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07-12-2011, 09:35 AM
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#1
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Aluminum Falcon Mechanic
1972 31' Sovereign
Wesley chapel
, Florida
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 1,169
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I'm building a new frame and wanted to know if anyone has used an adjustable connector on their AS?
Any reason why not to use one?
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07-12-2011, 09:47 AM
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#2
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Rivet Master
Airstream Dealer
Corona
, California
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 16,497
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Darkspeed
I'm building a new frame and wanted to know if anyone has used an adjustable connector on their AS?
Any reason why not to use one?
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Those 2 bolts won't last very long.
Also, what is the ball size?
Andy
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07-12-2011, 10:04 AM
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#3
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Aluminum Falcon Mechanic
1972 31' Sovereign
Wesley chapel
, Florida
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 1,169
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07-12-2011, 10:28 AM
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#4
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Rivet Master
Airstream Dealer
Corona
, California
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 16,497
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Darkspeed
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Note that they don't say it can be used on RV's.
I would not trust it around the block, when towing an Airstream with a load equalizing hitch, which applies an additional load and stress to the coupler.
Andy
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07-12-2011, 01:09 PM
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#5
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Maniacal Engineer
1971 25' Tradewind
Lopez Island
, Washington
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,244
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I would design the trailer tongue to be as stiff as possible to side forces; one easy way of getting trailers to sway is to have a flexible tongue. Adding this device doesn't improve matters. Compare the rigidity of construction here to that used on the head of WD hitches; this device comes out a distinct second best w/ such a comparison.
If you wish to make modifications to the original layout w/ your new frame, I would do the following:
- Increase frame section (height) to make it stronger and stiffer. This will reduce loads on the shell, and allow you to carry things on rear bumper, etc. if taken far enough. This will also allow you to fit larger tanks if desired.
- Subject to space constraints, increase tongue length while maintaining stiffness. This will directly increase towing stability. You can have room for the spare, propane bottles and battery , for example, and if you run a WD hitch there's more room for the mechanism.
- Improved rust resistance via marine style painting.
- Bart
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07-12-2011, 01:35 PM
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#6
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Rivet Master
1991 34' Excella
Princeton
, New Jersey
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,070
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The coupler has a 14,000 lbs rating so that should be fine. However unless you intend to tow with several different TV with different height receivers I can't see the reason.
You should be using a WD Hitch with some form of sway control so if you go forward with this idea make sure the Bars will clear the coupler in different setting and a full turning position.
__________________
WBCCI 12156 AIR 3144 WACHUNG TAC NJ6
2004 Excursion 4x4
1991 34 ft. Excella +220,000 miles, new laminated flooring, new upholstery, new 3200 lbs axles
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07-12-2011, 01:49 PM
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#7
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Aluminum Falcon Mechanic
1972 31' Sovereign
Wesley chapel
, Florida
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 1,169
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I would think this would have less play than an adjustable height ball on the TV
I have used this same coupler on other trailers and they are super rigid once you tighten them down.
I don't know if it would conflict with the load distributing hitch.
I was just curious if anyone had used one on their AS
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07-12-2011, 02:21 PM
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#9
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Rivet Master
1991 34' Excella
Princeton
, New Jersey
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,070
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Functionally no difference. Structurally look at the individual couplers as shown on E trailer and not the thinness of material supporting the lower bolt. That would be the expected point of failure on a casting. Now they do say they have a 14,000 lbs. rating but having had a Reese cast head with 10 times the material as that point fail that is what would concern me. E Trailer also shows a stamped steel version, that would be my choice.
__________________
WBCCI 12156 AIR 3144 WACHUNG TAC NJ6
2004 Excursion 4x4
1991 34 ft. Excella +220,000 miles, new laminated flooring, new upholstery, new 3200 lbs axles
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