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gypsybanker · 02-20-2012, 02:19 PM

wow, just when I thought I was getting the hang of being an rv'r after 8 years. I've been informed I should get an Airsafe hitch before I knock more things out of shape on my argosy. Had no idea such a thing exisited, or that I was causing so much distress with my stiff vehicle.
I have read many of your posts about it, thank you all so much as its very informative. They are all a few years old, so maybe someone out here has some new advise for me. I pull with a dodge 2500 cummins, 4x4. I spoke to lloyd today at Airsafe and he said a class 5 would be good.
Any comments before I make this very pricey purchase? and do most keep it on the receiver, even when they aren't pulling (assuming locked)? It looks pretty big, I would hate to rear end someone backing in to a parallel parking spot. If I already have a ball on my hitch, I could just have that one put on the Airsafe, and would just have to get that plate?
comments, anyone? is there an aftermarket version yet?

Cheers,
Argosybanker gal

dznf0g · 02-20-2012, 02:23 PM

Do you have access to a lighter TV? 2500 (especially) Dodge is extremely beefy for a 22'er. What kind of WD are you running?

gypsybanker · 02-20-2012, 02:41 PM

I have no plans on getting rid of my TV right now. I've had it since 2004 and have been very happy. I do also have a 31ft 5th wheel thats really heavy. I do not have special WD system, just the hitch that the trailer came with......

dznf0g · 02-20-2012, 02:47 PM

So you're not running any WD???? If you really have issues caused by lack of "suppleness" at the ball, an Airsafe may be your only solution.

gypsybanker · 02-20-2012, 02:55 PM

Yeah, thats what I'm trying to find out. I had a newer box trailer the first 6 years pulling, and maybe that was built for a wider selection of TV's. Thanks!

dznf0g · 02-20-2012, 03:00 PM

What, exactly, have you seen with your Argosy that drives you to a softer hitch setup? Pictures?

gypsybanker · 02-20-2012, 03:06 PM

I took it to an airstream restoration guy yesterday, and he told me I might want to look in to it. And explained why I had lost so many rivets popped out, a new leak on a window, a slight mishape in the stream of riveted area thats below the fresh water tank intake in front, a portion of the underpanel falling off, some shelving becoming loose, Hard to say whats to blame for the different items.

truckasaurus · 02-20-2012, 03:13 PM

I'm particularly liking this version, kind of stealth to.

Airbag Hitch

dznf0g · 02-20-2012, 03:14 PM

Where are the popped rivets? Are you sure your axle(s) are healthy?

Airtandem · 02-20-2012, 03:23 PM

you mentioned about leaving the hitch on; some states are outlawing such a practice.
hefty fines.

BradS · 02-20-2012, 03:41 PM

I pull a 22' CCD with the Dodge Cummins 3500. The truck is over rated and I feel very comfortable in it. The truck has the power I need, Im real fond of passing on a long uphill climb and I can pretty well plan on stopping when I want
I use an Airsafe hitch and I love it. My trailer has a very soft ride because of the hitch. I wouldnt be without it. When Im doing a lot of traveling its on the back of the truck. Its heavy but it is manageable. I fashioned a handle that makes moving it a lot easier. I would not be without it!!!

gypsybanker · 02-20-2012, 03:57 PM

@ Brads, do you have the class 4 or calss 5 airsafe?

@rivetmaster, my axels are being replaced next month. rivets have popped out around the door, which is now a little bent outwards on the top and bottom of the right side of the door. rivets have popped out on the bottom front and bottom rear. The rivets holding the trim in the rear popped out so the trim came loose.

gypsybanker · 02-20-2012, 04:06 PM

Truckasauras, that airbag hitch looks a little too hefty for me. thanks though!

dznf0g · 02-20-2012, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gypsybanker

@ Brads, do you have the class 4 or calss 5 airsafe?

@rivetmaster, my axels are being replaced next month. rivets have popped out around the door, which is now a little bent outwards on the top and bottom of the right side of the door. rivets have popped out on the bottom front and bottom rear. The rivets holding the trim in the rear popped out so the trim came loose.

Not sure if you're addressing me with the "rivetmaster" thing. I only get that 'cause I talk too much...OK? That being said, with the all over rivet popping, IMHO, your issue is more axle than hitch.
If I were you, I'd replace the axles, replace the rivets and watch things closely for awhile.
Then decide whether to spend the $$ on the airsafe.

gypsybanker · 02-20-2012, 04:20 PM

dznf0g, I'm new to this forum and see that there's lots of rivet masters, I was thinking that was your club name here. ha. That sounds like a good idea about waiting until after axels are replaced and seeing how it rides at that point. I'll try to remember to check back once its done to tell you how it feels. Ok, so what does IMHO stand for?

dznf0g · 02-20-2012, 04:25 PM

In My Humble Opinion.

BradS · 02-20-2012, 05:07 PM

I have the class 5 hitch. When I have my 22' behind me I use 45 lbs of air in it, a nice soft ride. Before I got the Airsafe I was popping a few rivets on each long trip. I no longer loose any rivets

10Smiles · 02-20-2012, 05:11 PM

I think I will be saving my pennies (!!) for one of these too. Been thinking about it a while. Thanks for the discussion.

Airslide · 02-20-2012, 05:38 PM

I tow with a Class 6 airsafe. Its a bit heavy to lug around especially with the WD head mounted to it. That being said... the ride is wonderful. My dually would beat up the airstream as the overloads are resting on the stops. With the airsafe I no longer feel the weight occilations from the trailer and i know its alot softer ride because of it. The slideouts have a much higher tongue weight so you wont need a class six. Class 5 should be just fine.

Vinnie

Silver Goose · 02-20-2012, 05:41 PM

I definitely would give the axles a good look... Andy at Inland RV published this awhile back and I believe it still applies.

http://www.inlandrv.com/articles/dur...xle-92001.html

As previously noted, see if this resolves the seemingly stiff ride your trailer may be suffering from. Someone recently suggested mounting a video camera in the trailer to record what goes on back there as you drive down the road. If you replace the axles, it might be interesting for all to see before and after clips from the same stretch or road.

All that being said, I'm on my 2nd Airsafe after wearing out the first over 18 years of service. I am completely satisfied with it. It takes the harshness out of the "freeway hop" I was experiencing on certain concrete roads. The seat cushions pretty much stay put and that may be an indicator that it really softens the ride back there. Without it, they were everywhere when we reached our destination for the day. The ride quality up front is noticeably better.

The Class V is recommended because of the additional angular forces that are applied to it from the WD hitch otherwise a Class IV would suffice for the weight. My first one was a Class IV and would still be in service if the WD hitch hadn't punished it so much. The Class V weighs a bit under 60# but it seems heavier than that and I never take it off unless I have a pressing need to do so. I relocated the license plate and its light to maintain the visibility requirement to keep the constables happy. It's also a serious shin knocker, so I've learned to take a wide path around the the back of the TV, especially in the dark!