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Airabel-2 · 02-21-2021, 05:45 PM

Has anyone else noticed this on their hitch? See photo. On the leading top edge of both L-brackets
The edges are curled a little. Think this is a problem?

**wulfraat** · 02-21-2021, 06:28 PM

Not a problem....

kscherzi · 02-21-2021, 06:44 PM

No problem. Normal wear. It'll slow as the hitch settles in.

**GCinSC2** · 02-22-2021, 05:25 AM

Also look into the Equal-I-Zer bracket jackets.

https://www.equalizerhitch.com/store...et-jacket-pair

JMynes · 02-22-2021, 06:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GCinSC2

Also look into the Equal-I-Zer bracket jackets.

https://www.equalizerhitch.com/store...et-jacket-pair

Yeah, what he said.

Shiny16 · 02-22-2021, 06:10 AM

The jackets seem to quiet things down for a bit. Once they are worn they get noisy again. At least that’s been my experience with them.

kpfate · 02-22-2021, 07:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Airabel-2

Has anyone else noticed this on their hitch? See photo. On the leading top edge of both L-brackets
The edges are curled a little. Think this is a problem?

Airabel;
No problem as others noted, just normal wear-n-tear. Ours looks similar but it is operating as it is designed to.

Also, good to see another WY Airstreamer' on the forum! We just bought our retirement home in Dayton and plan to be there full time by the end of April :0)

PC Conner · 02-22-2021, 09:57 AM

Currently in Denver due to family health issue, so I can't look at my hitch (its in FL).
I agree the "curl" doesn't seem to be an issue.
What would cause that or does it come that way?
Just curious . . .
Maybe an engineer can speculate--what force caused the curling or bulging of the edge?
Is the pressure of the spring arm causing the bracket to bulge?
pc

Mollysdad · 02-22-2021, 10:15 AM

Install the bracket jackets. (Amazon sells them)
Then make sure the nuts are tight on the "L" brackets.
Since the bars are not always perfectly level, they wear more on one side.
The bulge (arrow) I would think is caused during manufacturing. The "L" brackets are bent 90 degrees and so the inside has more material than the outside, which is stretched.

Airabel-2 · 02-23-2021, 10:06 AM

Great, something else I didn't know I needed in life.
Anyone know if you can still use the prybar to get the spring bars on, with the added thickness of the sleeves in place?
I'd hate to buy these and not be able to use the prybar.

PC Conner · 02-23-2021, 10:16 AM

Yes, you can use the prybar with the covers. But, you shouldn't need to. Just raise the trailer jack a bit and they will move freely.

PC Conner · 02-23-2021, 10:20 AM

Bulge is from manufacturing bending!
Duh, makes perfect sense.
The simplest explanation is best. But, I find complicated answers are easier to propose.
THX!

Airabel-2 · 02-23-2021, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kpfate

Airabel;
No problem as others noted, just normal wear-n-tear. Ours looks similar but it is operating as it is designed to.

Also, good to see another WY Airstreamer' on the forum! We just bought our retirement home in Dayton and plan to be there full time by the end of April :0)

Not too many Airstreams in Wyoming. We bought ours new in Denver in 2017.
Love our Sport although the low ground clearance limits where we can stay in the Bighorns a little. No big deal. Still gets a lot of use once the snow melts.

Mollysdad · 02-23-2021, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Airabel-2

Anyone know if you can still use the prybar to get the spring bars on, with the added thickness of the sleeves in place?
I'd hate to buy these and not be able to use the prybar.

Yes, you can use the prybar. BUT....
If you follow this procedure, you won't even need the prybar.
1. Attach the bars to the head like normal. Spread them out so they clear the trailer frame.
2. Drop the coupler on the ball and close the latch.
3. Raise the trailer/truck combo using the electric jack. A lot!
4. Watch the bars rise next to the "L" brackets and at some point you can just slide them on. Reverse to unhitch.

The good news/bad news is you'll someday want a stronger jack. I switched to the Husky 5000. Easy swap.

1StreamDream · 02-23-2021, 11:26 AM

I have those jackets, I got them with the hope of making the hitch noise lower, and they certainly do that. I was not thinking they reduce that wear pattern but it makes perfect sense, the jackets would wear before the metal L bracket does. If things start to squeak and creak, I just put a touch of white lithium grease in a few key spots, it works well for that purpose.

Also agree about lifting the tongue to get the bars on, I never use that pry bar, I just lift the tounge a few more inches (with the coupler latched onto the ball) until I can squeeze or kick the bars onto the L brackets. Works like a charm, and saves on the human body too. For me, those jackets are worth the $$$.

kpfate · 02-23-2021, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Airabel-2

Not too many Airstreams in Wyoming. We bought ours new in Denver in 2017.
Love our Sport although the low ground clearance limits where we can stay in the Bighorns a little. No big deal. Still gets a lot of use once the snow melts.

Low ground clearance, yes for sure! We haven't gotten into boondocking yet, but will try it a few times this summer. One of the places I want to take my husband is Shell - love the area and he has never been there.

We just had a new neighbor move in across the alley from our current place in Cheyenne and they own a 2006 25ft Safari. They just moved here from Virginia so they aren't official WY residents yet.

Airabel-2 · 02-24-2021, 08:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kpfate

Low ground clearance, yes for sure! We haven't gotten into boondocking yet, but will try it a few times this summer. One of the places I want to take my husband is Shell - love the area and he has never been there.

We just had a new neighbor move in across the alley from our current place in Cheyenne and they own a 2006 25ft Safari. They just moved here from Virginia so they aren't official WY residents yet.

My favorite area is north of Shell, Bighorn Canyon Na0tional Recreation Area.

kpfate · 02-24-2021, 12:28 PM

Big Horn Canyon National Rec area is another on our list to-do this summer!

Airabel-2 · 02-24-2021, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kpfate

Big Horn Canyon National Rec area is another on our list to-do this summer!

Most of the east rim of the Canyon is on the Crow Reservation and off limits, but the west rim is managed by The National Park Service. We usually camp somewhere off of US 14A and spend the day on the Canyon Rim. Very few locals go there.

Airabel-2 · 02-24-2021, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kpfate

Low ground clearance, yes for sure! We haven't gotten into boondocking yet, but will try it a few times this summer. One of the places I want to take my husband is Shell - love the area and he has never been there.

We just had a new neighbor move in across the alley from our current place in Cheyenne and they own a 2006 25ft Safari. They just moved here from Virginia so they aren't official WY residents yet.

Lots of teepee rings on the rim.