I have one and agree. Nothing better. Worth every dime

Just came across your vids. So far, loving them and the information involved. Thanks! 😎😉😀

@iLoveRVlife

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks Allan.

We just purchased this hitch, so excited to get it installed.

@iLoveRVlife

3 ай бұрын

It has made a big difference in travel. I won’t pull a 5th wheel without one.

Great investment and information Jerry on the Hensley! Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experience with owning the type of hitch you have. As always blessings to you and Joan for safe travels as well.

@iLoveRVlife

6 жыл бұрын

Thanks. Always happy to share something that works.

Thanks for this video, the only video that answers questions i had.

@iLoveRVlife

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching.

That is some nice suspension on that hitch. Bet it makes for a nice ride. Enjoying the video's. Thanks again for your attention to detail in the video's Be safe.

@iLoveRVlife

4 жыл бұрын

That it is. Great to hear you’re enjoying the channel. The F350 isn’t the best ride and the TS3 makes those bridge shears and uneven concrete bearable. Stay safe.

Thanks for the feedback yesterday! Greatly appreciated!

@iLoveRVlife

4 жыл бұрын

You bet!

We just got our 5th wheel Jerry and we have this hitch! It is great! Thanks for the info!

@iLoveRVlife

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Tim. The Hensley is a game changer. Great to hear it’s working well.

Awesome informational educational video experience Y'alls

@iLoveRVlife

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Steven. Glad you found the video helpful.

Great video thank you.

@iLoveRVlife

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks

Hi Jerry. Really like your KZread videos. Just watched the TS-3 and they are indeed great hitches. I have one in my 18 Dodge 3500 that I have had for probably 3 years also (was previously in my Ford F-450). I also had a TSLB in my medium duty International. Really gives the trailer a break from all the shock. Great RV series! Thanks.

@iLoveRVlife

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much Rick. We have much more planned over the next several months. I'm with you. I can't imagine towing a 5th wheel without our TS-3. Jerry....

Great info, thanks

@iLoveRVlife

4 жыл бұрын

Glad you found the video helpful David.

Awesomeness great video Thanks 😎🇺🇸

@iLoveRVlife

4 жыл бұрын

Great to hear you found it helpful.

@tgmidnightrider2831

4 жыл бұрын

I Love RV Life yessir we ordered ours this morning! We’re putting it on our 2002 KW glider truck Thanks again Seeya out there somewhere 😎👍

@iLoveRVlife

4 жыл бұрын

Hope so. Safe travels.

Thanks for sharing!

@markdrebert247

5 жыл бұрын

Do you backup your 5th wheel up the driveway to your home your driving down in the video or do you have a way to drive in and around to get to your home? I'm about 2 years away from making a purchase on a 5th wheel and live on a court and considering the length of the new RIG and how I might drive in and make my u-turn to back into my driveway is still a question. I've done 30' travel trailers before and just pulled straight into my driveway with my truck at the front. When I was ready to leave, I backed up into the court and made my turn and off I went. Do you have any videos on parking the 5th wheel in tight spaces you can share?

@iLoveRVlife

5 жыл бұрын

Hi Mark. I do back up. Typical residential neighborhood and we have to jack knife to make this big boy fit. First few times were a hot mess, but after several years I can stick it pretty quick.

I have a Hensley Trailer Saver too and for. Past 5 years have really felt safe and secure. Ima 76 yr old woman and I’m pulling a fifth wheel max at 10k. I’ve never felt chucking bucking or any other problems. Always confident of the security on the jaws. It’s worth the money.

@iLoveRVlife

4 жыл бұрын

That it is Joan.

Wow, nothing but positives about this company's trailer hitch and fifth wheel hitch!

@iLoveRVlife

5 жыл бұрын

Wouldn’t want to tow without it. It’s a game changer.

Great to see you highlighting your Hensley. We tow a pull behind RV 30' long. We bought a Hensley Arrow in 2007 when we purchased our tow rig. Since that time, we have upgraded RVs 3 times, Always staying with the Hensley Arrow. Long story short, we have towed just over 38,000 miles since we purchased the Hensley. In all of that time, we have NEVER experienced ANY sway. I know that with a 5th wheel sway is usually not a problem, due to the geometry of the hookup. But we have been towing RVs for going on 40 years. I am well satisfied with the Hensley Arrow. Another reason we have had such good towing experiences is that our tow rig has a 155" wheelbase. The only downside to the Hensley is that hooking up and unhooking can be a challenge if you are not on a level parking space. But it is like anything else in life, practice, practice, practice. The hitch can be adjusted so that connecting is less of a problem.

@iLoveRVlife

3 жыл бұрын

Great report Jeffery. Since purchased in 2015, I wouldn’t consider any hitch.

Aaron from Hensley here. I had a gentleman reference this review along with some others that led him to calling in for some more info. I had not seen it before today. Nice job and I linked to it on our Facebook page.

@iLoveRVlife

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks Aaron. Thanks for sharing the video. We were glad to create the video and share with the iLoveRVlife channel and others interested in the hitch. So many have questions about the hitch when we visit campgrounds and wanted to share. Jerry...

@ToShrugOrNot

5 жыл бұрын

Aaron Grayhek For this TS3 model, would I be able to close a sliding tonneau cover when not towing? That lever looks like it might protrude too high when not towing.

@iLoveRVlife

5 жыл бұрын

No problem closing the cover. It's just the camera angle.

@ToShrugOrNot

5 жыл бұрын

I Love RV Life Thank you Jerry! Great channel, BTW. We’re in John’s Creek.

@rochestermax

4 жыл бұрын

I bought the BD5!

I've been using a Hensley air bag bumper hitch for 19 years. Nothing better, nothing comes close.

@iLoveRVlife

6 жыл бұрын

I'm sold. Well designed hitches and built like a tank! Jerry...

@joapps8135

5 жыл бұрын

Generally speaking, can one possibly downsize his truck if using a Hensley hitch (assuming braking power is sufficient)? Or even downgrade from DRW to SRW? Of course the trailer weight and towing capacity is critical, but I am just wondering if it MIGHT be possible due to the awesome anti-sway feature of the Hensley hitch.

@iLoveRVlife

5 жыл бұрын

The hitch isn’t as much of the issue as truck capacity. I always suggest 25% more truck towing capacity than needed. That way you’re not stressing the engine and transmission in the mountains and equally, having enough breaks to support the load going backdown.

@joapps8135

5 жыл бұрын

I Love RV Life You're absolutely right, sir. F450 it is. 😃

I've heard a lot of good feedback about Hensley hitches I plan on buying one for my fifth wheel trailer.

@iLoveRVlife

5 жыл бұрын

Hi Vinnie. I'll never pull a 5th wheel without one of these. Recently had a good friend who bought one. Pricey, but worth it. No chucking and really smooths out those bridge and highway bumps. Jerry...

Great video, especially near the end showing the true effects of bumps with your hitch. Can the cushions be adjusted to match the trailer weight and secondly, does UV damage the rubber over time? Thanks.

@iLoveRVlife

5 жыл бұрын

Hi Chuck. That's the beauty of the hitch. It has a level line on the side. Once you hook the 5th wheel and lower the jacks, just add air till the line is level. I expect sun would age the bags over time. A cover would be helpful to minimize.

We bought the Anderson fifth wheel goose neck hitch that weighs only 35 lbs to remove and be able to use my truck bed easily....have wondered if your type would be a smoother ride....we partly got the Anderson because of all the testimonials of less chucking and bucking....we still experience it....but we have nothing to compare to since we never owned a regular fifth wheel hitch. Some day may switch, I'd need to learn more or ride with someone in their rig to see the difference, would be interesting ...thanks for sharing once again!

@chuckpotter1209

5 жыл бұрын

@@iLoveRVlife I have been told by several RV dealers and read it on RV forums that due to the stress Anderson applies on the coach will terminate the RV warranty.

@iLoveRVlife

5 жыл бұрын

I’ve heard that too, but no facts from anyone affected by using one. The Hensley is a classic 5th wheel hitch, just tricked up with the large pad, bags and stabilizers. Makes towing a large 5th wheel so more enjoyable.

I have been enjoying your videos for awhile now but just came across this one. I have a Air Safe hitch which has 4 airbags and is omnidirectional, which I love for similar reasons you do with yours. I have the Binkley head which is also similar to yours. Having said all that, did you make that extension arm or pipe you used to help release the arm? Could you please explain where you got it or how you made it. Being on the vertically challenged side, that bar would be extremely helpful. Thanks and keep up the great videos.

@iLoveRVlife

3 жыл бұрын

Hi Pat and great to hear you're enjoying the channel. This style makes a great 5th wheel hitch. Our hitch came with the pipe and rod to aid in releasing the hitch. Simple to make. A piece of thin wall metal conduit cut to 16" and hammer the end slightly to flatten enough to fit over the release arm. The hook is a piece of 3/4" rod with a hook hammered on the end and a L bent on the other end. Both can be picked up in the big box home improvement stores.

@patjoyce2150

3 жыл бұрын

@@iLoveRVlife Thanks for the info Jerry, appreciate it.

@jeffforbess6802

3 жыл бұрын

We’re all vertically challenged with how tall they’re making trucks, now. I’m 6’2”.

They are great hitches but you are correct a little pricey initially. But agreed it's worth it. We are using the BD5 model.

@iLoveRVlife

4 жыл бұрын

Sam, we’re 4 years using this one. It’s made a huge difference when we tow.

@samtuck6400

4 жыл бұрын

@@iLoveRVlife AGREED!

Hi Jerry 😺😻👍

@iLoveRVlife

6 жыл бұрын

Thanks Robert.

I bought this due to your reccomendation. And love the hitch so far except when backing up it seems to hit the bottom of the camper to the top of the bed. Do you have the spacer installed? I have ordered the spacer they recommended it at TS. I have a different truck but figured I would ask. But this hitch is night and day different, Better, than my las hitch.

@iLoveRVlife

2 жыл бұрын

I do used a spacer. There’s height adjustments if your bottoming out. Also make sure you have enough pressure in the bags for the white line to be level with the frame. It’s a great hitch. Has made a big difference towing our 5th wheels.

Will it drop into the OEM puck systems? Is there any height adjustment to clear tool boxes?

@iLoveRVlife

2 жыл бұрын

They have a hitch for the puck system called the DB5. There are some adjustment. Also most 5th wheel pins have some adjustment as well.

Hi just saw your video, I was wondering is it safe for people to ride in the back in the trailer since it minimizes the bumps ?

@iLoveRVlife

2 жыл бұрын

I wouldn’t. Things can still go bad. It also illegal in some states.

Where did you purchase the release hook and the latch bar from?

@iLoveRVlife

Жыл бұрын

It came with the hitch.

Can you do a video on tips of pulling your fifth wheel

@iLoveRVlife

6 жыл бұрын

I don't, but that's a great idea. Everyone has their ideas, but overall we follow similar rules. Give me a couple weeks and I'll create a video with our tips and suggestions when pulling a 5th wheel.

One comment that I would make regarding the brake cable. I'm assuming for the moment (still watching the video but wanted to get this in my comment lest I forget) that you are using that clip at the center of your hitch for the emergency brake cable. It doesn't happen often but it CAN happen that the entire hitch can come unattached from the pickup bed. If that happens your emergency brake cable that is attached to the HITCH and not to your truck isn't going to do you any good. That trailer will not stop until it's SKIDDED to a stop. Attach your cable to some other point on your actual pickup bed to avoid this. It's a long shot that your hitch would ever come out but I've heard of it happening often enough that I wouldn't want to take this risk. After watching the rest of the video and seeing the footage of the hitch in operation I have to say that I'm truly impressed. I agree with you that ya get what you pay for. An investment such as this is (imo) worth it, both to protect the trailer and to make for a much smoother ride. Safe travels.

@iLoveRVlife

5 жыл бұрын

No worry on the hitch. If that baby comes out of the bed, that break cable will pull. The hitch is a couple hundred pounds, bolted on each side with 2 bolts each to the frame. It is a great hitch. We just came across the mountains on I40 and the roads were a mess through Asheville. Doesn’t take away the bumps, but makes them more manageable.

Jerry, I was watching the video again and I noticed the pin box cover you had when you hooked up was either removed when you were towing or the filming was done at different times.

@iLoveRVlife

4 жыл бұрын

Hi Richard. I was at a loss why you thought the pin box was removed. Watched the video again. I got it. When I hooked up, the pin box had a plastic cover. Between shots, I saw the cover was going the cover part of the hitch. Two screws and removed the cover so viewing the hitch movement would be easier to see.

@richardschank5639

4 жыл бұрын

Well that explains it! TY

Jerry is the TS3 trailer saver the only system you use or do you have a different pin box or shocks/airbags on your truck? great and informative video. I just bought a 2020 3500 w/hips and plan to by a cedar creek silverback 40ft next Jan. Starting to research hitches and how to reduce chucking/jerking thanks

@iLoveRVlife

4 жыл бұрын

Hi Robert. The great thing about the TS3 or BD5 for the newer puck set ups, is that’s all that’s needed. We use the TS3 with rails and a standard pin box. Takes all the bridge shears out of travel and no chucking. We’ve used the non air and damper hitches, and it’s night and day in the improvement especially when traveling on rough roads. We also added air bags to the rear axles. There are times when we hit really bad roads. The air bags with a built in compressor gives us the ability to dial in a better ride as needed. One other point the share. A ton truck Dually or single axle will never match the ride of a class A with air suspension. A different configuration. But, the Hensley and rear axle air bags can make it manageable. Best of luck with your purchase. Jerry...

@robertbrown3068

4 жыл бұрын

@@iLoveRVlife thanks so much do appreciate

Just checking to see if you are still using this hitch set up. I have a 40' Jayco fithwheel that I have had for a year now and we just returned to Louisiana from a vacation in Florida. I have the Reese 16k fithwheel hitch and air bag system on my truck. As you mentioned in your videos that the road are terrible around New Iberia. Well I live in the next town and by the time a got back I was wore out from all the bad bumps coming off bridges around Houma, La. So I was checking to see if you are still using the Hensley hitch. I am looking to upgrade so that Louisiana roads dont tear up my truck and camper. Thanks

@iLoveRVlife

4 жыл бұрын

Hi CCA. We still have the Hensley hitch. I’m can’t image towing a 5th wheel without. The strip of I-10 from Baton Rouge to Lafayette beat the stew out of us. The hitch worked, but I also had the rear end banging on the axl stops. 50lbs of air in the axl air bags helped, but it’s still a kidney banger on the pot holes. The trick to the hitch is to set the airbags to the white reference line set by Hensley after the 5th wheel is set in place. One other thing I plan to do. A buddy of mine has the same set up. I road in his truck and it was smoother than mine. He replaced his factory shocks with Bilstein shocks. Altogether it helps, but the ton Dually it’s still a stiff ride.

@cajuncoonass9881

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the reply, I did change my shocks to Fox shocks. Also if you are headed back this way DO Not take HWY 90 out of New Orleans going into Morgan City, It will test the best systems. Around Gray and Houma Is the worst..............

@iLoveRVlife

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks. We recently took US49 from Gulfport to Hattiesburg. Man is that a washboard.

When watching the portion of the video where your camera is recording you actually pulling the trailer, it appears as if your kingpin is rotating left to right on a horizontal plane. Could be an optical illusion though. I have one of those type of hitches that can rotate. That way you can tow with a short/medium bed truck without a slider hitch. Does your kingpin rotate? I'm not sure if you can you use my type of kingpin with the type of hitch you have. Do you know?

@iLoveRVlife

4 жыл бұрын

With the stabilizers and air bags, it does tilt left or right, but doesn’t slide as needed when you have to jack knife the 5th wheel in a tight spot.

have you ever thought about using a flex-aire pin box in addition to the Hensley TS3. I wonder if that would double the improvement of the ride?

@iLoveRVlife

4 жыл бұрын

Hi Mike. The Hensley does a great job and I can adjust the ride based on the hitch air pressure. Don’t think the Flex-Aire would make much more of an improvement. Focus now is on the axles. Internal debate of adding shocks, air bags or both to soften the axle bounce. Preference would be the Moreryde independent suspension, but to large of an investment on a 2014 5th wheel.

I'm ordering a TS3 and they told me I would need a riser. I have an F350 2018. And because that particular year, the bed is deeper you need riser for the hitch. They suggested a 4 inch for my truck. Do you have any risers on your truck?

@iLoveRVlife

4 жыл бұрын

Hi Richard. They offer different height bases. My F350 is a 2014. The unit shipped has several holes to raise or lower. My truck is also pre puc where the BD5 is used and I haverails. It’s a couple years old. Remember it was taken from the crate and a drop in fit.

How much room in front of the hitch to the front wall of the bed? Thinking about an aux fuel tank and tool box for that space.

@iLoveRVlife

5 жыл бұрын

Hi Brian. I’m planning to add a low profile 40 gal tank this summer. Plenty of space. 33” from back of the frame to the inside bed frame at the rear window. Jerry...

Do you ever make sharp turns or do you have a l o NC bed O am afraid not to have a slider let me know

@iLoveRVlife

2 жыл бұрын

I do and have to jack knife to park in our driveway. I have a long wheelbase Super Duty. No issues with the cap hitting the back widow. If you have a short wheelbase, a slider hitch would be beneficial. Hensley makes one if you want the air suspension.

Just picked up my 5th wheel and this is the first time I've used the TS3. When I got home, I noticed the shocks were leaking fluid. I contacted Hensley and Aaron sent me out 2 new shocks. Jerry, have you ever had to replace the shocks on your TS3? After one use???

@iLoveRVlife

4 жыл бұрын

I haven’t. Ours is 4 years old and we are towing constantly. Hope it was nothing more than a bad batch from the factory. Great to hear Hensley standing behind their product.

@richardschank7624

4 жыл бұрын

I bought it because of your video. I have enjoyed watching your vids. You make doing maintenance WORK almost look like fun - almost!! LOL

@iLoveRVlife

4 жыл бұрын

Haha Richard. Thanks a bunch for the views. Hope the new shocks work out. The TS3 has been a great hitch. Can't image towing without one.

Wow that hitch is no joke! Any idea how much it ways? Looks like chuck/buck is heavily reduced or non existent? Thanks for sharing!

@iLoveRVlife

5 жыл бұрын

Justin, glad I could share. I forgot the weight. It’s several hundred pounds. Towing with it is a night and day difference from the previous hitch. Zero chucking. And it really softens those bridge shears. It’s a great product. Jerry...

@JB_WhoWork

5 жыл бұрын

It looks like the low profile of the hitch also contributes to helping overall quality of ride. Thanks again!

Do you not have to grease it like a normal big truck fith wheel

@iLoveRVlife

6 жыл бұрын

That's a great question. I should have addressed. Yes, it should be greased or in my case, I used a king pin teflon disk. Have never greased and a good quality disk will last for years. If you go the disk route, purchase one that's thin to ensure there's headspace to link up. Jerry

Hey Jerry, can you do a video of Inside the cab, and the ride? Maybe just add to this video to give a visual of how the ride is from the riders point of view?

@iLoveRVlife

3 жыл бұрын

I will David. May take a few roads and states to give a good review to show smooth vs rough.

@IndianaFr0g

3 жыл бұрын

@@iLoveRVlife thts fine. We are trying to reduce chucking as much as possible. Just had the Morryde Independent suspension installed and this hitch may be the last part of that chucking puzzle. thanks and we enjoy the videos very very much.

@iLoveRVlife

3 жыл бұрын

It migh not get rid of the bad bumps in the cab, but chucking is a thing of the past. Zero, regardless of the road conditions.

Once you believe the jaws of lock in always pull forward slightly to make sure it's totally locked in

@iLoveRVlife

3 жыл бұрын

Absolutely. Great reminder.

@BBBYpsi

3 жыл бұрын

@@iLoveRVlife I haul them for a living is called the tug test just like some my trucks do when they connect to a 53' trailer. Sense I hauli I have 1.5+ million plus miles driven. Yes I am one of the people that bring them to the dealerships from the manufacturer

How much space is there between the trailer and the side of your rig? What I mean to say is when you turn, how much clearance do you have between the side bed rail of the truck and the trailer? I think I got that out right.

@iLoveRVlife

4 жыл бұрын

Maybe a foot at the closest point in the turn. No problem doing a jack knife into a spot. Happens several times a year.

@richardschank7624

4 жыл бұрын

I don't think I communicated well with you. This is what I was trying to ask, how much clearance do you have from the top of the bed rail on the side of your truck to the bottom of the rig when you turn. Normally people say they have 6 inches +/- . I'm not asking about clearance from the back window when you turn. What I'm trying to figure out is will I have be able to have a hard cover on the bed when not in use. I guess this is all moot, since I'm going to have everything installed today and I'll know soon enough.

@iLoveRVlife

4 жыл бұрын

Gotcha. Around 6 inches. I plan to add a hard tri-fold cover this year. Won’t be any problem.

How does it compare to an air ride king pin?

@iLoveRVlife

4 жыл бұрын

Hi Brad. I haven’t two with the Air Ride king pin. Maybe a viewer who has one can give an opinion. With the TS3, it took out all of the chucking, helps a lot to smooth out the bridge sheers. On those crummy offsets entering a bridge, you still feel the shock in the front of the truck, but that’s no a fault of the hitch. One other benefit. If I change 5th wheels, the hitch remains and I don’t another Air Ride.

Do they have a kit for the factory puck systems?

@iLoveRVlife

5 жыл бұрын

Don't think so. www.hensleymfg.com/product-category/5th-wheel-hitches/

@ontheroadagain7571

5 жыл бұрын

Actually the do. www.trailersaver.com/product/bd5-gf-air-ride-5th-wheel-hitch-for-gm-and-ford-trucks/

@iLoveRVlife

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks Richard.

Great and informative video Jerry. I went over their different 5th wheel hitches and i don't see any signs of it being compatible with short bed trucks (like the autoslider by pullrite). Can you say if there is a solution for those who wish to get a crew cab short bed hitch from Hensley and not get their truck turned into a convertible on the first turn?

@iLoveRVlife

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much Gabriel. They do have a slider solution for www.trailersaver.com/product/simple-slide-for-short-box-pickup-trucks/. I can’t speak of it’s use. These hitches are a large investment. I called the company to discuss benefits. They were very friendly and helpful. You may want to give them a ring to discuss to see if it fits your needs. Jerry...

TS 3 now upgraded to 25k You can get a replacement decal if desired.

@iLoveRVlife

2 жыл бұрын

That’s good news. It’s a great hitch. Wouldn’t haul a 5th wheel on these rough Interstate roads without one.

Nice hitch built along the lines of the Sznyt ET Hitch just not at robust or as strong, but a nice hitch none the less. The part that would worry me is yes you have a secure hitch to the trailer, but not to the truck. Those light weight sheet metal rails with all the extra slots cut into it is the weak link. I've seen them rip right out of trucks before. Also look how far apart the attachment point to the truck are making it even weaker. Not sure about the grade of the carriage bolts to the truck most are only grade three. Also it may be just the way the shadows are, but it looks like there is a gap between the bed and the rail once you get away from the carriage bolts. I would almost bet when you are hard braking the rail is lifting up. Might be something you want to look closer at. Take care.

@iLoveRVlife

6 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the comments Drew. No issues with the rails. They are rated for 25,000 pounds. There's no play between the bed or frame. There are brackets under the bed with two 5/8" bolts connecting to the frame plus the bolts through the bed to the frame brackets. After 40,000 miles there is no bending or fatigue in the rails or brackets. This thing is rock solid. Every 5,000 mile I retorque, grease and inspect. I expect if I10 through Louisiana didn't kill this thing, nothing would :)

@22howards

6 жыл бұрын

Drew Vaughn, I own 2 B&W 5th wheel hitches. One turn over ball and one rail mounted. All use grade 5 hardware (supplied). My reason for responding is to ask you a question. You mention Szmyt 5th wheel hitches. The website only mentions HDT 5th wheel hitches. Nothing about light duty trucks (3/4 ton to 5500/F550). So what is an owner to do with a heavy camper? In the set up above, the only problem I see is 4 bolts per rail and most call for 8 per rail. And again grade 5 bolts. While I can’t speak for Hensley rails. My B&W rails had to be close to 20 pounds each, so I’m not sure what you call sheet metal. The attaching brackets below are also important! All this and the maximum weight hitch for Szmyt hitch is 32,000 as I recall. While the max weight is 30,000 for Hensley. I would enjoy hearing your opinions /suggestions. My Dilemma is my new 5er will weigh about 22,000 according to the builder. I Have a F550 and my current B&W hitch is rated at 20,000. So what would you do?

@drewvaughn628

5 жыл бұрын

Hey Chip, sorry for the late reply, just now noticed I had a reply in waiting. Honestly I have not done much research into heavy 5th wheel hitches for pickups cause I'm not going that route for my next build. I'm planning on have my upcoming 5th wheel custom built along with it's tow truck. If you search for 5th wheel wrecks you will find lots of vids with 1-ton to the 1.25-ton pickups folded up and/or jackknifed due to the 5th wheel over running it tow. The issue is the pickups may kinda nearly pull the weight of the heavier 5th wheels kinda ok, but do not have the stopping power if the trailer brakes are not working or not set properly. In my line of work and the things I do when not at work for the last 34-years all of our crews are huling 10,000 to 30,000lbs trailer all for some reason (because they are cheap) have electric brakes. Hundreds of trailer being used daily by our company and I doubt there has ever been a day that they all were working much less working properly. Electric brakes suck, we have five mechanic in our yard and every single day they are working of some crews trailer brakes. The so called heavy duty 5th wheel hitches for pickups are how they attach to the truck. Most if any don't drill through the frame of the trucks and are attached usually with light weight pressed formed rails. The rails are then attached by bolting through the sheet metal truck beds that have sheet metal bed spacers, so they form one large crumple zone that is flexing when you are in a crash or heavy braking and the trailer brakes are not working. I have not seen any of the pickup hitches that address the issue of over run. So when you are heavy braking the weight of the trailer pushing the truck will also tend to pick the rear of the truck up further reducing the braking ability of the pickup. So you have a 7000lbs tow with marginal braking power towing a trailer three times the weight of the tow with iffy brakes attached with hitch bolted to sheet metal. So what's the answer? Get away from the pickups and get a real tow. I'm sure not what you want to hear, but if you are a serious about towing it's the only way to go. My next RV will have air over hydraulic brakes, no electric brakes for me ever again. The air can be supplied from the tow or with an onboard air compressor that allows all tow to haul the trailer even if they don't have air breaks on the truck. My next tow will be a Volvo 860 VNL Globetrotter, build from the ground up as a heavy RV tow. So I will have five times the pulling power of a HD pickup and ten times the breaking force. Yes I know Volvo is not a USA company, but they are 100% built here and are the safest truck on the road and most comfortable as well. As for the Hitch, the Sznyt ET Hitch is rated at 50% of it's weakest components which is the air ride bags, so it will haul much more then the 32000lbs, but gives it's best ride at 50%. The hitch bolts directly to the frame, so no flexing. There are other similar hitches on the market, but another thing I like about this hitch is it addresses the issue of trailer over run. So if the trailer is pushing the truck the hitch directs that force downward to give the tow more breaking power instead of lifting the tow. Sorry I'm not much help with your question, but hope you can see some of the issues of towing with a pickup. Drew

Did it improve or worsen chucking?

@iLoveRVlife

4 жыл бұрын

Hi Caleb. For us, it completely removed chucking. The other improvement was softening the rear end jolt when we enter a bridge from uneven pavement. Doesn’t completely remove, but makes it tolerable.

@guy_incognito7538

4 жыл бұрын

@@iLoveRVlife Thank you for the quick reply! Excellent channel you have here...

@iLoveRVlife

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks a bunch.

No grease ?

@iLoveRVlife

2 жыл бұрын

No grease. Don’t need it. We use a Teflon plate. I do add grease to the pin and a lube on the jaw actions. Works great.

Try it in a S2000

I don’t see any grease on that king pin....

@iLoveRVlife

5 жыл бұрын

I use a Teflon lube plate.

@mikemiller9119

5 жыл бұрын

I Love RV Life - yeah, that’s for the plate, but not the king pin itself. All king pins need lube. Otherwise it will prematurely wear the king pin and the jaws of your hitch.

@iLoveRVlife

5 жыл бұрын

True, I use a lithium grease. Just had weathered a little. Thanks much for sharing the tip.

Happy you didn't make a right and show the cooler get ripped apart.

@iLoveRVlife

3 жыл бұрын

Cooler was ok. Made a bunch of rights along the way.

I-35 between Austin and Dallas. The longest hwy in the state(also goes to San Antonio), and it's the worst smallest hwy in the state. Constant construction. And for what? It's never big enough! This hwy should be 8 or 10 lanes going both ways through the entire state and be done with it. No, in some parts is 4 lanes. Mind boggling

@iLoveRVlife

5 жыл бұрын

Hi Jet. I-35 was beat up when we left San Marcos and headed to Dallas. Several constructions zones and very narrow lanes. But, it was mild compared to the stretch between Baton Rough and LaFayette on I-10. I still think I left my back fillings some where on that road. Just awful.

Not happy with their 5 th wheel to Gooseneck Adapter. It's not made heavy enough.

@iLoveRVlife

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing. We stuck the 5th wheel. These hitches work really well.

@jam471975

3 жыл бұрын

What kind of gooseneck adapter do you have... Does it just attached to the Kingpin or does it actually replace the pinbox like the Reese GooseBox? I've been looking at the Reese GooseBox because it has an airbag built into it for suspension and since it's gooseneck it makes the bed of your truck much more usable.

@jeffforbess6802

3 жыл бұрын

I’ve heard of issues using gooseneck adapters. 5th wheel trailers aren’t engineered ( if that’s what you call what Lippart does) for goosenecks. The frame could buckle. There are good gooseneck trailers out there.

Sounds like your Countryside needs more infrastructure spending and less Oligarch Hegemonic Spending. Rough Roads really? WTF is another Trillion these days; for the benefit for the US Citizen and Tourism to BOOT? Good Product but an eye opener thinking Main Thoroughfares are smooth sailing.

$3,000 ... what a joke.

@jeffforbess6802

3 жыл бұрын

If it keeps me from buying an air ride, it’s a bargain.