Can anyone get me better air hitch pricing? - Diesel Forum

TonyBerry · 05-17-2006, 01:22 PM

I need a TrailerSaver TSLB-2H air ride fifth wheel hitch for my F550. It's the only one narrow enough to fit in the center recess of my truck bed. The recess is 24" wide minus the thickness of the Rhino lining (about 1/8" on each side). Are there any dealers here who carry the hitch? Or is there a site sponser who carries the hitch?

Thanks.

GreyHorse · 05-17-2006, 07:50 PM

Sure this won't fit? http://www.myairhitch.com/ I think they are about the same size.

TonyBerry · 05-18-2006, 12:05 PM

Thanks for the link GreyHorse. I called and talked to Shelton. What a nice guy. Very helpful, answered all my questions, and I like the design of his unit... he gave me a good price and I ordered one from him. Should be here next week.

As for the size, it was actually too wide at 24" exactly. He said he'd have his shop shave off "a good 1/4" on each side" and the warranty won't be affected.

TonyBerry · 05-30-2006, 01:08 PM

I received my air hitch from Shelton at My Air Hitch last Friday. It came on a pallet and was adequately packed and received no damage in transit via Old Dominion truck lines. As promised, they shaved the sides down a bit to fit in the recess of my truck bed. They shaved a bit more than they needed too, but that's fine. The first thing I noticed is how heavy the hitch is... it's gotta be 220+ pounds. I had a hell of a time getting it onto my truck bed alone. I did get it in place, but haven't mounted it yet. I want to put some extra plates under the bed to allow better direct to frame mounting. I did play with the hitch some and have some thoughts on it. The first thing I noticed is the weld beads... not real exact. I can EASILY tell it was all hand welded and by someone not all that skilled (or caring). There are some benefits to hand welding over robot welding. The biggest is that a person can usually spot a bad weld and fix it. That's assuming they are looking for such a thing. Although the welds were ugly, they seem to be solid. The thing that bothers me the most is the side to side articulation of the hitch plate. I might ask permission to modify the hitch in such a way as to allow more side to side articulation.

Anyway, that's my views so far. Once I get it fully installed I'll report back. Then I'll report again once I pull a load with it.

GreyHorse · 05-30-2006, 10:13 PM

Hmmmm.... the welds on mine are all pretty good looking, obviously done by hand but nothing I would call ugly. And yes, that sucker is heavy!