Automated Safety Hitch System

[drcarter7]

Not currently a Montana owner but will be in about 15 months. I've read about the ASHS and it seems interesting, however, just not sure if it is a worthwhile or necessary investment. Anyone using one and any thoughts or comments? My eventual purchase is probably the 3730FL. Still researching tow vehicles and my desire is not necessarily to purchase the ASHS in order to a smaller sized tow vehicle. Just curious if this system is really useful or not. Thanks, David.

[jeffba]

I do not have one. I did see one being used. Talked to the owner. He loved it. Greatest thing since sliced bread according to him. He would buy it again.

[AZ Traveler]

What is it?

[rmthelen]

Go to youtube, there are several videos. I watched a few but wasn't convinced to rush out and spend $10,000+ to find out if I like it or not. I have only seen one in actual use and it was by a dealer and he used it deliver units.

[drcarter7]

Zack, here is a link that describes this system: http://fifthwheelst.com/automated-sa...ch-system.html

[drcarter7]

Right. I can see a possible savings in fuel consumption because of better airflow and this system frees up the bed of your truck, however, at the moment it just seems like a "nice to have" and not a necessity.

[mhs4771]

Just remember that it will make your overall length that much longer.

[The Bone]

That wouldn't be easy to back up. Doesn't seem practical to me.

[Theunz]

Unless you only use pull through's, this is the scenario I see...pull into campground, drop trailer, pull forward and drop ASHS, hook back up to trailer and take trailer to site, back into site, drop trailer, go back and hook to ASHS, take ASHS to site and back up to trailer, drop ASHS and unhook from ASHS, drive to nearest bar and have a few drinks while contemplating why the h**l you paid $10,000 dollars for this abuse! Oh, by the way after you sober up you can reverse the process so you can pull your now 53' trailer out on to a road only wide enough to accommodate the turning radius of a trailer 40' long. Don't even think of going to a COE or state park. Better hope you don't arrive or depart in the rain!
I'm sure there is a very small niche market for this device, but I don't think it will fit your needs.
Hope you enjoy your new rig when the time comes.
Smart move doing your research early.

[drcarter7]

I can barely spell "5th Wheel" so it is important to learn as much as I can before the purchase. Trailer length was something I was also thinking about as well. I am sure I will be in the local Walmart parking lot at night practicing driving once I have my trailer and even without any extensions I am sure it will be a slight challenge, initially. Thanks for the feedback.

[dieselguy]

With just the right camera angles, the pizzazz brought on at just the right moment, and seizing the moment of anyone's wide eyed imagination ... today's savvy advertising media could sell a boxcar load of ice cubes to an Eskimo. Once you own an RV, you'll find countless gadgets and add-ons offered to make life easier or of course "safer" (today's buzz word in society) on the road. You'll learn the difference from "bling" and the "real thing" ... this is a $10,000 bling. Most any truck (no matter the brand) on today's market matched to a given RV will safely and efficiently pull it without buying a "bling". Bunches of us on the MOC already have that truck.

[mlh]

You don’t need this save your money.
Lynwood

[Slufoot733]

Since I have never heard of this thing I had to watch the videos. Frankly, after 30+ years of towing camping trailers, I would NEVER invest in one of these things. I'm sure there is a practical use for them, possibly in commercial use for some kind of fifth wheel equioment hauling trailer. But for towing standard fifth wheel trailers like we do this thing, in my humble opinion, would be a total waste of time and money. as stated prior the cost is the first issue. But even if it were very inexpensive (and noting that you are not a fifth wheel owner, yet) take the advice of those experienced fiver drivers......go with the tried and true, IN THE BED FIFTH WHEEL HITCH. There are many outstanding manufacturers out there who offer so many different products it boggles the mind. Without making any recommendations I would suggest you simply search various RV suppliers and you will find everything you need to properly and safely pull your fiver. And with far less heavy equipment.

Another thought; that system adds a whole lot more equipment, which equates to a whole lot more parts and pieces to maintain, inspect, repair, lubricate, etc, etc. Do not think for one minute that you just by this stuff and never take care of it. The last thing you want is an equipment failure in the middle of a trip. I clean and lubricate my fifth wheel hitch (among other things) every spring before the season starts.

[mtlakejim]

Everyone on here knows I tout safety above all else but even I can’t see any value (much less 10grands worth) of this system.

Only people I see that could benefit from it probably shouldn’t have 5th wheels....

For sure it looks like it would be a major headache adding even more length to our already too long 5er. Could just imagine trying to get into most of the RV parks we use !!!

[DQDick]

We won't be buying one.

[Texan]

The article talks about not having to up-grade to a 1 ton with this system. Just buy you a 1 ton from the start then you will be able to tow whatever you want. i can't imagine you getting much interest when trying to get rid of it. For 10 grand you could by the I.S. disc brakes and pay the difference between the 3/4 and 1 ton truck. I wouldn't call this bling, i would call it a rip-off.

[drcarter7]

The overwhelming consensus is that this system is not necessary, costly, and simply adds more length. I appreciate the feedback. My gut instinct was that a traditional hitch was the way to go and that has been confirmed. Many thanks.

[1retired06]

We pass.

[richfaa]

I read the link provided in Post #5 beautiful marketing.I had no idea what a " automated safety hitch system" was till I read the link and saw the picture .I realized we had seen one for sale at a Campground a few years ago. We along with others looked it over and asked questions. I am sure it has a use in some applications but not in normal Recreational towing.It would be a real pain to use one and I see no real benefit to the average recreational user. At least we now know the official name for it.We learn something every day.

[drcarter7]

I have a book titled "Travel Trailer & Fifth Wheel, Comparison Guide", by Randall Eaton. Totally useless for probably 99.9% of all members here but it was helful to me. The author mentions the ASHS in this book which was why I wanted the opinion of the real experts.