Community Forums

Big B · 09-30-2014, 04:56 AM

I just got our new F350 DRW with factory 5th wheel hitch prep thinking I would drop in either a Pull Rite or Reese standard 25K hitch. Now I'm wondering if I shouldn't consider an air hitch like Air Safe. My future plans are to get a bigger 5'vr, something around 21-22K lbs. Your experience and or knowledge is greatly appreciated

SmokeyWren · 09-30-2014, 11:15 AM

I replied to your e-mail. I don't think you need anything better than the wonderful Reese Elite 25k hitch that was optional for your truck. Try the rig on a long tow with the Reese Elite hitch. If after some experience with that hitch, you think you might want more cushioning for the hitch, then instead of a different hitch look into the 5th Airborne replacement for the kingpin box on your 5er.
5th Wheel Air Hitch by Fifth Airborne - PPL Motor Homes

hone eagle · 09-30-2014, 11:34 AM

Air hitch not necessary on a pick up, they have plenty of 'compliance' in the tires and suspension,and a air ride pin is a waste of money as most of them are inflated to over 90 psi ,at that point they are effectively a solid.
don't believe me kick your truck tires they should be around 80 psi.

caissiel · 10-05-2014, 06:07 PM

class 8 rigs do not need air ride hitches. the air bags are on the axles. so to me the air ride is the tires. at least on my truck it is.

hone eagle · 10-06-2014, 02:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by caissiel

class 8 rigs do not need air ride hitches. the air bags are on the axles. so to me the air ride is the tires. at least on my truck it is.

Yes they do big time,spend some time in the HDT section of the 'escapees' forum,every single one has air ride hitch,the air bags on a class 6,7or 8 are to maintain drive line angles not ride quality ,thats why the air ride cab and seats.

glennwest · 10-06-2014, 04:26 PM

You are riding on air ride seat, cab with HDT. That chassis is not, just truck bags. It is much too ruff for a camper. And I choose the air ride hitch for my truck, Myairhitch.com

jacknife · 10-09-2014, 10:23 AM

I have a trailer saver air hitch. I have had a standard hitch. No comparison the trl floats behind you. No bucking chucking or most importantly no beating up of the trl .
With the crappy rds in this country you need all the cushioning you can get. They are expensive but worth it.
Watch their video .

andy29847 · 10-09-2014, 10:45 AM

I wanted an air hitch for my truck/trailer. I was balking at the expense. Then I saw a couple in a local "trader" paper. I bought the 20,000 hitch for my truck. The hitch has a reference line that is used to adjust air pressure. My ~14,000 trailer takes 65# of air. I believe the hitch really smooths out the ride over expansion joints, railroad tracks, etc. Also, the overall ride of my truck while towing is much better than I expected when I decided to go camping. I have noticed that nothing moves around in my trailer on long trips.

marspec · 10-09-2014, 04:00 PM

Been pulling fivers for 30 years. I have used a 25K Air Safe hitch with the Binkley head for almost 10 years. There is really no comparison with a standard hitch. Present rig weighs in at 17,800 with a 4,275 pin weight. Pulled with a 2013 F450. In my case I would not have a "solid" hitch.

SmokeyWren · 10-15-2014, 08:42 AM

Hi, Andy -

What is the purpose of that wood frame you have on the floor of the bed? Is it just to limit stuff from sliding around in the bed?

Quote:

Originally Posted by andy29847

andy29847 · 10-16-2014, 04:09 AM

Quote:

What is the purpose of that wood frame you have on the floor of the bed? Is it just to limit stuff from sliding around in the bed?

I built it to keep the stuff I put in the bed out from under the hitch. As it turns out, it has made a great storage accessory. My tool box it screwed to it and I have little cubby holes on the sides where I store my chocks, leveling boards/boards, etc.