1990 345le

[Boomer2]

Hi
I have a 1990 Airstream 345LE and have enjoyed it for more than 15 years.
On my last trip however the reciever hitch let go and released my tow dolly with a 1996 Volvo 850T attached.
What is the best way to let all owners of Classic Airstream Motorhomes know how to inspect the hitch and insure the integrity of the attachement.
I was very blessed that nobody got hurt as it released at 50mph.
Thanks in advance for any help.
Dan

[ROBERT CROSS]

Dan,

Glad no one was hurt.

I do a visual inspection every year as part of the Spring get-ready.
This procedure was initiated after watching a receiver separation as a fellow camper was backing into a site.

Most folks here are aware of the concerns and follow the appropriate actions.

Bob

[raveson]

I assume you had the hitch fixed. Any suggestions as to how the thing failed? Was it from the factory or after market? I will check the welds or bolts whichever I have.

[Boomer2]

It was a factory hitch. The problem is you can not see that the frame is failing above the crossmember which holds the reciever, you need to look with a mirror above the crossmember and check for cracks in the frame extension that holds the bumper. I am a commercial driver and owner operator for many years, I also do most of the maintenance and repairs on my logging truck and still was not able to notice that the hitch was going to fail. I did a visual just 7 miles before it failed. I suggest getting it checked or maybe just go and get it replaced with a normal hitch that is bolted to the main frame and can be easily inspected.