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12-19-2013, 09:25 AM
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#1
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1 Rivet Member
2014 27' FB International
Prosper
, Texas
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 6
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Needed: ProPride Hitch installer in Texas (DFW Area)
I have purchased a brand new 27FB International Onyx from Vogt RV in Ft. Worth. I have also ordered and received a ProPride 3P hitch. Airstream is still at dealer while I wait for my tow vehicle to come in on order (should arrive in the next week). Vogt will not install the hitch, since they don't sell it. I would like to find someone to pay to install the hitch for me. I live near McKinney, TX.
I am not sure if it will be safe for me to tow it with the standard hitch to a secondary location for installation, or if I need to pay the dealer or someone to move it for me.
Anyone in the area have a recommendation for a shop near Ft. Worth that they would recommend? Any forum members want to take on the job themselves?
I am not completely new to camping as I had owned a 5th wheel for about a year (2 years ago). This is my first travel trailer.
Also, I can't work on the hitch at my residence as there isn't really a place here to do so. Will be renting a storage lot for when it is not in use.
Joe
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12-19-2013, 10:13 AM
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#2
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Rivet Master
2012 25' Flying Cloud
Battle Lake
, Minnesota
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 7,714
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That hitch is the best thing you will ever do for the comfort and safety of towing your Airstream. It is a disservice for an Airstream dealer to refuse installing it because they don't sell it. ProPride is able to sell these at at a good price because they don't offer dealer discounts but sell direct to the customer.
I asked for one at my dealer and they talked us out of it when I bought my first Airstream, so they installed their own product. Ended up with a ProPride anyway but it cost us a lot more.
It is an easy bolt-on installation, heavy but easy. A floor jack may be needed to lift and hold it in place while bolting on. You shouldn't have to beg the dealer to let you or another install this hitch. Be sure to tell your dealer there are a lot of Airstreamers and potential Airstreamers watching and curious how this works out.
This is a good community of Airstreamers; I've got a feeling someone in the area will give you a hand.
__________________
Doug and Cheryl
2012 FC RB, Michelin 16, ProPride 1400
2016 Ram 1500 Laramie Crew Cab 4X4 Ecodiesel 3.92 axles
The Truth is More Important Than the Facts
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12-19-2013, 10:29 AM
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#3
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Rivet Master
2014 31' Classic
2015 23' International
2013 25' FB International
Apache Junction
, Arizona
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 6,215
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I have the first generation Jim Hensley designed hitch from the company of that name and it required drilling and tapping four holes into the frame for the shear bolts. I have read the ProPride (later generation Jim Hensley designed hitch) installation manual and no holes are drilled.
So, no drill or tap is required, but a $80 Harbor Freight ¾" drive 300 pound capacity torque wrench (part number 808) with a ¾" socket (in socket set 69509 or individually at Sears) or equivalent is required and will be used in the future to check torques over time.
I have been told one person can install this in about three hours, and less time if a helper is available.
I find it strange for a dealership to pass on the opportunity for some labor charge income to install a hitch on a $80,000+ trailer they just sold you. That is really a bad business practice.
__________________
WBCCI Life Member 5123, AIR 70341, 4CU, WD9EMC
TV - 2012 Dodge 2500 4x4 Cummins HO, automatic, Centramatics, Kelderman level ride airbag suspension, bed shell
2014 31' Classic w/ twin beds, 50 amp service, 1000 watt solar system, Centramatics, Tuson TPMS, 12" disc brakes, 16" tires & wheels
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12-19-2013, 10:34 AM
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#4
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Rivet Master
2012 25' Flying Cloud
Battle Lake
, Minnesota
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 7,714
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"I find it strange for a dealership to pass on some labor charges to install a hitch on a $80,000+ trailer they just sold you. That is really a bad business practice."
Me too, perhaps they are trying to strong-arm Sean at ProPride to give them something for selling them, or some kind of childish payback for Sean not giving them something.
__________________
Doug and Cheryl
2012 FC RB, Michelin 16, ProPride 1400
2016 Ram 1500 Laramie Crew Cab 4X4 Ecodiesel 3.92 axles
The Truth is More Important Than the Facts
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12-19-2013, 11:13 AM
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#5
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Rivet Master
1999 34' Excella
Joshua
, Texas
Join Date: Apr 2002
Posts: 548
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Give Paul E. Mayeux, Jr. a call (817) 919-3651...tell them I referred you...
__________________
History doesn't repeat itself, people do!
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12-19-2013, 11:22 AM
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#6
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Rivet Master
2005 30' Classic
Burlington
, Ontario
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 2,743
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Seems a bit poor that the dealer you bought the trailer from would not do this for you even though they do not sell the hitch - shame you had not known before hand, you could have made it part of the seal to buy the trailer!
Having said that, would they at least let you install it on their property? Might be worth asking.
Installing our Hensley was quite easy and the instructions that came with it were very clear - nothing much needed in the way of special tools.
From what I have read, the Pro Pride is even easier to install - no shear bolts to drill holes for and I would imagine it too comes with very good instructions.
Brian.
__________________
Brian & Connie Mitchell
2005 Classic 30'
Hensley Arrow / Centramatics
2008 GMC Sierra SLT 2500HD,4x4,Crew Cab, Diesel, Leer cap.
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12-19-2013, 11:23 AM
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#7
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"Cloudsplitter"
2003 25' Classic
Houstatlantavegas
, Malebolgia
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 20,000
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Diy
IMHO.....the best thing you could do is to install it yourself.
From what I understand the directions are very comprehensive.
You will gain an invaluable understanding of how it works and the necessary maintenance procedures.
Installing our haha was the best thing I did to reduce the grade of the learning curve.
It still comes off every Winter for storage...
Bob
__________________
I’m done with ‘adulting’…Let’s go find Bigfoot.
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12-19-2013, 11:44 AM
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#8
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Rivet Master
2006 23' Safari SE
Holly Lake Ranch
, Texas
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,794
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On the one hand, I too, am a bit surprised that the dealer wouldn't install the hitch or at least refer you to someone who could install it. On the other hand, I didn't realize that that operation had added Airstreams to its line of products after Explore dropped Airstream all across Texas.
__________________
Dana and Olga
2006 Safari 23
2011 Tundra Double Cab
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12-19-2013, 08:26 PM
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#9
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Rivet Master
2014 31' Classic
2015 23' International
2013 25' FB International
Apache Junction
, Arizona
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 6,215
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Maybe Airstream might drop them for poor customer service. The Airstream is a premium product and one expects premium service, but not like down at the stable.
__________________
WBCCI Life Member 5123, AIR 70341, 4CU, WD9EMC
TV - 2012 Dodge 2500 4x4 Cummins HO, automatic, Centramatics, Kelderman level ride airbag suspension, bed shell
2014 31' Classic w/ twin beds, 50 amp service, 1000 watt solar system, Centramatics, Tuson TPMS, 12" disc brakes, 16" tires & wheels
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12-20-2013, 04:27 AM
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#10
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Rivet Master
Currently Looking...
Mantua
, Ohio
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 7,062
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Since the hitch is not an AS product and not endorsed by them, I do not see a problem. It is not unusual for rv, motorcycle and car dealers to not install what is not bought from them. Would you really want your hitch to be the first installed by someone who did not want to do it? Not me! Jim
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12-20-2013, 04:56 AM
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#11
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4 Rivet Member
2011 30' Classic
2007 25' International CCD
1993 32' Excella
Largo
, Florida
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 355
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I recently installed my Pro Pride myself with the help of a friend. Total time 4.5 hours. The instructions are excellent and the support @ P P, if you need it, is a phone call away. I found that the most important part of the installation was paying strict attention to the measurements in the instructions. You can do it!
>>ron<<
__________________
2015 GMC Denali 2500, 4x4, Duramax diesel, Topper, Pro Pride 3 P, Sendel 16" with Michelin LTs, one Yellow Labrador Retriever (AS security)
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12-20-2013, 06:18 AM
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#12
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Rivet Master
2014 31' Classic
2015 23' International
2013 25' FB International
Apache Junction
, Arizona
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 6,215
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My error, I just checked the Harbor Freight ¾" drive socket set 69509 and it does not have a ¾" socket. One can usually get an impact version at Sears in the Air Compressor area.
__________________
WBCCI Life Member 5123, AIR 70341, 4CU, WD9EMC
TV - 2012 Dodge 2500 4x4 Cummins HO, automatic, Centramatics, Kelderman level ride airbag suspension, bed shell
2014 31' Classic w/ twin beds, 50 amp service, 1000 watt solar system, Centramatics, Tuson TPMS, 12" disc brakes, 16" tires & wheels
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12-20-2013, 06:36 AM
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#13
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Rivet Master
1999 34' Excella
Currently Looking...
Hillsboro
, Texas
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 6,406
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It is wise to check torques. If you stop by a Freightliner/big truck dealer or service location they could check them for a fee..only thing that dirties your hands are the skid marks as the cash slides out of them.
__________________
Peace and Blessings..
Channing
WBCCI# 30676
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12-21-2013, 08:12 AM
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#14
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Rivet Master
2014 31' Classic
2015 23' International
2013 25' FB International
Apache Junction
, Arizona
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 6,215
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Snap-On part IM242A is a ¾" drive shallow impact socket, 6-point for a ¾" nut made in the USA. Like all their stuff, they are proud of the item to the tune of $24.85 that does include shipping plus sales tax.
__________________
WBCCI Life Member 5123, AIR 70341, 4CU, WD9EMC
TV - 2012 Dodge 2500 4x4 Cummins HO, automatic, Centramatics, Kelderman level ride airbag suspension, bed shell
2014 31' Classic w/ twin beds, 50 amp service, 1000 watt solar system, Centramatics, Tuson TPMS, 12" disc brakes, 16" tires & wheels
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12-21-2013, 08:14 AM
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#15
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Always learning
1972 29' Ambassador
1962 19' Globetrotter
1951 21' Flying Cloud
Central
, Texas
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,881
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dwight
Give Paul E. Mayeux, Jr. a call (817) 919-3651...tell them I referred you...
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Your best bet. Call Paul.
__________________
Lance
Work is never done, so take time to play!
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12-21-2013, 08:27 AM
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#16
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Rivet Master
2012 25' Flying Cloud
Battle Lake
, Minnesota
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 7,714
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Who's Paul?
__________________
Doug and Cheryl
2012 FC RB, Michelin 16, ProPride 1400
2016 Ram 1500 Laramie Crew Cab 4X4 Ecodiesel 3.92 axles
The Truth is More Important Than the Facts
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12-21-2013, 09:26 AM
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#17
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Always learning
1972 29' Ambassador
1962 19' Globetrotter
1951 21' Flying Cloud
Central
, Texas
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,881
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Paul Mayeux. Vintage specialist, factory trained, factory authorized through Roger Williams CDJ in Weatherford, TX.
A mentor of mine.
Home Page
Airstream Forums - View Profile: 62 Overlander
__________________
Lance
Work is never done, so take time to play!
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12-22-2013, 07:44 AM
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#18
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Rivet Master
2014 31' Classic
2015 23' International
2013 25' FB International
Apache Junction
, Arizona
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 6,215
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He is also aa AM Solar system installer.....
__________________
WBCCI Life Member 5123, AIR 70341, 4CU, WD9EMC
TV - 2012 Dodge 2500 4x4 Cummins HO, automatic, Centramatics, Kelderman level ride airbag suspension, bed shell
2014 31' Classic w/ twin beds, 50 amp service, 1000 watt solar system, Centramatics, Tuson TPMS, 12" disc brakes, 16" tires & wheels
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12-22-2013, 11:03 AM
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#19
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Rivet Master
1999 34' Excella
Joshua
, Texas
Join Date: Apr 2002
Posts: 548
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About Us
Paul and Ann are great folks...
__________________
History doesn't repeat itself, people do!
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12-22-2013, 07:53 PM
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#20
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1 Rivet Member
2014 27' FB International
Prosper
, Texas
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 6
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I appreciate the responses. I will plan on giving Paul a call soon. May even talk to him about solar panels while I am at it.
Do you think it will be safe enough to pull the trailer 40 miles to him, without a WD hitch? As stated, I have pulled a 5th wheel before. Just not a travel trailer.
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