New to forum and a new Airstream owner!

[wiredforless]

After thinking about it for years, we found a deal on a 2010 Airstream Flying Cloud 25FB that we could not pass up. Pristine and it has a Hensley hitch.

Funny thing is that we don't even have a tow vehicle yet (trailer gets delivered to our driveway tomorrow)! Have been thinking about an F150 EcoBoost but now uncertain after reading the threads. Any advice or suggestions about a TV would be appreciated.

But my actual question is about the Hensley. While it wasn't the reason I bought the trailer, I've since learned more about it and discovered that was a great accessory to be included!

So here is the dumb question (please go easy on me...I am new . The Hensley is a very, very good anti-sway device. But it sounds like I may also need a leveling device. Can / does the Hensley do that as well? Or do I / can I add that along with the Hensley?

I know the forum will set me straight. Thanks in advance for your input!

[slowmover]

The H/A hitch is both weight-distributing and anti-sway. There are threads around here on how to set up a hitch properly. The main one of interest to you will have the term HAHA in the title (search). Detailed in every respect.

That frees up the money for disc brakes on the trailer. The combo will then be state-of-the-art.

The TT was the important choice. The TV not so much as one of that size can be towed by a variety of vehicles. A HONDA Odyssey, for instance. Take the time to read over at the website (and posts here) of Andrew Thomson of CAN AM RV (London, ON) for the authoritative view of alternatives. A pickup has about the worst road performance of any potential TV, so be sure you are clear about how many nights aboard your new TT annually, and an idea of how many miles.

The "best" TV is first suited to solo miles, one which can also tow the TT. That's the order to follow.


And, welcome!

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[eljay]

Welcome to the forums!

[Jim Clark]

Opinions on tow vehicle are like noses everyone has one, and most are valid. I towed a 25 Safari with a EcoBoost and a Hensely and had no issues. I just traded the Safari for a 28 International Serenity which we pickup tomorrow. I had the Hensely moved to the new trailer and plan to tow with the EcoBoost.

[rhawkins]

I pull my flying Cloud with a f-150 super cab Ecoboost and it has more than enough capacity. I don't have a Hensley but a more economical hitch...Eazy something. I am amazed the torque on the loaded hitch.

[switz]

With a front bedroom model, the the only accessible from outside storage is under the bed. That is where typically one finds the power cords, fresh water hoses, wheel chocks etc. That weight gets added to the propane in the tanks and the spare wheel with tire.

The factory literature stated my model would have a 833 pound tongue weight. The hydraulic scale I purchased said it was 1,175 pounds with the other accessories installed by the dealership. That weight plays out when crossing the scales with the TV & trailer.

So in my case, I needed a TV that had a true payload capacity that included the tongue weight, me and my wife and some stuff in the vehicle. I wanted to also have generator capability, so I needed a pickup to keep gasoline fumes out of the passenger area.

[bonginator]

Originally Posted by slowmover

That frees up the money for disc brakes on the trailer. The combo will then be state-of-the-art.

.

Sort of curious - what do disc brakes cost if you have dual axles?

[mike warren]

I would like to know more about converting to disc brakes. How much work is involved and the cost. We have a 2010 23 ft. International.

[switz]

I saw the conversion kit at Jackson Center last October. As I remember, it was a very significant cost. Some folks with experience with these systems say they can add significant maintenance costs as well. Call Airstream ((877) 596-6111) extension 7413 for service to get details. I would suggest that the factory do the installation as they have done a few as contrasted to a typical local dealer with no installation experience of this system.

The disc brake system utilizes hydraulics (brake fluid) to cause the brakes actuator to squeeze on the the disk, just like in your car or truck brake system. But there is no brake pedal the driver pushes on to directly actuate hydraulic pressure on the trailer brakes. The vehicle sends an electrical signal (the same signal that would go to a drum brake system) which in turn causes a pump on the trailer to build up brake pressure on the trailer disk brakes. A "black box" is trying to determine from an increasing electric current flow how much pressure to apply , if you will, to a brake pedal in the trailer.

Both drum and disk brake systems require annual service for safety. I would want to be sure there was a relatively nearby service facility that was familiar with the Airstream disk brake system. Otherwise, the owner gets to pay for the service outfit to "learn all about it" on your trailer.

I went down that path of training the mechanics on my nickle with an aircraft and the "labor" costs can rapidly ballon out of control.

[wiredforless]

Thanks to all for the wisdom and advice!

Great to hear that the Hensley does both anti-way and weight distribution (from what I hear they cost, they should). Is it something that I can "dial-in" when I get my TV or is it a good idea to get professional assistance?

I'm leaning towards a "new used" EcoBoost but they sure are hard to find in the Phoenix area! Not sure if that is a good thing or a bad thing! If anyone happens to hear of one available out there, please let me know.

Thanks again for both your assistance and for welcoming me to the forum.

[BAB]

While there are plenty of Hensley owners, also check out the ProPride 3P -- which is an "up-engineered" and mosts would say -- improved -- pivot point hitch. I bought a new Airstream a couple of years ago and based on research I did on AirForums went with the ProPride. These Forums are absolutely INVALUABLE to a new owner. This goes for anything you might want to do to upgrade as well.

[DKB_SATX]

Originally Posted by wiredforless

~~
Great to hear that the Hensley does both anti-way and weight distribution (from what I hear they cost, they should). Is it something that I can "dial-in" when I get my TV or is it a good idea to get professional assistance?
~~

You may need to get a new "stinger" depending on the tow vehicle you choose. It's my understanding that all of the Hensley stingers are a fixed drop, so you'll need to get the tow vehicle and measure the required drop from receiver to trailer coupler. I believe that for the "registered owner" of the Hensley this swap just costs shipping fees, but those are pretty steep for a heavy chunk of metal. I also think there's a way (for a fee) to become the registered owner of the Hensley that came with your trailer and thereafter benefit from the lifetime warranty on the hitch.

[switz]

My original Hensley straight stinger was modified for the Mercedes (cut shorter, locking pin hole drilled in new location and slightly bent). I needed a 2" drop for the new TV. The replacement Hensley stinger was $202 plus $50 in shipping costs (the box shipping weight was 45 pounds). The new stinger would be eligible for a free swap plus shipping in both directions as it will not be modified with this installation.

[Road Ruler]

Wired.... what vehicle do you currently own?

[wiredforless]

Don't laugh but I put the trailer before the tow vehicle! My new Flying Cloud is now sitting in my driveway as I research and look for a tow vehicle. I am leaning towards a 2011 Ford F-150 SuperCrew 4WD with the 5.0 engine. Appreciate any and all input here.

[DKB_SATX]

Originally Posted by wiredforless

Don't laugh but I put the trailer before the tow vehicle! My new Flying Cloud is now sitting in my driveway as I research and look for a tow vehicle. I am leaning towards a 2011 Ford F-150 SuperCrew 4WD with the 5.0 engine. Appreciate any and all input here.

You're in good company actually. Lots of us bought trailers before tow vehicle. After all, what's more unique? The right Airstream you can use for 25 years, or some pickup you'll trade off in 5?

Some configurations of the '11 5.0 have plenty of towing capability. Watch the payload, different configurations make a big difference in available payload. With that 6-speed transmission, definitely look for a truck with the 3.73 diff.