[hd883chopper]

So I did a search for the Travel Saver air supported 5th wheel but didn't see anything so I thought I'd post up.

To you veterans 5'ers out there. What are your opinions on an air ride 5th wheel vs a standard 5th wheel set up? Some of the things I'm reading about the Travel Saver air ride hitch are pretty impressive. Now the TS has a high price, about $2400 or so but what I'm trying to assess here is quality of the ride while yanking a 17k toy hauler down the road.

I've never pulled a 5th wheel but I'm all about making the best choice at the onset if possible. Trying to talk to more exerienced folks may save me some headache and money.

Any thoughts you can share on an air ride 5th wheel hitch?

Air Ride Suspension Hitches - Trailer Saver

Thanks,
Hd

 

[larrgh]

I use the standard Ford/Reese 5th wheel hitch and do not find it that harsh. Lot of the harshness comes from the trailer with most not having shocks. I did add the Dexter EZ-Flex suspension to mine and it helped a lot.

I guess if you have kids or a wife, if might be worth the additional dollars to sooth them?

 

[Texkenusmc]

My sister has it along with air bags on her truck and trailer and loves it. She is a hot shot driver hauling mainly oil drilling equipment up and down the gulf Coast.

 

[alex3]

Haven't pulled with this 15 but on my 03 I found that how you loaded the 5er had a major affect on the ride. I played with filling the fresh water tank and found that 1/3 to 1/2 full gave me the best ride. The rv had shocks and I added the mor-ryde shackles. Having said that, I have lusted after that hitch and also the airborne.....but I haven't won the lottery yet so I'm sticking with what i got.

 

[DAP]

I have pulled my fifth wheel all over this country for 25 years with the standard Reese hitches with no problems. Two years ago I purchased the Air Ride LS 3. What a difference! I will never go back to a standard hitch. It has a much better ride, it's easier on both truck and trailer.
I have a Newmar 5th wheel with both shocks and Mor-ride suspension and the Air Ride hitch still made a huge improvement. Should have purchased it years ago.

 

[hd883chopper]

I have pulled my fifth wheel all over this country for 25 years with the standard Reese hitches with no problems. Two years ago I purchased the Air Ride LS 3. What a difference! I will never go back to a standard hitch. It has a much better ride, it's easier on both truck and trailer.
I have a Newmar 5th wheel with both shocks and Mor-ride suspension and the Air Ride hitch still made a huge improvement. Should have purchased it years ago.

That's interesting. Someone like you who has a ton of miles with a regular 5th would have a lot of comparison knowledge. These things are sooooo expensive but I would hate to buy a semi-expensive hitch and then realize that I've got to go "all the way" in a few seasons.

Some guys in this thread as well as you mentioned that having shocks on the trailer is a good idea. Definitely something I'll keep an eye on.

Thx.
Hd

 

[hd883chopper]

@;

Haven't pulled with this 15 but on my 03 I found that how you loaded the 5er had a major affect on the ride. I played with filling the fresh water tank and found that 1/3 to 1/2 full gave me the best ride. The rv had shocks and I added the mor-ryde shackles. Having said that, I have lusted after that hitch and also the airborne.....but I haven't won the lottery yet so I'm sticking with what i got.

That's interesting. So I guess adding more pin weight ontop of the truck axel and compressing those springs some was helping. Good tip and something to think about. Thx!

 

[bobsherrie]

I have had the same Reese hitch for 20 years. It has been on three different trucks and pulled 2 different trailers. I have not experienced any harsh ride that I thought an air ride hitch would improve. And no chucking as others have experienced. I keep good shocks on both units and the ride is fine even after some long days traveling.

 

[hd883chopper]

I have had the same Reese hitch for 20 years. It has been on three different trucks and pulled 2 different trailers. I have not experienced any harsh ride that I thought an air ride hitch would improve. And no chucking as others have experienced. I keep good shocks on both units and the ride is fine even after some long days traveling.

Yep, on the fence. Sometimes I wonder if I should pick up a used 5th wheel hitch and try it before investing big money into an air ride hitch. Never know, my experience with a non-air ride might be similar to your's.

Thanks for all the info.

 

[MX727]

You could also go this route:

Rubber Pin Box For Fifth Wheel RV Towing