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Old 06-21-2018, 07:26 AM   #1
Rivet Master
 
2019 25' International
Washington , Washington, D.C.
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Need a new hitch (on the road)

Dear all,
The free hitch my Airstream dealer installed on my rig (as part of the sale) is falling apart (6th day into my 'shakedown cruise') and I need a new one. I am one day away from Salem, OR where I will be attending the rally. Would appreciate a recommendation for a hitch expert in that general area as I'll be there for a week.
Thank you so much.
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Old 06-21-2018, 07:31 AM   #2
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Las Vegas , Nevada
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Blue Ox is a good brand.
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Old 06-21-2018, 07:39 AM   #3
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2018 30' Flying Cloud
Gig Harbor , Washington
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Hi Pat,

I would say that depends on a few things (in my opinion):

1. How much do you plan on towing?
2. How far will you be going?
3. What road conditions, i.e. mountains, steep inclines, areas known for wind and heavy traffic, etc.
4. How much $$$ can you afford?

I've heard the Blue Ox is great and I also heard it wasn't. We just purchased a 2018 30' FC Bunk and I spend the extra money on ProPride due to the positive reviews. Being new to towing and now having used it on 6. trips through the North West Cascades and at some times have to remind myself I have a 30' TT behind me.

Being in Salem at the rally I'm sure there will be more than enough people there with experience to help with any hitch type you end up purchasing.
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Old 06-21-2018, 08:09 AM   #4
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Thanks but I'm really asking for a 'hitch dealer' rec (not a hitch per se) in the Salem area who can 'fix' it all while I'm there. If I could get that, I could call and schedule an appt to get it done. This is the busy season and all these RV shops are full up! thanks.
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Old 06-21-2018, 10:13 AM   #5
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There is a Camping World in Wilsonville OR. 30ish miles north of Salem. Also, AS dealer in Gladstone OR. Hope that helps.
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Old 06-21-2018, 03:27 PM   #6
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There may be resources you could use at the Salem International... they will likely have an array of vendors at your disposal. We attended the Farmington rally ...the weather was unseasonably hot and many had AC issues ... the ACs were replaced on the spot by an enterprising vendor. Maybe you can be as lucky.
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Old 06-21-2018, 03:47 PM   #7
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I know that Airstream NW will be at the Salem show with a full parts dept. I don't belong to the WBCI but the above dealer let me know they will be there. Dave
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Old 06-21-2018, 05:46 PM   #8
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Blue Ox, Reese, and Equalizer.
I'd bet they account for 95% of Airstream hitches.
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Old 06-21-2018, 06:32 PM   #9
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What brand is falling?😢. Busted parts?
Could it be a faulty install?

Bob
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Old 06-21-2018, 06:57 PM   #10
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What is the problem with your existing hitch?
brick
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Old 06-21-2018, 08:00 PM   #11
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Bad installation may be the problem. Service techs sometimes don't read the detailed instructions.

So, first get out the instruction sheet the dealer should have given you or go to the brand's website and download them.

Two things likely to be done wrong are incorrect placement of snap-up brackets on the A-frame (too far forward or back from the ball receiver/lockdown) or incorrectly torqued nuts/bolts which let pieces slip. The trunnion height adjustment bolts are often installed to "looks OK" using plain wrenches rather than a torque wrench. (Two months into ownership of my first trailer I was told "I been installing these for 15 years and never used no darn torque wrench." I refused to pay until every bolt on the hitch had been properly torqued... loaned the mechanic mine as he didn't HAVE one.) And some specify use of Locktite on the snap-up brackets to prevent slippage. That stuff is expensive... which tempts some people to skimp or skip entirely. Oh, and if the ball itself isn't tightened OR the wrong size ball is used....yikes!

This could be a "educational opportunity" for you... one of many that turns you from a newbie to a veteran expert... one obstacle at a time.

Best, Paula
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Old 06-21-2018, 10:19 PM   #12
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Blue Ox and equalizer both have people and presentations here at the rally. Plus at least one camper dealer. I would check sooner if they have to,order a hitch.
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Old 06-23-2018, 07:38 AM   #13
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Thanks everyone for your inputs. I did check with folks at the rally and yes, as a previous poster wrote, there will be two hitch providers there. I arrive there before noon today and will make a beeline for them - right after the Airstream vintage parade!
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Old 06-27-2018, 10:02 AM   #14
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Just curious. Did you get hitched at the rally?
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Old 06-30-2018, 07:38 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bill M. View Post
Just curious. Did you get hitched at the rally?
No - i’m still single.
������������
Sorry. I couldn’t resist.
So, yes, I bought a Blue Ox system at the rally because everyone begged me too. It was installed yesterday, today I towed with it for the first time and it functioned like my first hitch should have. In response to an earlier responder above, I believe it was a poor installation. Installers are SO important to the success and satisfaction of any hitch, period.
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Old 06-30-2018, 08:22 PM   #16
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Good job!
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