New Spring Bars

[AirEgger]

We bought our 2012 30 ft FC about a year ago. Had the dealer install a Resse dual cam hitch, he used 1200# spring bars. We've put about 3000 miles on it and like the set up, no problems with sway on the Interstates or with big trucks. We did notice a very stiff ride especially on the bridge approaches. Other AS owners had cautioned me that the 1200# bars were to stiff for use with my F250 diesel and I should consider dropping down to 800# bars and that I also should check for missing rivits. After a trip to Florida, I checked for missed rivits and found three missing, two interior and one in the belly pan, all were in the front area of the trailer. I am not a hitch expert, so I talked with an etrailer tech rep (etrailer is in our area)who also felt the 1200# bars were too stiff and also suggested 800-1000# bars. I received my 800# bars this week and did a 50 mile drive on I-70, everything seemed the same except the ride seemed softer and the bridge approaches were definetly softer. No change in the overall handling of the truck/trailer.
I used the same five links under load with the 800# bars. Front and rear fender measurements with the 800# bars were within 1/4 to 1/2 inch of the 1200# bars.
FWIW, the TW (using Sherline scale) is 900 lbs. Trailer is loaded with everything except food and clothes.
So far, the lower weight bars seem like a good thing.

Barry

[JFScheck]

The nice things with us ProPride folks, just crank in the exact amount Tension" you need!

[flynmike]

Hey Barry I switched to a Dual Cam in '06 when I got my "new to me" '05 30' Classic. I had a very helpful conversation with Andy at Inland RV in Southern California. If you don't know, Andy goes WAY back with Airstream including being an expert witness for them in court cases involving their trailers and being involved in extensive towing tests of Airstreams. My memory fades on the details but what I recall is with a 3/4 ton pick up and a trailer that weighs what mine does you don't need as much spring bar help. If I was towing the same trailer with a sedan or station wagon I would need more help from the bars. He had me put on 600 pound bars and I've been very happy with that set up for 7 years this month! That said, If I ever switch I'm going with a ProPride. From what I've read and seen it makes a lot of sense....just my 2 cents!

[AirEgger]

Thanks, flynmike. I did talk with Andy, via PM's, about going to the lighter weight bars. This was after other AS'ers saw my 1200 lb bars and suggested I look at going to lighter ones. I PM'ed Andy with my specific situation, fender heights, axle loadings, TW, etc. I'm happy with the 800# bars set-up. I like your pic of the F-15, I retired from McDonnel Douglas/Boeing St Louis .

Barry