Opinions please: Air ride 5er hitches

[Sojourner]

I'm looking for a solution to the rough ride I'm experiencing with my present configuration (4WD dually with factory lowering kit pulling a 33' 5er @~13,000K GTW). It is currently very fatiguing.



I am not really interested in the 'air bag coupler' pin box arrangement and Demco doesn't make a Glide Ride for my application.



Ultimately I think the Kelderman setup and/or airbags on the coach would be the ticket. But for the immediate need I think the only viable solution for my situation is one of the air ride fifth wheel hitches such as the ones offered by Air Ride Hitch, Easy Rider, and Trailer Saver (so far I'm leaning toward the Trailer Saver). I haven't had the opportunity to research these thoroughly yet, however I was hoping that if anyone had any experiences with any of these air ride hitches they could share that.



TIA!

 

[jacqnbill]

I'm looking for a solution to the rough ride I'm experiencing with my present configuration (4WD dually with factory lowering kit pulling a 33' 5er @~13,000K GTW). It is currently very fatiguing.



I am not really interested in the 'air bag coupler' pin box arrangement and Demco doesn't make a Glide Ride for my application.



Ultimately I think the Kelderman setup and/or airbags on the coach would be the ticket. But for the immediate need I think the only viable solution for my situation is one of the air ride fifth wheel hitches such as the ones offered by Air Ride Hitch, Easy Rider, and Trailer Saver (so far I'm leaning toward the Trailer Saver). I haven't had the opportunity to research these thoroughly yet, however I was hoping that if anyone had any experiences with any of these air ride hitches they could share that.



TIA!

I tried a Trailer Saver and had a terrible ride. When traveling on Concrete roads where the expansion joint was raised a little (worn out interstates especially) I had to slow down to 40 mpg or less. What appeared to be delayed front to rear reaction actually made our back hurt. The Trailer Saver moves up and down but not front to rear or side to side. I pull a heavy trailer, see signature, with a dually and just love my Advanced Air Ride hitch. It maves eight different directions and has made life wonderful when towing. http://www.airridehitch.com

 

[JRMora]

I'm looking for a solution to the rough ride I'm experiencing with my present configuration (4WD dually with factory lowering kit pulling a 33' 5er @~13,000K GTW). It is currently very fatiguing.



I am not really interested in the 'air bag coupler' pin box arrangement and Demco doesn't make a Glide Ride for my application.

Well, I can't comment on an air ride hitch, but I do have a Trail Aire Pin box and Trail Aire Center point suspension on my trailer and I think the ride is pretty good. After driving all over, I rarely ever find anything out of place in the coach when setting up. The coach came with the pin box, we added the centerpoint after we had taken it out a couple of times (it was supposed to be on the unit but was mis-shipped - the dealer had to install after the fact).



This trailer grosses a hair under 14k ready to go. Hitch is a B&W with companion fifth wheel hitch.



Juan

 

[Fireman]

Have you considered the kelderman air ride for your truck ?? It wouldn't cost any more than the air ride hitch and you'd have a good ride ALL the time.



Fireman

 

[Okie-Go]

I see that you are in Texas. I have an air ride hitch on order. Maybe we can meet somewhere and I'll let you try mine to to see if you like it.

 

[Sojourner]

Thanks for all your input.



I looked into the Air Ride hitch - although it will drop right into my Reese rails, the 25K model (the one the Air Ride guy said would be the model to largely reduce the fore/aft movement) is $2,595 And if I want to use it on the custom flat bed I intend to install, then I have to purchase the Air Ride adapter for another $595 plus get the Reese Signature Series rails for an additional ~$300.



That solution was was getting pretty pricey, so I started looking more at the source of the problem, the suspension on the coach itself, which is that darn spring/equalizer arm arrangement. So I went with JRMora's suggestion on the Trailair setup and I called Trailair. They quoted me a price of $1,095 including shipping for the Centerpoint system. This is beginning to sound much more reasonable and I would be solving the primary problem (the coach riding rough due to the way the equalizer arms yank on the axles) and the resultant problem of the incredibly rough ride in the cab. The folks at Trailair informed me that it requires only about four hours to install their Centerpoint system. Their package includes air lines and gauges for both sides so the suspension can be adjusted to the load side to side.



I intend to install the Kelderman suspension on the truck, but I need to check and see if their set up can be installed DIY rather than at their shop 'cause I just don't have the time right now to get up there for an install and I need relief immediately. I think the Kelderman is the ticket for the truck itself.



Okie-Go, I would be very interested in knowing more about the results you get once you get some miles on your rig with your new setup.

 

[yogibear]

If you are going to get the Kelderman air ride on your trk. , you might talk to Jeff Kelderman about their Air Ride for the trailer. I have towed a couple of 23K trailers with it, and it really makes a nice ride!! The trailer just floats, does not have the bounce on the pin like the spring suspension does.

 

[SHobbs]

Look into Air Ride Technologies, they offer a full four link system as well and pretty cheap too. They also have front air bag replacements for the coils. IMHO air ride pin boxes can only do so much, I think the secret lies in the the truck and trailer suspension.