Airsafe Hitch question

[daveb377]

I've got a hitch question. I've got a '24 F250 diesel, and a GT27FTB on order. My truck has the 2 1/2 inch receiver, and I'm trying to decide between Air Safe hitches. From a weight point of view, a Class V hitch (Tongue weight of 1000-1400lbs/Trailer weight of 10-14k) should do fine, but the Air Safe recommendation is a Class VII hitch (Tongue weight 2-2.5klbs/Trailer weight 20-25klbs) for a 2 1/2 receiver, because the side mounted shocks help with the airbag rebound. The Class VII seems to be on the overkill side to me, but I'm prepared to be wrong. Does anyone have any comments on this?
At this point, I'm not planning on using a weight distributing hitch, but I plan on re-evaluating that with some experience.

[Forester2]

Watch recent 'Thirteen Adventures' Youtube on the subject

[SVTRIDE]

Originally Posted by daveb377

I've got a hitch question. I've got a '24 F250 diesel, and a GT27FTB on order. My truck has the 2 1/2 inch receiver, and I'm trying to decide between Air Safe hitches. From a weight point of view, a Class V hitch (Tongue weight of 1000-1400lbs/Trailer weight of 10-14k) should do fine, but the Air Safe recommendation is a Class VII hitch (Tongue weight 2-2.5klbs/Trailer weight 20-25klbs) for a 2 1/2 receiver, because the side mounted shocks help with the airbag rebound. The Class VII seems to be on the overkill side to me, but I'm prepared to be wrong. Does anyone have any comments on this?
At this point, I'm not planning on using a weight distributing hitch, but I plan on re-evaluating that with some experience.

I have Class VI version (Airsafe recommended at the time) Airsafe for my F350 2.5” receiver and 25’ FBT..I thought at the time that was overkill but it works fine. Heavy hitch. I have had it 3 years now. To me a VII would be even further overkill. Class VI does come with shocks and make for good grab handles when slipping hitch into receiver. I tow on the ball only but I did buy Airsafe hardware in case I wanted to add a WDH later..it’s not been the case. My actual tongue weight is ~ 1k#.

[Trl Wires]

Must be a big secret on how much this hitch weighs, guessing what 130-160lbs??

[SallyForth]

Originally Posted by daveb377

The Class VII seems to be on the overkill side to me, but I'm prepared to be wrong. Does anyone have any comments on this?
At this point, I'm not planning on using a weight distributing hitch, but I plan on re-evaluating that with some experience.

Brad Driver, of the YouTube channel Thirteen Adventures, recently evaluated this hitch with their Airstream International 27FB Twin towed by their F-350.

He discusses the various classes of this hitch, and explains why he chose the class he did. Also, he demonstrates the hitch in action.

USMC (retired) Sergeant Major Brad Driver is great source of Airstream related information. He is a former certified Airstream Tech. His rig is very similar to your setup.

https://youtu.be/IEVhH0IlydM?si=d7sVu1PWBGOnxeFu

[daveb377]

Originally Posted by SallyForth

He discusses the various classes of this hitch, and explains why he chose the class he did. Also, he demonstrates the hitch in action.

https://youtu.be/IEVhH0IlydM?si=d7sVu1PWBGOnxeFu

Thanks. I did watch the video with great interest. I will point out that he didn't choose the specific hitch, it was the one sent to him by AirSafe, so not really a comparison between multiple Airsafe models. Nevertheless, very interesting.

[daveb377]

Originally Posted by Trl Wires

Must be a big secret on how much this hitch weighs, guessing what 130-160lbs??

It certainly is a chunky monkey. Part of my concern it installing it/removing it, as I like my back and knees the way they are.

[LilPeanut]

I rode for years with a Hensley and changed to an Airsafe VI. I never had any separation issues but was doing it as a preventative measure. Used the BlueOx ‘Airstream’ version. Great setup, never an issue with the ride. But I did have one problem, the DW didn’t like it because she couldn’t do the latches on the sway bars. So we are back to the Hensley because she liked that better.

If anyone wants a lightly used Class VI Airsafe and BlueOx, only used about 5,000 miles. I haven’t listed it for sale (I am inherently lazy about things like that) but I am ready to sell it and will take $1,000 for both.

[Mwilliams]

I have used an airsafe for several years on our GMC truck 3500 and 33 f Classic. I have the 2” shaft which was all I could get during Covid. I have the Airsafe mated to an equalizer WDH. Our system rides well. I think the amount of air pressure you have in it matters more than the class hitch. Get the extended shaft on the drawbar if you want to mount Rock Tamer mudflaps.

[trikdacy]

I have a Class VI AirSafe hitch with a 30' Classic being towed by an F-350 dually diesel.I have a 3" receiver, and Ford supplied sleeves to reduce the receiver to 2" in 1/2" increments. I read on the the AirSafe site a few years back that when you use a weight distribution head you lose 25% of the hitch's ability. Whether this is true, I am not sure, but I thought it was safer to follow the recommendation on the web site. I think a Class VII would be overkill. I have back injuries so I purchase a portable transmission jack to remove and reinstall this hitch, because it's heavy. The jack allows me to roll this hitch around while I periodically inspect the receiver and hitch.

The Jack is available on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BWZLIQ6...n_title_1&th=1

[Saullman]

I have the 24 F350 SRW I purchased the class VI Airsafe hitch, works amazing, would never consider anything else to tow our Classic 33. Ive mounted 840ah of LifePo4 batteries in the front compartment which adds a couple hundred more LBS up front, the class VI handles with no issues.

[daveb377]

Originally Posted by Saullman

Attachment 451950I have the 24 F350 SRW I purchased the class VI Airsafe hitch, works amazing, would never consider anything else to tow our Classic 33. Ive mounted 840ah of LifePo4 batteries in the front compartment which adds a couple hundred more LBS up front, the class VI handles with no issues.

That's a lot of battery! How long does that give you when boondocking?



Dave

[daveb377]

Originally Posted by trikdacy

I have back injuries so I purchase a portable transmission jack to remove and reinstall this hitch, because it's heavy. The jack allows me to roll this hitch around while I periodically inspect the receiver and hitch.

The Jack is available on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BWZLIQ6...n_title_1&th=1

That seems like a prudent purchase. I don't have back issues, and I'd like to keep it that way

[Saullman]

Dave, Most of our journey's are for a weeks time. Being that its a 2023 Classic it has a 12v fridge/freezer, also the
Aldi Heating system can utilize propane of 115vac to operate. We have the ability to utilize one of the AC's if necessary and can go approx 6 hours with the AC on as long as there's sun. That's really the limiting factor. A couple cloudy days and your screwed, that's when I'll have to plug into the Bluetti AC500 with a couple of batteries to replenish the classic batteries. Here's a pic of the setup.

[Saullman]

it also helps to have 1K watts on the roof.

[BGClassic]

Originally Posted by Saullman

Attachment 451950I have the 24 F350 SRW I purchased the class VI Airsafe hitch, works amazing, would never consider anything else to tow our Classic 33. Ive mounted 840ah of LifePo4 batteries in the front compartment which adds a couple hundred more LBS up front, the class VI handles with no issues.

Love your truck! I have a 2022 diesel, SRW. You did a great job on the installation, very neat. I have to ask - how about sway? No WD, or anti-sway? I like our Propride, but it is sometimes a pain to hitch up.

Sorry if you have already posted these answers elsewhere.

Bill

[rhalford]

Originally Posted by LilPeanut

I rode for years with a Hensley and changed to an Airsafe VI. I never had any separation issues but was doing it as a preventative measure. Used the BlueOx ‘Airstream’ version. Great setup, never an issue with the ride. But I did have one problem, the DW didn’t like it because she couldn’t do the latches on the sway bars. So we are back to the Hensley because she liked that better.

If anyone wants a lightly used Class VI Airsafe and BlueOx, only used about 5,000 miles. I haven’t listed it for sale (I am inherently lazy about things like that) but I am ready to sell it and will take $1,000 for both.

Where are you located, interested in Airsafe and hitch, you can text me @ 731-446-9386, thank you

[KCurtis]

I decided to go with the Shocker Hitch due to the weight difference. My back isn't getting any younger. LOL

[BGClassic]

Originally Posted by KCurtis

I decided to go with the Shocker Hitch due to the weight difference. My back isn't getting any younger. LOL

You're not running any WD or anti-sway, correct?

[Quadder]

[QUOTE=trikdacy;2775240]I have a Class VI AirSafe hitch with a 30' Classic being towed by an F-350 dually diesel.............. I purchased a portable transmission jack to remove and reinstall this hitch, because it's heavy. The jack allows me to roll this hitch around while I periodically inspect the receiver and hitch.
/QUOTE]

I did the same thing. The transmission jack works great. I love this hitch, and will never get another WDH again.
Just sayin'.