|
|
06-29-2013, 01:16 PM
|
#1
|
New Member
Currently Looking...
Larkspur
, Colorado
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 2
|
Towing Equipment which is the best
I just purchased a 2013 Airstream Flying Cloud 23D, I'll be pulling it with 2012 Ford 150 Supercrew 6cylinder ECO Boost.
I don't know much about the hitch equipment that is needed.
The dealer is recommending the Reese Dual Cam 800 which would be installed by the dealer. Please let me know if this is adequate, and how user friendly the unit is.
Thanks,
Bob
|
|
|
06-29-2013, 05:28 PM
|
#2
|
4 Rivet Member
2006 30' Classic
Yonkers
, New York
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 280
|
The Reese is more than adequate for your rig combo but if you plan on trading up from 23 footer to 25 - 30 footer, you need to consider investing in ProPride or Hensley . Lightly used one is as great as new one just in case you find it expensive . Best wishes.
|
|
|
06-29-2013, 06:16 PM
|
#3
|
Rivet Master
2013 30' Classic
Greenwood
, Mississippi
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 12,111
|
I hear good comments about the Reese Dual Cam.
__________________
2013 Classic 30 Limited
2007 Silver Toyota Tundra Crew Max Limited 5.7 iForce
2006 Vivid Black Harley-Davidson Road King Classic
1999 Black Nissan Pathfinder LE
TAC #MS-10
WBCCI #1811, Region 6, Unit 56
Airforums #70955
|
|
|
06-29-2013, 07:13 PM
|
#4
|
4 Rivet Member
1992 29' Excella
Asheville
, North Carolina
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 306
|
We pull a 29ft. With a dodge 1500 and the duel cam. We love it. I am sure the Hensley or the PP are amazing hitches, but we feel very safe with our setup.
__________________
Jonathan Hettrick
'92 Excella 29'
'20 Ram 2500
AIR # 59179
|
|
|
06-29-2013, 08:05 PM
|
#5
|
4 Rivet Member
2002 31' Classic
Houston
, Texas
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 442
|
My rationale when purchasing my Hensley was that with $100,000+ invested in the assembly another $2,500+ was just small change to assure absolute control of the assembly.
|
|
|
06-29-2013, 08:30 PM
|
#6
|
Rivet Master
1986 31' Sovereign
Miami
, Florida
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,137
|
Hitch equipment, tow vehicles, tires. The Big Three of endless discussion (sometimes very heated discussion) on these Forums.
Use the search function, wade through all the posts, and use your best judgement. Whatever choice you make, someone here will think it is the wrong choice. But, when you are out towing and enjoying your Airstream, you get the only vote about whether you chose well or not.
Enjoy your journey,
Mike
|
|
|
06-29-2013, 09:14 PM
|
#7
|
Rivet Master
2014 30' FB FC Bunk
Hoover
, Alabama
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 3,530
|
im in the same boat, but with a 30' bunkhouse on order...ive read ALOT on this site about this subject.
In principle, I have no issue with the logic that "the trailer is so expensive, why cut short on a hitch"....
My beef however is that many many areas of consumer products do not follow a logical cost to cost-benefit direct correlation.
What I would like to see is a double blind study of hitches funded by a neutral 3rd party......drivers are blinded to the hitch (I suppose they would need noise canceling headphones as well to ensure proper blinding), and they would rate the experience and perhaps guess which hitch.
In school they spoke about for example not needing to conduct an randomized control trial on the benefits of a parachute for skydiving...not having experience with hitches and towing such stuff, i could not say how analogous that would be to this...but given the widespread equal and opposite anecdotes on this subject, such a study could help settle the matter....food for thought anyway for fellow science nerds
__________________
“The atoms of our bodies are traceable to stars that manufactured them...We are not figuratively, but literally stardust.”
|
|
|
06-29-2013, 10:13 PM
|
#8
|
Rivet Master
2006 25' Safari
St. Augustine
, Florida
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 2,670
|
well, I will tell you about my trial on the road. I had an inexpensive WD hitch that came with the trailer. It worked, I thought fine, until I got new tires on the truck then the sway began - big time. It was awful. The only thing we (my family) could think of was that the thicker tread allowed for more movement. They are the michelin load E LTX- good tires.
So, I ended up with a Pro Pride hitch. We just got back from a 1600 mile trip with the hitch. Wow, how nice. ANYTHING could pass me and the tow vehicle and trailer were one. The old hitch before the tires would sway a bit after a pass but straighten out. With the new tires I would have to counter steer and hang on. All hitches will pull but it is the roadworthiness that matters.
|
|
|
06-29-2013, 10:35 PM
|
#9
|
Rivet Master
2012 25' Flying Cloud
Battle Lake
, Minnesota
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 7,714
|
It's not just about cost.
Any hitch will feel great pulling an Airstream in light wind and light semi traffic conditions. But when the crosswinds become strong and you are passed by a semi, the gap between Hensley/ProPride and the rest is very large.
You will feel the wind gusts and when the semi passes it can be quite uncomfortable with conventional hitches. With Hensley/ProPride you will hardly notice, it is similar in feel to driving without a trailer behind you.
And it cannot sway, as linkage design prevents the trailer from putting steering inputs into the tow vehicle. Not so with the conventional hitch.
So yes, a friction sway control hitch is adequate in average conditions. But far from the best, most comfortable towing experience under all conditions.
doug k
|
|
|
06-30-2013, 05:23 AM
|
#10
|
2 Rivet Member
2008 31' Classic
Milam
, Texas
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 27
|
Upgraded, Reese to Hensley. Huge, investment. Worth it. YES.
|
|
|
06-30-2013, 06:01 AM
|
#11
|
"Cloudsplitter"
2003 25' Classic
Houstatlantavegas
, Malebolgia
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 20,000
|
Welcome Aboard....
Quote:
Originally Posted by rmvrmv
I just purchased a 2013 Airstream Flying Cloud 23D, I'll be pulling it with 2012 Ford 150 Supercrew 6cylinder ECO Boost.
I don't know much about the hitch equipment that is needed.
The dealer is recommending the Reese Dual Cam 800 which would be installed by the dealer. Please let me know if this is adequate, and how user friendly the unit is.
Thanks,
Bob
|
Bob,
I'll agree with what has already been mentioned, the Reese DC will work well with your rig.
The Hensley and Propride will work better.
One point worth mentioning...
The dealer recommends the Reese, make sure they take the time to set it up properly with a road test after the install.
Set-up is most important with any hitch you choose.
Bob
__________________
I’m done with ‘adulting’…Let’s go find Bigfoot.
|
|
|
06-30-2013, 06:37 AM
|
#12
|
Rivet Master
2014 30' FB FC Bunk
Hoover
, Alabama
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 3,530
|
I received a PM today (and I have read on threads from others) that their non Hensley/propride in very windy conditions or with trucks passing erc is not a problem (assuming proper install and adjustment)
What the heck are new comers to think with anecdotes that state the polar opposite? And often as such.
__________________
“The atoms of our bodies are traceable to stars that manufactured them...We are not figuratively, but literally stardust.”
|
|
|
06-30-2013, 06:44 AM
|
#13
|
Rivet Master
2012 27' Flying Cloud
W
, New England
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 7,402
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by PharmGeek
What the heck are new comers to think with anecdotes that state the polar opposite? And often as such.
|
This newcomer researched as much as possible and made my decision based on factors that were important only to me. Everyone's mileage varies...
|
|
|
06-30-2013, 07:28 AM
|
#14
|
Retired.
Currently Looking...
.
, At Large
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 21,276
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by PharmGeek
I received a PM today (and I have read on threads from others) that their non Hensley/propride in very windy conditions or with trucks passing erc is not a problem (assuming proper install and adjustment)
What the heck are new comers to think with anecdotes that state the polar opposite? And often as such.
|
Possible lack of situational awareness on the part of the person that sent you the PM? The person sending the PM has a tow vehicle with very low center of gravity and low aspect ratio tires on their tow vehicle?
I've towed dozens of travel trailers, dozens more commercial trailers, with all the major brands of WD and sway control, and sometimes nothing at all. I've also set up hundreds of tow vehicle/trailer combos with WD and sway control, and I can tell you there is a difference. You do get what you pay for.
What you need on your tow vehicle and trailer will vary according to what tow vehicle and trailer you have. Most people don't have time or resources to try out different types and brands of setups. On our 31', I've tried several different brands and types of WD and sway control, from the most basic WD and friction anti sway to a Hensley Arrow. For whatever reason, our trailer has been more "loose" and squirrely when towing. I've even towed friends' nearly identical Airstreams with my truck and sway control from our trailer, and they behave completely differently from ours.
So, the point of this post is that just because one person has no trouble towing one Airstream set up with one WD system, doesn't mean you will have the same results with a different Airstream and different tow vehicle in a different part of the country.
__________________
Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy, and taste good with ketchup.
Terry
|
|
|
06-30-2013, 07:33 AM
|
#15
|
Rivet Master
2012 25' Flying Cloud
Battle Lake
, Minnesota
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 7,714
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by PharmGeek
I received a PM today (and I have read on threads from others) that their non Hensley/propride in very windy conditions or with trucks passing erc is not a problem (assuming proper install and adjustment)
What the heck are new comers to think with anecdotes that state the polar opposite? And often as such.
|
If you never drove anything but a 1966 VW Beetle you would not realize the problem until you drove a new Porsche. Then "Oh yeah, wow!"
doug k
|
|
|
06-30-2013, 09:37 AM
|
#16
|
4 Rivet Member
2002 31' Classic
Houston
, Texas
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 442
|
Cutting Through Smoke & Mirrors
Quote:
Originally Posted by PharmGeek
im in the same boat, but with a 30' bunkhouse on order...ive read ALOT on this site about this subject.
In principle, I have no issue with the logic that "the trailer is so expensive, why cut short on a hitch"....
My beef however is that many many areas of consumer products do not follow a logical cost to cost-benefit direct correlation.
What I would like to see is a double blind study of hitches funded by a neutral 3rd party......drivers are blinded to the hitch (I suppose they would need noise canceling headphones as well to ensure proper blinding), and they would rate the experience and perhaps guess which hitch.
In school they spoke about for example not needing to conduct an randomized control trial on the benefits of a parachute for skydiving...not having experience with hitches and towing such stuff, i could not say how analogous that would be to this...but given the widespread equal and opposite anecdotes on this subject, such a study could help settle the matter....food for thought anyway for fellow science nerds
|
Here’s what I did to cut through the smoke and mirrors. I researched the matter and found that the Hensley (and now ProPride) are based upon what is called a “4 sided problem”. Basis that I fabricated my own “4 sided problem” using some tongue depressors (I happened to have many for mixing epoxy) and screw type aluminum paper binders.
In the following first photo my “Hensley” is in the straight position with the trailer tongue to the right and the tow vehicle to the left. The blackened area on the left is the center of the tow vehicle. When one holds the trailer tongue in the right hand and places the left hand fingers on opposite sides of the blackened area of the tow vehicle, WITHOUT EXERTING ANY LATERAL TORQUE, then attempting to torque the trailer tongue with the right hand only puts lateral pressure on the left hand fingers; the “4 sided problem” will not allow the trailer tongue torque to bend the “Hensley”.
In the second photo, while still holding the right hand tongue torque’d against the left hand fingers, the left fingers can still pivot the Hensley as per steering down the road or turning. [/SIZE]
|
|
|
07-01-2013, 02:48 AM
|
#17
|
Rivet Master
2013 30' Classic
Greenwood
, Mississippi
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 12,111
|
Uh...I don't get it...
__________________
2013 Classic 30 Limited
2007 Silver Toyota Tundra Crew Max Limited 5.7 iForce
2006 Vivid Black Harley-Davidson Road King Classic
1999 Black Nissan Pathfinder LE
TAC #MS-10
WBCCI #1811, Region 6, Unit 56
Airforums #70955
|
|
|
07-01-2013, 04:17 AM
|
#18
|
Rivet Master
2012 27' Flying Cloud
W
, New England
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 7,402
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by m.hony
Uh...I don't get it...
|
I can't copy the link but go to YouTube and search for this: ProPride 3p hitch Lego model
|
|
|
07-01-2013, 05:10 AM
|
#19
|
2 Rivet Member
2008 31' Classic
Milam
, Texas
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 27
|
Susan and I do really enjoy living in U. S. A. The freedom of traveling,
|
|
|
07-01-2013, 05:13 AM
|
#20
|
"Cloudsplitter"
2003 25' Classic
Houstatlantavegas
, Malebolgia
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 20,000
|
The biggest hurdle....
......with understanding the PPP hitch.
We all have used variations of the conventional hitch. It's function is pretty easy to grasp.
Users of the PPP can describe their experiences, but until you actually use one the benefits are still a mystery.
Ironically the first thing I noticed with ours occurred on an interstate ramp.
While turning in I glanced the rear view and was struck with the view.
The Airstream was staying almost directly behind the TV. Very little if any articulation at the hitch. I thought, "this thing IS different", if it's not out of line on this constant radius turn what chance does a gust of wind or an 18 wheeler have in moving the trailer around at speed.
I havent been disappointed.
Several times while camping I've tried to explain the Hensley experience to the curious. Not until riding with us did the benefits become more obvious.
Bob
__________________
I’m done with ‘adulting’…Let’s go find Bigfoot.
|
|
|
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
|
|
Thread Tools |
Search this Thread |
|
|
Display Modes |
Linear Mode
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Recent Discussions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|