28' Classic Hitch Height

Sam Davis · 03-20-2006, 04:32 PM

Good evening, all.

I would like to order a Hensley Arrow while they still have free shipping (ends April 1st), but my AS won't be delivered until the end of April. This is a problem because Hensley needs to know the hitch height, and I can't measure it without the TT.

The Hensley order form says, "With the trailer level, measure the number of inches from the top of the trailer coupler to the parking surface."

The AS brochure says the hitch ball height is 18.75" but doesn't say how it's measured.

I will be most appreciative if someone can verify this measurement for the 28' Classic.

Thanks, Sam

davidz71 · 03-20-2006, 05:02 PM

I'm using a 6" drop stinger on a 25' 1986 Sovereign and a '01 2500hd ext. cab with 8.1 and Allison. Tires are the factory shod Firestone Steeltex LT245-75-16. The individual I bought the trailer from was towing with a Ford F250 gas engine truck and the 6" also worked for him.

Pat370 · 03-20-2006, 05:05 PM

Sam, your trailer calls for a height of 18.75 inches. This is measured from the ground up to the top of the ball socket on the coupler.

Pat370

PWRSTRK · 03-20-2006, 05:14 PM

Sam:

Ordering the Hensley is one of the very best things you can do.

But you must have the right size shank. Given your situation, I recommend calling Airstream Customer Service and getting one of the guys there to measure a trailer to get exactly what you need. They're super nice and will help you out.

Best,

Tom

2airishuman · 03-20-2006, 05:14 PM

hi sam and welcome......

new stuff oh boy! oh man how exciting......

you will likely need the 4 inch drop....

i started with the 6......as hensley rep advised......it was too much....
the next rep with the same info......said 4......

while the exchange and shipping was free,
it took hensley 3 tries to send the correct bar....they really wanted me to keep the 6....

i have a 05classic and 250 psd 4x4....and my classic is also 18.75.....

have you got the truck yet?

if you want to measure your truck and post the receiver height.....i can compare it to the ford......but i think they are very close....depending on tires.

the factory measurements on the classics are all the same........

except for the slide models....which are an inch higher.....by an inch

cheers
2air'

Sam Davis · 03-20-2006, 05:29 PM

Thanks to all. Just to make sure, I will call AS custserv as Tom suggested, but looks like the 18.75" measurement is what I need.

Ground to top of my hitch receiver appears to be 20.25" but I want to also confirm that.

Sam Davis · 03-20-2006, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2airishuman

have you got the truck yet?
2air'

Yes, it arrived early last week. I'm trying to get some mileage on it before we begin towing.

Sam

2airishuman · 03-20-2006, 05:45 PM

well sam........

my ford is 18 top inside and 18.25 top outside....so you appear 2 inches higher.....

so you many need the 6 inch drop.....

as i recall the hensley is effectively 4 inches lower than the ball height.......

my truck tires are worn from 20k miles, it is loaded with stuff in the bed/cab, has a long bed full shell, and is full of diesel...make sure you've considered these too...and the truck is level.

also if you are considering aftermarket rock guards/mud flaps that attach to the hensley drop bar....you will need a bar modified for them....it's a little longer....

have you checked out the enkay rock tamers? really nice.......

http://www.mudflaps.com

best price on these is cabella's online shop.......

the measurements printed on line and in the booklet for airstream...are them....so while i usually think calling the mothership is useful...not sure they will give you any better that the 18.75 number......

you can email a factory rep person....and they can chase this down for ya...usually they reply in <24hours....

where are you buying your trailer.....how exciting.....

cheers
2air'

davidz71 · 03-20-2006, 06:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2airishuman

well sam........
also if you are considering aftermarket rock guards/mud flaps that attach to the hensley drop bar....you will need a bar modified for them....it's a little longer....

have you checked out the enkay rock tamers? really nice.......

http://www.mudflaps.com

best price on these is cabella's online shop.......
cheers
2air'

Or you can modify the Rock Tamer center hub like this:

2airishuman · 03-20-2006, 06:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davidz71

Or you can modify the Rock Tamer center hub like this:

wow davidz71.....that is a nice job....and great pix......

it should fit a little better with that routed out....

how did you remove the small bit on the nk?

no secrets here......tell us more!

cheers
2air'

Sam Davis · 03-20-2006, 06:16 PM

2air': You make good points -- it's probably the TV height I should be most concerned about. I know the truck will drop when loaded, so the 4" drop is likely to be correct. My 20.25" measurement was made completely empty -- and I didn't mention that I'll be adding a cap that weighs in the neighbohood of 200 lbs.

Yes, I have admired the Rock Tamers. How would I get the lengthened bar to fit them?

Thanks, Sam

2airishuman · 03-20-2006, 06:41 PM

hi sam.....

well i really like the way davidz71 modified the nk bracket...and others have used another approach.....

i just informed hensley i was going to need a bar that would work with the rock tamers......beforehand......and they sent a bar made about 2 inches longer on the truck/side of the stinger shaft...in other words they sent a longer bar....so the enkays had room...

if you already have the drop bar...doing what david has done would be ideal...but getting the bar from henlsey.....they can just cut it longer...

i never did measure my truck before adding the a.r.e. shell and bed liner and all the travel gear.....so i don't know how much it dropped....but it had to be a bit...

good luck keep us posted and lets see some pics when it arrives...

how is your airstream dealer.....wanna share now or after delivery?

i feel uneasy now about suggesting 4 inches...i'd hate to be responsible for you getting the wrong drop bar....

best to let the hensley techs....guide you....and load the truck some....

cheers
2air'

Sam Davis · 03-20-2006, 06:59 PM

The AS dealer is Bates RV, just East of Tampa. My mother lives close by, and we've been stopping in to look for several years. They were very helpful and kind while we were agonizing over the decision. I hope we feel the same way after shakedown.

No worries re. your advice going wrong, 2air'. I appreciate the help.

Thanks also to you, Craig, for posting the pix of your mortise job. Nice work.

Sam

hookedonclassic · 03-20-2006, 07:30 PM

Sam: I checked to see what Hensley recommended and sent me for my set-up which is pretty close to your vehicle/trailer combo. I received the 4" drop bar and haven't been able to try it yet with the combo but think it will be pretty close. I didn't get the extended bar for the Enkay mudflaps at the time I ordered the Hensley. I understand that the Hensley drawbar exchange program doesn't apply to the extended shaft drawbars. I will have a local mill shop grind out a grove so the Enkay's work with the Hensley bar. Looking forward to using the equipment together. Good luck with yours.