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Old 10-14-2014, 08:32 AM   #1
birchbark
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Air ride 5th wheel hitches

Anyone using one of the air ride 5th wheel hitches...not the pin box but the hitch.
I have some bounce and frame flex.

Worth it? Brand?

Where's a retailer who sells one?
 
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Old 10-14-2014, 09:11 AM   #2
johncamtravel
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Have you thought about air bags for the truck.
They made a world of difference for my Dodge dually.
I thought about an air hitch at one time. Then decided on
the air bags and they work great. Why not have the the
truck riding on air and not just the pin box. Besides the
air bags are less money if you install them yourself which
are easy.
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Old 10-14-2014, 09:32 AM   #3
birchbark
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Thought about air bags for the truck, but got ride rites instead.
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Old 10-14-2014, 12:31 PM   #4
WaltBennett
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Our truck came with them installed. I only put 20 - 30 lbs into them depending on how much stuff is in the Monty. The ride is good until we go sight seeing and then I've got to be slow over bumps.
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Old 10-14-2014, 01:59 PM   #5
jhudson
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I have the Hensley BD3 (TrailerSaver) hitch in my truck and love it. The ride with the trailer is unbelievable. When you hit a bump in the road, the truck will move like it should and then when the trailer hits it you will see the trailer move, but the "hit" does not transfer to the truck. With my old Reese hitch, when you hit a patch of rough road, I would "pucker-up",to prepare to be tossed again in the truck. With the BD3, that is gone and a plus is that the truck doesn't transfer it's movement to the trailer. I believe it makes less stress to both truck and trailer.

Jay
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Old 10-15-2014, 06:06 AM   #6
CATCRAW
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We too have the Hensley BD3 (TrailerSaver)and love it. What a difference in ride from the standard hitch. Took a little getting used to and never forget #7 of the instruction manual!!!
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Old 10-15-2014, 12:02 PM   #7
mazboy
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birchbark, what do you mean frame flex? explain a little more. is your left front side coming apart?
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Old 10-16-2014, 02:43 AM   #8
birchbark
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Frame flex is movement in the trailer frame structure sometimes causing damage to the sidewall and/or frame itself. Our first sign was a broken slide cable. After a visit from a repair rep. Other signs were pointed out. Watch for a crack or separation in the sealant on the short patt of the side wall.
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Old 10-17-2014, 04:52 AM   #9
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Royce, I'm betting you will find your problem to be that very large bedroom slide. If so, no amount of air ride aides will correct it. Just my 2 cents worth. David

Looking forward to seeing you and your better half later in the year. I'll bring the boiled peanuts.
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Old 10-20-2014, 05:33 PM   #10
birchbark
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Thanks for your input. I contacted Hensly about the BD3, for a short time it's on sale with free shipping. With their 30 day money back guarrenty it's worth a try.
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Old 10-21-2014, 02:35 PM   #11
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Great choice and you will love it. I too had the 30 day money back guarantee. Bought the hitch last November of 2013 and the 30 day money back started at the end of April 2014. Hensley started the guarantee then as the truck would not be used until the next camping season, and I was unsure if it was really as good as they said. Well still running it and they were right, it is really that good.

Enjoy

Jay
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Old 12-18-2014, 04:00 AM   #12
birchbark
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Got a thousand miles on the BD3 and will be keeping it. Doesn't take the initial jolt off the truck but NO aftershock from trailer is easy to get used to on the freeway.
A bit pricey but we recommend it.
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Old 12-20-2014, 12:19 AM   #13
jhudson
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by birchbark

Got a thousand miles on the BD3 and will be keeping it. Doesn't take the initial jolt off the truck but NO aftershock from trailer is easy to get used to on the freeway.
A bit pricey but we recommend it.
Agreed,pricey but a wonderful hitch. Glad you like it.
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Old 12-20-2014, 10:22 AM   #14
dlent
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Picked up our first/New Monty about a month ago. Never owned a 5th Wheel. After my research, I purchased the Hensley Trailer Saver BD3 and I seem to be very happy, thus far, in the little I've used it. Very Happy. Also, Aaron at Hensley seems very customer driven while keeping customers happy. Thus far, they have my vote. Hope your experience is the same.
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