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Old 02-08-2014, 03:25 PM   #1
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2008 31' Classic
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Need Advice Hitch Package for 31' Classic

Hey,

I have recently purchased a 2008 Airstream Classic Limited 31’ and will be picking it up in a few weeks. My tow vehicle is a 2012 Ford F250 Super Duty with an extended cab and a 6 ½ foot bed.
The previous owner of the Airstream sold his weight distribution hitch (Draw-tite Round Bar WD 12,000lb) when he upgraded his tow vehicle. I have been reading posts with respect to recommended weight distribution and sway control hitches and have visited with personnel at local RV dealers, and have not had much success in narrowing down to a choice of hitch.
Does anyone have a recommendation with respect to which hitch will provide the best performance – safest towing, with the above combination of trailer and tow vehicle? Also, are there recommendations with respect to the length of the shank?
Thanks,
Charlie
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Old 02-08-2014, 03:35 PM   #2
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I have an 07 Classic 30'er (same chassis and shell). Mine came with an Equal-I-zer....got rid of it. I then used a Reese Straight line with 800lb bars. This was a good match and I still have it as a back-up hitch. I found a smokin' deal on a used Hensley and I would have nothing other than a PPP hitch now. If I were to replace the Hensley, I'd go with a Propride. It has some improved design features over the Hensley.
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Old 02-08-2014, 03:40 PM   #3
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The ProPride is the best in my opinion, but you will find arguments about hitches, tow vehicles, and fuel mileage on this forum, so be prepared for that.

With the ProPride you don't have to worry about hitch length because it is long enough for you to drop the tailgate while hitched. The two down sides to the ProPride is the cost, and the weight, the latter not being a problem with the F250.

If the cost of the PP is too much for you, I'm having good success with the Reese SC.

Welcome to the forums.
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Old 02-08-2014, 03:45 PM   #4
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Can a dealer familiar with installation on Reese dual cam, be able to install the PPP? I have an Exhaust brake will that be a problem for the PPP.
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Old 02-08-2014, 04:08 PM   #5
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Luigi, it just depends on the dealer. Some can do it right and some can't. Exhaust brake is not a problem with a properly set up PPP AND a properly adjusted brake controller, just like any other hitch. I pulled throughout the Rockies with a Chevy Duramax w/exhaust brake last summer without a single "bump" nor any other hitch problem.

(lots of help here on the forum for installation)
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Old 02-08-2014, 04:11 PM   #6
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So much out there on "best" hitch. I was where you are a couple of years ago and went through EVERY post I could find. Ended up with a ProPride....and after around 14,000 miles I can say that I am entirely satisfied with it. My first priority after ordering my trailer was to go for the SAFEST possible add-ons....which led to the PP, the 16" wheel upgrade with Michelins and too many other accessories to mention. I will tell you that Sean Woodruff is the most hands-on business owner I've dealt with in many a year. He will be available to help you no matter where or when. I recently got a new truck and needed a different drop on the stinger....he sent it to me, no charge, just had to return my old one. The PP provides unbelievable stability in cross-winds and gives me a very strong sense of safety.
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Old 02-08-2014, 04:30 PM   #7
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Charlie,
Congratulations, you have a large Airstream and a truck large enough to pull it - good.

You may have opened up Pandora's Box with your first Post and that’s good too! The hitch threads can get a bit heated here but they do have entertainment value.

Seriously, study this topic deeply here on the Forum. Join Woodalls and other forums and read up on the topic there as well. There are folks here who do understand the engineering mechanics behind hitches and hopefully they will chime in. It will be your job to identify who they are and perhaps study their opinions and posts in more detail. There are many who have specific experience that is quite useful.

My recommendation:
1. Study this topic, get yourself tuned up on hitches, and have fun doing it.
2. Condition the information you will receive or find on the forums. This can be a bit of tangle in the beginning.
3. Decide for yourself, working within your budget, and do your best to buy once! Avoid “buyer’s remorse” by making an informed choice up front. Buying multiple hitches can get expensive!
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Old 02-08-2014, 04:51 PM   #8
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Originally Posted by Alphonse View Post
Charlie,

My recommendation:
1. Study this topic, get yourself tuned up on hitches, and have fun doing it.
2. Condition the information you will receive or find on the forums. This can be a bit of tangle in the beginning.
3. Decide for yourself, working within your budget, and do your best to buy once! Avoid “buyer’s remorse” by making an informed choice up front. Buying multiple hitches can get expensive!
Very well said Al
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Old 02-08-2014, 08:22 PM   #9
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Welcome to all that replied and I look forward to further replies. I am glad that this will provide a topic that will receive a lot interest.
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Old 02-08-2014, 08:33 PM   #10
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I have the same model trailer (classic 31)and the same type TV (3/4 ton pickup). I have towed many trailers (none this big) with different hitch setups. However for this one, I bit the bullet pricewise and got the ProPride. I have never had such a trouble free towing experience. Never even a suggestion of sway. I would not swap it for anything currently available.

Ken
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Old 02-08-2014, 08:34 PM   #11
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When and if I can afford it, I will buy a Pro Pride hitch, til then I will continue along with the regular old ball.

Not really needing an equalizer for my 31 footer, but being one who might appreciate sway control, my mind can't see where friction devices will help a lot, but I like the way the ProPride and Hendrickson hitches address the issue.
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Old 02-08-2014, 09:41 PM   #12
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Thanks dznfOg, I will call Sean and discuss the shipment of the PPP. I,too, have a Duramax.
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Old 02-09-2014, 12:59 PM   #13
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Thanks for all the replies. There is a lot of energy on this subject. ProPride seems to be the leading candidate. I am planning on installing the WD hitch on the used Airstream at its current storage location - about 10 hours from home. If I go with the ProPride, any issues with installation? I looked on line and found a set of photos where it looked like someone had to drill holes and hack saw a flange to install. Will that be the case on an Airstream? About how many hours to install?
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Old 02-09-2014, 01:28 PM   #14
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You won't have to cut anything, but maybe the length of a couple of set screws. The installation is not easy, or quick, and the hitch is heavy. It's much easier for two people to install it because of the weight, and even with two people to install and adjust correctly I would figure about four hours.

If you go with the Propride, spend some time reading the instructions, and maybe even doing some of the preliminary assembly. I find if the yoke is installed first, and you have a floor jack and a jack stand, it goes a little faster. I've removed an assembled hitch, and reinstalled it on another trailer in about an hour that way.
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Old 02-09-2014, 01:34 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CharlieSK View Post
Thanks for all the replies. There is a lot of energy on this subject. ProPride seems to be the leading candidate. I am planning on installing the WD hitch on the used Airstream at its current storage location - about 10 hours from home. If I go with the ProPride, any issues with installation? I looked on line and found a set of photos where it looked like someone had to drill holes and hack saw a flange to install. Will that be the case on an Airstream? About how many hours to install?
I installed mine at home on a 2010 31D. You will want a floor jack, a torque wrench, and a grease gun, besides a good set of wrenches etc. The only modification that was necessary was to slightly bend the propane tubing under the right A frame member so the WD Jack bracket could pass between the tubing and the frame. I was very meticulous and careful so it took me the better part of a day.

This is a lot of reading, but well worth it.

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f464...ide-57179.html

Ken
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Old 02-09-2014, 01:47 PM   #16
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People support what works for them, naturally. When I first got my AS it came with an inexpensive Curt hitch. Sure I got a greasy at every interaction but it worked. I commented a few times on this forum about those who would spend so much on a hitch as those Hensley, 3P 'ers. Then I bought new tires for my tow vehicle, MS/2s and on my next trip my trailer was swaying all over the place. I checked height, etc. and it was ok. I took my father along for a ride and he could not believe, "almost has you in the other lane," the difference. I took people's advice here and bought a used 3P. VERY nice hitch. I will say though that when I got it I immediately found that the original owner had been shipped two different weight bars. Sean from Propride sent me the correct one with exchange. My first run was amazing, the truck and trailer moved as one. When a semi passes, the movement is less BUT what movement there is, is as one. I do not have ANY sway to speak of. If you decide on it, get the largest weight bars, not an option. My AS tongue weight is listed as 860lbs but at the CAT scale it is 990lbs (1000) you need the extra.

I installed my 3P and I am a beginner mechanic IF THAT. It took me two sessions and quite a bit of time working slowly alone. The truck receiver/stinger part is not bad- just figuring out if you turn the L up or down based on truck/trailer height and a couple monster bolts. The second part I ran into an issue with my LP tank tray. I had to buy Nylon spacers to raise it so that I could mount part of the hitch on the tongue. And, yes, like AG & AU said, get something to lift that heavy hitch head in place once you get to that. This may sound dumb but it took me a while to wrap my head around how the pieces worked together, so, in spots the directions sometimes left me pondering (obvious novice, "ok it says to tighten that here but how do you get it on there?) Hey my trailer doesn't go down the road beside the truck so I must have done something right! One perk is that I can also drop my tailgate while hitched unlike before.
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Old 02-09-2014, 03:56 PM   #17
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We used two different brand hitches before our ProPride, what a completely uneventful towing experience we now have. Take the time to learn alignment of stinger to hitch head before your first hitching/unhitching and you will find it very use to use.
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Old 02-14-2014, 11:06 AM   #18
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I had a ProPride installed on my 2011 30' Classic and a new one on my 2013 27 International - wouldn't have it any other way!
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Old 02-14-2014, 11:42 AM   #19
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I have an Equal-i-zer towing a 30 behind a Tundra. I had an EazLift in the past. If I had a million dollars (I'd be rich), I'd get a ProPride.
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