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Old 12-16-2015, 08:55 AM   #1
richfaa
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Trailersaver Hensley BD3 hitch

We did order the BD3 hitch today.It will be delivered to my Rv fully assembled and ready for installation. It will fit on standard bed rails. Took the Drawtite/Reese 16K hitch out of the truck bed this afternoon.

I posted why we went to the Trailer saver air hitch on the Bedsaver post in this thread. The trailer saver factory is very easy to deal with and answered my many questions.

I hope the hitch will extend the life of the 13 3402 Big Sky.
 
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Old 12-16-2015, 11:25 AM   #2
sapest
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Rich
Congrats on your new hitch purchase. We are very plsed with our BD3. Hitching on any kind of uneven terrain/angle is no longer an issue. 'Air ride' is easier on trailer, truck, and occupants!
Are you going with on board air? Very easy to use that way. FWIW we run 55/60 lbs with our '06 3400.
New maintenance items - Once a yr - remove (1 5/16 socket) & grease the hitch head pivot bolt/pin. No torque value, just snug it up, and I spray the jaws and spring under the hitch head with some WD-40 or equal two or three times a yr. Every 5k miles grease the 2 zerks on top of the hitch.

Hope you get the extended life you are looking for.

-Steve
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Old 12-16-2015, 02:47 PM   #3
richfaa
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Steve..Thank you for the information on psi settings..We will start there on the 3402
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Old 12-17-2015, 12:52 PM   #4
richfaa
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We removed the hitch, tool box, generator ,etc from the truck bed today that bed is big with nothing in it. Cleaning the bed up and checking the rails all looks good. Hopefully I can sell the 16K hitch here at the campground this winter.

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Old 12-17-2015, 02:20 PM   #5
Chip
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Great move Rich. You will love this hitch. Mine only needs about 45 lbs.
Have no on board air as I only have to adjust air seasonally.

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2012 Big Sky 3400, now an SOB 5th wheel
2007 Montana 3075 previously
2015 GMC 3500 Dually
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Old 12-17-2015, 03:50 PM   #6
richfaa
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We did not get the on board air due to our experience with the air bags on the truck. We hardly ever need to add air.
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Old 12-22-2015, 06:45 AM   #7
richfaa
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We ordered the hitch on December 16th and it was shipped December 21 2015 via freight. Hensley was great to work with our sales person was Aaron Grayhek and he answered our many questions and E mails. They offered 12 months same as cash but we had saved the $$ in our "Montana fund" so paid cash. The hitch was expensive but we hope it will prevent future frame flex. We experienced the first sign of frame flex on this 13 3402 and they did the longer screws in the front overhang at the fall rally that we all know will not work for long.Nearly 5K out of pocket for the IS and the hitch in a last ditch effort to make this 3402 road worthy. Ahh the joys of RV ownership. We are doing 5 or 6K this summer trip that will be the test.
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Old 12-22-2015, 07:52 AM   #8
sapest
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If leaving air in the bladders, be sure to follow the disconnect instructions about rasing the trailer before unhitching.
-Steve
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Old 12-22-2015, 08:23 AM   #9
richfaa
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Thanks we always do that anyhow.
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Old 12-22-2015, 10:54 AM   #10
leemedic
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We love our BD3! It made a huge difference in towing. I am sure you are going to love it, and stare at your rear view mirror just watching it work.

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Old 12-29-2015, 07:10 AM   #11
richfaa
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Ordered the Trailer saver air hitch December 16th .It was shipped December 21st and the freight company called today to say it will arrive here tomorrow .Good service.
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Old 12-29-2015, 09:51 AM   #12
chris199
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Congrats on the new hitch. Aaron helped us out over many weeks with our purchase. We added the Blue Ox bed saver as ultimate insurance. After 1 season with our rights and several thousand miles....very happy. BTW..we used the Hensley Arrow with our Cougar TT. Did a great job...0 sway...and great experience with Hensley.
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Old 12-29-2015, 10:21 AM   #13
richfaa
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We will have to modify the bedsaver we have to fit the BD3.
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Old 12-29-2015, 02:29 PM   #14
pkbridges77
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Rich, I've been trying to follow along and piece your story together, and maybe it's all documented on another thread. But can you either point me there or briefly explain the frame flex problem? How did you notice it, what did Keystone do about it, and what models/years are susceptible to this? Need to know what I need to know!
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Old 12-29-2015, 05:11 PM   #15
davidaf
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Add me to the BD3 owners list. Should be here next week! Couldn't hold out any longer now i can hardly wait. Almost bought last year in fact almost to the day last year was my last email with Aaron.

FWIW right after I bought I found a used one in San Diego on Craigslist, seller is looking to deal if anybody in SoCal is in the market for one. Sounds like it's in good shape.
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Old 12-30-2015, 03:21 AM   #16
richfaa
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Yes I found some on E bay and Craigslist but they all wanted shipping paid/It has to be shipped freight and t hat is not cheap It is shipped on a pallet and the shipping weigh is 225 lbs. Got a new one for little more than a good used one.
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Old 12-30-2015, 06:14 AM   #17
richfaa
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by pkbridges77

Rich, I've been trying to follow along and piece your story together, and maybe it's all documented on another thread. But can you either point me there or briefly explain the frame flex problem? How did you notice it, what did Keystone do about it, and what models/years are susceptible to this? Need to know what I need to know!
The frame flex problem is hard to describe try the search function and type in frame flex. Worst case frame flex is when the frame actually breaks usually along the welds causing the pin box to drop. We had that. The other case is when the side wall breaks loose from the aluminum framing along the front overhang.That can be seen as a "Gap" 1/4 or larger along the caulking on the front overhang.They repair by re enforcing that area and longer screws which usually does not work for long. We also had that. I know pictures have been posted so try the search function.
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Old 12-30-2015, 10:04 AM   #18
richfaa
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BD 3 delivered today. Backed the F-350 up to the semi and off loaded right into the PU bed....Never broke a sweat.
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