Resuscitate a smashed Airstream or Not?

[Silver Bullet]

Where on a Reese DC bar is the load range stamped, ie 550, 750, 1000 lb?


Oscar

[Inland RV Center, In]

Silver Bullet.

The bars are not stamped.

But you can measure the width of the bar as it enters the trunnion.

A 1 inch bar is 450 pounds, a 1 1/8 inch bar is 650 pounds and a 1 1/4 inch bar is 900 pounds.

When you add the straight line "dual cam" sway control to it, you add another 100 pounds.

Been that way since 1966, that I know of.

The ball mounts accept all three sizes, as the trunnion ears are the same, but the square holes is one of three different sizes.

Andy

[Silvertwinkie]

Thanks Andy for the tips and info. Much appreciated!

[swebster]

Phew, I'm so glad I bought a motorhome.

[markdoane]

Originally Posted by swebster

Phew, I'm so glad I bought a motorhome.

Boy, I would love to be to have those whirring transmission sounds, leaky carburators, and overheating. And that great 454 gas engine!

[swebster]

Don,
It's easy. Put some go-go juice in one end and hit the pedal on the right. If you hear loud noises....just turn up the tunes!

[87MH]

ANdy:

Thanks for taking time to discuss this subject.

I eagerly await BOTH of your upcoming articles.

Again, thanks for sharing your knowledge and opinion.

[Inland RV Center, In]

swebster.

Yeah, motorhomes are OK, but you can't float them down the river, because they don't have any wheels near the center for ballast.................


Andy

[markdoane]

Originally Posted by Inland RV Center, In

swebster.

Yeah, motorhomes are OK, but you can't float them down the river, because they don't have any wheels near the center for ballast.................


Andy

Yeah, and those heavy iron motors make them bow heavy, so its tough to get them up on plane!

[dscluchfc]

OK...I am curious.
How much money to purchase an extra set of Reese Bars?
Or, how much money to trade a set of 1000 bars for some 750's or 550's?
Anyone got a web link?
I am apparently over hitched with a 2500HD 4x4 Crew Cab Duramax-Allison.
However, I was ok with them on the lighter sprung Yukon I was towing with.

[joecj76]

onest you been leared english good, hain't nobody can change that!...
Does that help with YUR confusion? LOL. It just kills me to think what people due to the English language.

[Inland RV Center, In]

I thought this site was to help Airstream owners, with their Airstream concerns and/or their Airstream problems, as well as to share Airstream experiences and Airstream knowledge.

Gosh, if we have to toss in being gramatically correct, I am afraid many of us would no longer post.

Most often, everyone knows what you mean, without have to say "you know what I mean," even though at times, we bend the English language.

However, bending the English language is far more forgiveable than bending an Airstream, and that's the real reason for this site, "AND" it's success.

Andy

[dscluchfc]

Ok..I give up...UR right..

[markdoane]

Originally Posted by dscluchfc

Ok..I give up...UR right..

?? Wasn't UR a city in ancient Mesopotamia? Don't see the conxshun. . . .

[thenewkid64]

Originally Posted by Inland RV Center, In

As another example, with a ball park 750 pounds tongue weight, a large car would use a 1000 pound hitch, a 1/2 ton truck a 750 hitch, and a 3/4 to 1 ton truck a 550 pound hitch.

Andy,

I an not sure what you are describing in the above quote:

Are you referring to the hitch weight rating of the bars?
OR
Is this the total load that is being transferred forward to the center of the vehicle?
OR
Is this the tongue weight of the trailer?


I am so confused..........

TIA

[Inland RV Center, In]

Brett.

The numbers I listed are the "bar" ratings.

Andy

[Silver Bullet]

The 1000 lb bars are pretty obsolite, unless you pull with a 74 Chrysler "Town and Country " station wagon.


Oscar

[alvinator]

I have a 2005 28 Classic being pulled by a 2004 Dodge 2500 Cummins 4WD Auto. I have the Reese HP Dual Cam setup with 1200 lb bars. After reading all these posts regarding the proper spring bar weight, I was concerned enough to contact both Airstream and Reese regarding the matter as follows:

Message: I have a 2005 Airstream 28
Classic being pulled by a
2004 Dodge 3/4 ton Cummins
Diesel Pickup. Airstream
lists the unloaded trailer
weight weight at 6800 lbs and
the tongue weight at around 800 lbs.

I use the Dual cam straight
line hi performance setup. Do
I need 800lb spring bars or
1200 lb spring bars?

Thank you.

Airstream's answer was:
Here is a site that will help you out with your questions. If you have any more questions please e-mail. http://www.reeseprod.com/

_______________________
Thank you,

Joe Williams
Airstream
Customer Service Manager

Now here is Reese Products one word answer to me. 1200#

Comments?

[dano]

I was following this thread and have a question if you don't mind. I have a 1987 25' Sovreign with a V5 Drawtight receiver hitch and 1000 lb. spring bars. The tow vehicle 2003 Chevy Avalanche 3.73 rear ratio. In your opinion am I over hitched for this trailer? Thanks!

[Inland RV Center, In]

alvinator.

There are several issues that must be considered.

First of all, you must provide a "soft" ride for an Airstream trailer. If not, then you usually damage the front end.

That being the case, the "bars" must have some flex.

Secondly, at the same time, adequate weight transfer must take place.

Third, if the above are the conditions, then what is the weight and balance on your rig?.

No one, anyone can make a flat statement that any size bars can be used, without first knowing the trailer, the tow vehicle, and the tow vehicle rear spring rate.

Then and only then, can you make a proper determination.

Lastly, Reese has never made an insurance settlement for loss of control accidents.

I have made several hundreds of them.

Andy