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Mikenbern · 01-22-2017, 07:58 PM

I have a 2016 F150 Platinum 3.5 eccoboost -- Getting close to pulling the trigger on a 2017 AS FC 27FB

The dealer recommends the Blue Ox Hitch --

I wanted your thoughts on this. Good Hitch ? Any Experience with it? other thoughts?

thanks

Mike

dougtuck · 01-22-2017, 08:26 PM

I recently purchased a 2017 25FB and towed it with a 2014 F150 FX4 and BlueOx SwayPro hitch with the 1000lb bars, which was my dealers recommendation. I experienced a lot of sway when I drove above 55 MPH with almost nothing in the truck, no matter how I distributed the load in the trailer. I took the truck/trailer to the CAT Scales with the truck emptied and was surprised to find that my hitch weight was almost 1200lbs. And that was after I piled most of the cargo in the trailer over the axles. It took up virtually all of the cargo capacity of my F150. Since the Airstream site specified the hitch weight at 837lbs I thought I'd be fine with the 1000lb bars. The 1500lb bars turned out to be a better fit for me.

Overall I like the hitch. Its quiet and allows you to back up the trailer without disengaging the bars.

I'd recommend you weigh the tongue of your trailer once you pack it as you're going to use it and make sure you have enough cargo capacity in your F150, especially the rear axle/tires.

Since I full time and carry a lot of cargo with me (generator, external solar panel, chairs, tables folding bikes) I opted to trade my F150 in for a Ram 2500 Diesel and feel much safer and more relaxed towing.

-Doug

Caffeinated · 01-22-2017, 08:28 PM

I have a '15 27 FC FB, '09 Chev Siilverado Crew cab short bed, and a blue Ox. Good hitch, no issues.

Mike

AWCHIEF · 01-22-2017, 08:45 PM

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f464...ro-123666.html

Wconley · 01-22-2017, 10:45 PM

We bought the Blue Ox with 1000# bars as recommended by the dealer for our 23D/F-150 combo. We've pulled it around 3000 miles since November with no issues but I have no experience with other systems on a travel trailer. The only sway I've gotten was on I-5 north out of Stockton with a strong crosswind. Even then it wasn't bad or even uncomfortable.

Vitaver · 01-23-2017, 01:15 AM

I have that same setup and very happy with it. Installation is key. I had two shops work on them as I switched TVs from LR4 to a F350. First installer did a great job as far as hitch ball height and bar chains tension. The second played 'by ear' and rushed a mediocre job based on feeling and not the torque and other specs from the manufacturer. The difference was obvious on the road on the first mile. Chose your installer carefullly and 'trust but verify', don't accept experience or feeling as a substitute for the manufacturer instructions. A good product can give you a very bad experience when installed sloppy. BTW, Blue OX is an excelent choice.

Rgentum · 01-23-2017, 11:51 AM

Our local dealer recommended a Blue Ox. I now have over 15K miles pulling our 2016 27 FB with a 2015 Ram 2500 diesel & a Blue Ox Sway Pro with no issues at all. I remain unconvinced re spending 5X the cost of a Blue Ox for a ProPride or comparable.

franklyfrank · 01-23-2017, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikenbern

I have a 2016 F150 Platinum 3.5 eccoboost -- Getting close to pulling the trigger on a 2017 AS FC 27FB

The dealer recommends the Blue Ox Hitch --

I wanted your thoughts on this. Good Hitch ? Any Experience with it? other thoughts?

thanks

Mike

Great AS and TV combo and the Blue Ox is an excellent choice. If you have some mechanical aptitude it is very easy to dial in. I had mine installed by the Blue Ox tech and I needed to do some tweaking myself after using it for a while.

The Colonel · 01-23-2017, 12:03 PM

I got the BO pro with the new 25FC FB. I've got over 8K miles on it with no issues on its part. I would say pay close attention to chain count and always keep your head back when disconnecting. Make full use of the tongue jack to take load off bars.

Rufrider · 01-23-2017, 01:21 PM

We tow our 13 Int. Sov. 23 FB, with 14 Silverado 1500. The Blue Ox recommended by Airstream NW, Seattle, has performed well in varied terrain of the West Coast. I'm glad we had professionals install and train us with proper adjustments. I soon got rid of the knuckle busting wrench provided for engaging, and dis-engaging the bars, with a longer breaker bar, and long reach socket. Best of luck, and enjoy the journey!

dugster · 01-23-2017, 01:31 PM

Very pleased with the Blue Ox. Have had no problems in all kinds of driving, both mountains & wind. My 28FC is towed by a Silverado2500. I agree with those that say a knowledgable installer is important. Airstream factory often tells dealers that the Blue Ox works well. One more suggestion: get yourself a breaker bar. The longer handle provides a measure of safety over the small tool that come with the hitch. Early on, I almost broke my nose with the small bar!

80Ram · 01-23-2017, 04:51 PM

I pull my 25' FC with a 2500 GMC Duramax diesel and Blue Ox hitch. The Blue Ox was recommended by the dealer and installed by them. They did put 1000 lb. bars on it and so far with a few thousand miles towing no problems. I jack the trailer up to secure the bar chains and to remove them. Having the AS jacket up seems the safest and easiest way to do both. This is the only hitch I have used so I can't compare it to any other hitch.

AzAirstream · 01-23-2017, 05:34 PM

I am on my third Airstream (2004 -28, then a 22 and now a 2016-25). I have used Equalizer hitches and now have a Blue Ox.

Great hitch, follow the advice of others and get a breaker bar and socket to hook up.

I like Blue Ox the best. Quality equipment. T

The Colonel · 01-23-2017, 05:39 PM

When I had a little head incident with the BO (my fault), I too got the 1/2" breaker at setup, but I replaced my OEM tongue jack with a husky 5000lb jack and haven't looked back. It lifts so I can lock chains by hand, no problem. Still use bb to drop bars.

From dblee50 and Southern Belle on the road

AWCHIEF · 01-23-2017, 05:50 PM

Reminder, keep an eye on the bracket bolts. Possibility that they might come loose with with a very uncomfortable result.

The Colonel · 01-23-2017, 05:51 PM

Good point Chief. Think I'll check mine in the am.

From dblee50 and Southern Belle on the road

Vitaver · 01-24-2017, 12:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by franklyfrank

Great AS and TV combo and the Blue Ox is an excellent choice. If you have some mechanical aptitude it is very easy to dial in. I had mine installed by the Blue Ox tech and I needed to do some tweaking myself after using it for a while.

Like what did you tweeted? That can be useful info for things to look into. Thanks.

Vitaver · 01-24-2017, 12:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dblee1950

When I had a little head incident with the BO (my fault), I too got the 1/2" breaker at setup, but I replaced my OEM tongue jack with a husky 5000lb jack and haven't looked back. It lifts so I can lock chains by hand, no problem. Still use bb to drop bars.

From dblee50 and Southern Belle on the road

If you don't mind, what is the advantage of going from the standard 3,000 hitch to the 5,000? Thank you.

Vitaver · 01-24-2017, 12:59 AM

Robofoot. Anyone with experience using it? It self-stores up and back when hitch retracted, and drops when extended, reducing the vertical travel of the hitch and supposedly saving time.

AWCHIEF · 01-24-2017, 06:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vitaver

Robofoot. Anyone with experience using it? It self-stores up and back when hitch retracted, and drops when extended, reducing the vertical travel of the hitch and supposedly saving time.

I had a similar product on my Bambi II hand cranked jack. Worked as advertised. On the Safari electric jack I saw no reason to get it. Saving 10 seconds would add nothing to my quality of life.