. Bill


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Old 09-27-2014, 07:18 PM   #13
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Equalizer standard hitch with 1000# bars for the last 6 years ... but more bar than is really needed. I'd get the softer bars if I had it to do over again.
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Old 09-27-2014, 08:12 PM   #14
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We have used Equal-I-Zer, Andersen, and now use a ProPride hitch. The Hensley/ProPride design works differently than all other hitches, projecting all push or sway forces forward to the truck rear axle, where they are stopped before they can occur. All other receiver mount hitches leverage push or sway forces forward to the truck steering axle, a much less desirable condition.

Those who use Hensley/ProPride will most probably highly recommend them, those who don't usually recommend a variety of others.

A half-ton truck and a 25' Airstream is a dream to tow using the Hensley/ProPride design, and ProPride is a less expensive and a newer, improved version of the Hensley.
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Old 09-27-2014, 08:42 PM   #15
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I'm using the Equal-I-Zer hitch. Its been fine, provides plenty of weight distribution. Using 1200 bars. Never had a sway problem, though it could be I've just been lucky.
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Old 09-28-2014, 12:01 AM   #16
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Thank You to everyone! Fred


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Old 09-28-2014, 03:20 AM   #17
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I seriously considered the Hensley/ProPride systems. I believe that there are several good reasons to consider other options.

The Hensley/ProPride systems have had at least some documented failures. These systems are also extrememely heavy compared to their much less expensive counterparts. They may "steal" close to 100 lbs. from your available payload. For many folks who care about staying safe, that's just not weight that they have available. Finally hitching up can be very difficult with these systems. It can take lots of fancy maneuvering to mate the TV to the TT. How much time do you really want to spend at the campground trying to hitch up? I've found that much more than a few minutes can start to bring out the highly-opinionated crowds...
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Old 09-28-2014, 05:08 AM   #18
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Pro Pride gets my vote. Support from Shawn @ PP is excellent. One tends to support the product that they own. Having had experience with several brands in the past I heartily endorse the PP.

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Old 09-28-2014, 05:12 AM   #19
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How much money do you have?
If money does not limit your decision, get the ProPride. Hensley and ProPride work on the same principle. ProPride seems like the "new and improved" Hensley. Sean at ProPride used to work for Hensley.
All styles/brands have merit. Reese Dual Cam users love them. I understand why.
I have had an EazLift- a very simple effective design and the least expensive-
I now use an Equal-i-zer. It is a very simple design snd it works well, but if I had $2,300 I would but a ProPride hands down.
The best part about the Equsl-i-zer is the ease of use/hitching and unhitching. Also, Equal-i-zer's customer service is top notch.
I expect customer service at ProPride or Hensley would be good, also.
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Old 09-28-2014, 05:29 AM   #20
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I have this: Reese unit, Strait-Line Weight Distribution System w Sway Control - Trunnion Bar - 12,000 lbs GTW, 1,200 lbs TW

I think if properly set up, ball tilt, tension on the trunnion bars, etc., this hitch provides excellent resistance to the most common problem I have encountered, that is the pulling of the trailer to the road side as one is being passed by a large truck, i.e., semitrailer truck. And, as I like to tow about 62-64 mph, I am passed a lot on the Interstate highways. The condition is exacerbated when a cross wind is present.

With my current adjustments, giving me weights on my axles of about 4400 front, 4300 rear, and a bit over 7000 for the trailer, I rarely have any pull from a semi.

As I said, the correct set up is critical with any hitch, and this may not always be the first set up tried. I have made adjustments in truck stops with trunnion bar tension, length of the sway control contact points, and number of chain links hanging down.

The final result is the weight data above.
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