First post. First Airstream. Psyched! Stressed! Confused!!!

[gomotomoto]

Hi All,

First airstream, first post

Just took the plunge on a ground up restoration -- a 1964 28' Airstream Ambassador. It sits complete at 4200lbs. Outfitted nicely with good brakes, solid frame, freshly packed bearings. Was restored by a capable auto mechanic as his own trailer.

Our tow vehicle is a 2003 Toyota Sequioa. 4.7 with a tow capacity of 6200lbs. Has the factory tow package and a transmission cooler.

So my first question is about an anti-sway and load distribution system. Do I put on a simple reese product, or do I go for something like the Hensley setup? Safety is my first concern as I'll be traveling with my family.

Our first trip will be from Orlando from NJ, so it's a big one.

Thank you and any insight is much appreciated.

[AnnArborBob]

Welcome to the club of AS ownership!

Hitches are like trucks, motorcycles, whiskey, PC's and the like. Everyone has a strong opinion as to why their hitch/laptop/truck/motorcycle is the best and the only one you should get!!

The brand of hitch you get is really immaterial so long as you stick with one of the major brands. Quite frankly, I would recommend that you base your brand-decision more on the availability of a qualified and responsive dealer in your area to help you set up the hitch for your particular trailer/tow vehicle combination rather than worry over Reese vs. Hensley vs. Blue Ox, etc..

You absolutely should get a weight distributing hitch with some anti-sway control, not just a plain old ball hitch. There are several good brands around and undoubtedly a number of forum members will post shortly to tell you that to buy any brand other than the one they own is akin to committing suicide!

Use the Search Function on this thread to find some of the past posts that deal with the issue of hitch selection. The Search Function is on the right side of the blue bar above the posts.

Happy hunting!

[Photobum]

oh, and don't be stressed....you own an Airstream!

[gomotomoto]

Going with the ProPride to be on the safe side. Spoke to the owner today and he was awesome. Very helpful.

[AnnArborBob]

Originally Posted by gomotomoto

Going with the ProPride to be on the safe side. Spoke to the owner today and he was awesome. Very helpful.

I know a lot of people who use ProPride and love it. You've made a good choice. Now finish up your restoration so you can get out there and start using the Airstream!

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by gomotomoto

Hi All,

First airstream, first post

Just took the plunge on a ground up restoration -- a 1964 28' Airstream Ambassador. It sits complete at 4200lbs. Outfitted nicely with good brakes, solid frame, freshly packed bearings. Was restored by a capable auto mechanic as his own trailer.

Our tow vehicle is a 2003 Toyota Sequioa. 4.7 with a tow capacity of 6200lbs. Has the factory tow package and a transmission cooler.

So my first question is about an anti-sway and load distribution system. Do I put on a simple reese product, or do I go for something like the Hensley setup? Safety is my first concern as I'll be traveling with my family.

Our first trip will be from Orlando from NJ, so it's a big one.

Thank you and any insight is much appreciated.

A Reese dual cam, 600 pound full sway control hitch, would do a great job for you.

Andy

[waltb]

We sure like our ProPride, very stable pull and easy to hitch. When we got our new 25 FC, we transferred it from previous rig. Enjoy!



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[Msmoto]

While I do not have a Pro Pride, but a Reese, I am wondering if anyone has a link to a Pro Pride, I amy wish to change at some point, or add it to another trailer.

Thanks

[dznf0g]

Trailer Sway Elimination | Sway Control | Truck RV Trailer Hitch Accessories | ProPride, Inc.

[Msmoto]

@dznf0g

Thank you…. I guess by the time one has this installed it comes close to $3,000 correct?

[AnnArborBob]

Originally Posted by Msmoto

@dznf0g

Thank you…. I guess by the time one has this installed it comes close to $3,000 correct?

Oh no. I don't recall the exact figure, but I believe that our Reese hitch setup cost just under $1,000 installed (including the hitch ball and mount.) I can't imagine that the very similar ProPride would be much more.

[Msmoto]

Yeah, my Reese was about $1,000. But the Pro Pride, is much more.

Trailer Sway Control Hitch Guaranteed to Eliminate Trailer Sway - ProPride 3P

[dkottum]

The Hensley/ProPride uses a different method of handling sway forces projecting the movement to the truck's rear axle where it is eliminated, instead of leveraging it forward to the steering axle depending on friction or cams to dampen the forces.

Quite a remarkable difference in towing ease for the driver, with a safety component for the passengers.

[dznf0g]

gomotomoto, and just where are the pictures?

[gomotomoto]

Originally Posted by dznf0g

gomotomoto, and just where are the pictures?

[dznf0g]

Nice! Any more? Exterior?

[gomotomoto]

Originally Posted by dznf0g

nice! Any more? Exterior?

[AnnArborBob]

Very nice! Not sure I see the need for a lot of restoration based on these pictures.

[dznf0g]

I think he was saying he bought a fully restored AS done by an auto tech. Outside appears as impressive as the interior!

[AnnArborBob]

Originally Posted by dznf0g

I think he was saying he bought a fully restored AS done by an auto tech. Outside appears as impressive as the interior!

Agreed, I think I got this thread confused with another I've been following where there was more work required.