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03-12-2017, 10:17 PM
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#1
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2 Rivet Member
2014 27' Flying Cloud
Green Bay
, Wisconsin
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 40
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Air Safe Hitch
I am considering an AirSafe Hitch. I know that there have been posts concerning the constant bouncing of the tv and trailer when crossing saw cuts in concrete pavement, pot holes and railroad tracks. It make travel in the tv uncomfortable and conditions in the trailer very concerning. I'm wondering about damage to the tv and the AS.
I'm looking for reviews, alternatives and advice
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03-12-2017, 11:09 PM
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#2
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4 Rivet Member
2018 30' International
2014 30' Flying Cloud
Los alamos
, New Mexico
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 359
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I have one on my 2014 30' FC, my TV is a 3/4 Duramax Diesel , used it last season. Heavy putting on and taking it off is the only downside, works as advertised. Make sure you always have the right amount of air pressure in the airbag before hitching up, I carry 55lbs.
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03-13-2017, 12:34 AM
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#3
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4 Rivet Member
2014 27' FB Classic
Cambridge
, New York
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 458
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I've been using a Class VI AirSafe in conjunction with an Equalizer AS/WD hitch for the past two years (around 12,000 miles, total). I'm running a 2014 27FB Classic towed by a 2015 Ram 3500 4x4 Quad Cab Long Bed Cummins diesel. A 17,000 GCW combo. The first year we had the AS, we towed it with a 2001 Dodge 2500 Cummins 4x4, without the AirSafe. It was a rough ride, and when we stopped, I noticed pillows on the floor and drawers open in the AS. Since we installed the AirSafe, the ride in the new truck is just like a Caddy. I can't say exactly how much of that is the new truck, and how much is the AirSafe, but I can say we now never find a drawer open or a pillow out of place. AirSafe hitches are a product that deliver *exactly* what they advertise; and, based on my experience with it, I would recommend it if you are going to tow with an HD pickup.
__________________
"Hot meals, cold beer, dry bed & flush toilet - everything I look for in a wilderness experience..."
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03-14-2017, 07:43 PM
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#4
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2 Rivet Member
2014 27' Flying Cloud
Green Bay
, Wisconsin
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 40
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Adiredneck
I've been using a Class VI AirSafe in conjunction with an Equalizer AS/WD hitch for the past two years (around 12,000 miles, total). I'm running a 2014 27FB Classic towed by a 2015 Ram 3500 4x4 Quad Cab Long Bed Cummins diesel. A 17,000 GCW combo. The first year we had the AS, we towed it with a 2001 Dodge 2500 Cummins 4x4, without the AirSafe. It was a rough ride, and when we stopped, I noticed pillows on the floor and drawers open in the AS. Since we installed the AirSafe, the ride in the new truck is just like a Caddy. I can't say exactly how much of that is the new truck, and how much is the AirSafe, but I can say we now never find a drawer open or a pillow out of place. AirSafe hitches are a product that deliver *exactly* what they advertise; and, based on my experience with it, I would recommend it if you are going to tow with an HD pickup.
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Does anybody know of an alternative to the AirSafe that's less in price and equal to the AirSafe?
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03-14-2017, 07:48 PM
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#5
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2 Rivet Member
2014 27' Flying Cloud
Green Bay
, Wisconsin
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 40
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Excella1991
Does anybody know of an alternative to the AirSafe that's less in price and equal to the AirSafe?
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AirSafe also suggested supporting the AirSafe/Equal-I-zer Hitch head attached to the AS but removing it fro the TV, much like the Hensley. Suggested that there are Hitch stands available in the market place. Anyone familiar with a hitch stand?
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03-14-2017, 08:01 PM
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#6
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Rivet Master
2007 28' International CCD
Springfield
, Missouri
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,423
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I made my own hitch stand using a inexpensive 4 wheel furniture roller and stacked 2x4's cut to width.
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03-14-2017, 08:08 PM
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#7
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Full time Airstreamer
2014 30' FB FC Bunk
Anywhere
, USA Living.Somewhere.Yonder
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,359
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Excella1991
Does anybody know of an alternative to the AirSafe that's less in price and equal to the AirSafe?
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Don't know how good it is.
http://shockerhitch.com/Receiver_Hitch.php
__________________
@living.somewhere.yonder | Instagram
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03-15-2017, 06:57 PM
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#8
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Rivet Master
2007 28' International CCD
Springfield
, Missouri
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,423
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Air Safe Hitch
I have used my Airsafe hitch now for over 50,000 miles on our 2015 F350 pulling a 28ft International without incident.It works as advertised is well built and well designed.Allows the trailer to float even with a wd hitch.Much smoother ride for us and the trailer.
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03-16-2017, 09:38 AM
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#9
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2 Rivet Member
2016 30' Classic
Santa Barbara
, California
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 82
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Pictures of two wheeled carrier for Air Safe
Great hitch with pics of 2wheeled hand truck to carry it.
Scissors jack addition allows for support of when pulling out heavy hitch. ( Have to lower the scissors to clear the Equalizer hitch mount).
Added benefit of Air Safe: extra clearance for tailgate.
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03-20-2017, 12:00 AM
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#10
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4 Rivet Member
2014 27' FB Classic
Cambridge
, New York
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 458
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I just got a hand truck at Home Depot (made in USA!) that had the two main pneumatic tires, but also had a set of smaller tires up on the frame. You can re-jigger the handle (just pull and reset with cotter pins) and the hand truck becomes a dolly. The AirSafe/Equilizer combo is *heavy*, and the dolly makes it much easier to roll out. Still have to lift it into place, though...
__________________
"Hot meals, cold beer, dry bed & flush toilet - everything I look for in a wilderness experience..."
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03-20-2017, 03:47 PM
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#11
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1 Rivet Member
2017 30' Flying Cloud
Tomball
, Texas
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 14
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How heavy is heavy? Anyone have some number? Just curious as I am getting ready to get our first airstream and doing my hitch research.
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03-20-2017, 04:55 PM
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#12
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Rivet Master
1972 31' Sovereign
Lexington
, Minnesota
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 3,991
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We bought an Air Safe just over a year ago. Love it! It definitely takes the bounce out of the road. Only down-side, as others have said, is weight. My hubby weighed ours at 95lb. I cannot lift it. He can but it's definitely a job. We have an Equilizer with it, and tow with a Ram half ton with a hemi. We carry our "old" hitch also on longer trips, so that if we ever run into a situation where I'd have to hitch up by myself, I could still do it.
I think he's going to build a carrier for ours this summer.
Kay
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03-24-2017, 10:39 PM
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#13
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4 Rivet Member
2014 27' FB Classic
Cambridge
, New York
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 458
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I would guess that 95 lbs figure could be accurate for a Class VI/Equilizer combo. I've never actually weighed mine (didn't want to confirm suspicions). I've done it alone, it's definitely easier with two!
__________________
"Hot meals, cold beer, dry bed & flush toilet - everything I look for in a wilderness experience..."
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04-28-2017, 09:18 PM
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#14
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2 Rivet Member
2014 27' Flying Cloud
Green Bay
, Wisconsin
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 40
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I bought the AirSafe and am thoroughly pleased. First trip heading north from Phoenix on a very rough pot holed I 17. Nothing out of place. Next trip on gravel rutted road for 40+miles and minor disruption in AS. AirSafe has my vote. Worth the cost.
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04-28-2017, 10:01 PM
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#15
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4 Rivet Member
2014 27' FB Classic
Cambridge
, New York
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 458
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Glad you like it! Considering the numeric value of the TT and TV it helps protect, and the intrinsic value of a softer and more comfortable trip, I've felt ours was well worth the investment! Happy streaming!
__________________
"Hot meals, cold beer, dry bed & flush toilet - everything I look for in a wilderness experience..."
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07-30-2017, 07:37 PM
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#16
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3 Rivet Member
1984 27' Sovereign
Central
, Oklahoma
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 108
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I have the airsafe and am very pleased with it. This weekend I replaced the breakaway switch and the cable is way long but I have that figured out. The more I looked at the set up This weekend I got to wondering about the safety chains with the hitch being so long. I see no way for the chains to catch the tongue before it hits the ground because they are so long. Have searched for solutions but found none. Any useful hints out there??
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07-30-2017, 08:16 PM
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#17
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Half a Rivet Short
2017 30' Classic
2022 Interstate 24X
Carlisle
, Pennsylvania
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 15,742
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Hiwheel Joe
I have the airsafe and am very pleased with it. This weekend I replaced the breakaway switch and the cable is way long but I have that figured out. The more I looked at the set up This weekend I got to wondering about the safety chains with the hitch being so long. I see no way for the chains to catch the tongue before it hits the ground because they are so long. Have searched for solutions but found none. Any useful hints out there??
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Hi
Safety chains should never be in the act if the hitch is intact. That *includes* things like the trailer tumbling left or right. There are YouTube videos of crashes showing what I mean. That can use a lot of chain. They are there to keep the trailer behind the TV.
The breakaway does not come into play if the chains are intact. It should only activate after the chains have broken. It's there to stop the trailer rolling on the wheels. The trailer may still roll other ways It should be longer than the chains by a pretty good margin.
The whole idea of crossing chains to support the tongue is an afterthought. It's a "might help / can't hurt" sort of thing. If it helps, fine. If not, the chains still can perform their main intended function.
Could your chains be shorter? They probably could. Can you be *sure* you have not shortened them to much if you chop out a link or four? That's not quite as easy. If they are not dragging on the pavement, I would not worry about it.
Bob
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07-30-2017, 09:14 PM
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#18
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diesel maniac
Airstream - Other
Tucson
, AZ
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 2,550
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Has anyone thought about lifting it with one of these? With the tail gate in place it would probably involve some sort of balance beam and maybe two people.
https://www.harborfreight.com/12-ton...ane-60732.html
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05-18-2020, 11:13 AM
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#19
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1 Rivet Member
2019 27' International
Venice
, Florida
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 15
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Thrilled with my AirSafe, but at 120 pounds I needed a solution. A local fabricator made a simple mechanical lift that folds flat enough to travel with us. PM me for vendor contact information. This thing is a lifesaver, or at the least, a "back-saver." a 3/4" ratchet raises and lowers it. Photo is attached.
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12-26-2021, 04:45 PM
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#20
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New Member
Tucson
, Arizona
Join Date: Dec 2021
Posts: 2
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Has anyone using the Airsafe hitch experienced the shell separation issues that have been noted in the forums?
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