champ_49 Posted October 16, 2017 Report Share Posted October 16, 2017 Curious as can be on this. I am getting a new Ford F350 dually, 6.7 diesel with 373 gears, Lariat Package and basically loaded to the hilt. I want to get a new 5th wheel hitch and I am pulling a 2011 Bighorn 3670RL with total weight of 16,000 lbs. I have a 5th Airborne pin box but it is beating the heck out of us in my existing truck which is a 2000 Ford F350 Dually with the 7.3 in it. So with this new truck thinking I may want to go to the trailer saver hitch by Hensley. Its a lot of money but is it truly worth it and is it going to give me that much better of a ride? I will also have to go back to a stock pin box as I don't believe my 5th airborne pin box can work with the air ride hitch. Info on this would help me out a lot. Thanks in advance. If you have a better idea on what to do about the ride and that is a better choice than what I have thought. please let me know. Dave & Linda 2011 Bighorn 3670 2000 Ford 7.3 PS diesel white and tan in color Now Fulltiming since May15, 2010 Semper Fi Marines!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirk W Posted October 16, 2017 Report Share Posted October 16, 2017 You may want to read the thread about problems with that hitch before you buy one. See Need Help. Good travelin !...............KirkFull-time 11+ years...... Now seasonal travelers.Kirk & Pam's Great RV Adventure Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GlennWest Posted October 16, 2017 Report Share Posted October 16, 2017 I have read on here some folks using air pin box and air hitch with good results. When I had dually, rough roads always beat me up with either hitch. Had both. Drv air pinbox. Teton solid pinbox, air hitch. My DRV was 17k ish. 2003 Teton Grand Freedom towed with 2006 Freightliner Century 120 across the beautiful USA welding pipe.https://photos.app.goo.gl/O32ZjgzSzgK7LAyt1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bobi and Dick McKee Posted October 16, 2017 Report Share Posted October 16, 2017 We love our Trailer Saver. The ride is smooth even on the roughest roads, but the true test the fact that nothing moves in the trailer when we travel. I did read the complaint mentioned by Kirk and wonder if they read the instructions that came with the hitch that said to use their thin lube plate to assure the pin locks. Ours always makes a distinctive loud "click" when we hookup. I can't imagine ever towing with one again. Dick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrSeas Posted October 16, 2017 Report Share Posted October 16, 2017 Another possibility ...... http://comfortridehitch.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlueLghtning Posted October 16, 2017 Report Share Posted October 16, 2017 We have a Trailer Saver TS3 on our HDT. We bought it used and when we first tried using it, we had the problem Kirk linked to, but it was a combination of operator error and truck placement. The first time we tried to use it, we were starting with the handle in the wrong position. Once in a blue moon, the handle might not lock, but usually it's because we are off centered and hitting one side of the hitch before the other. A quick readjustment and it works fine. I also saw the comfortride hitch this past week and really liked those setups. I would certainly look into those also. I think in either case, both will ride a whole lot better than what the OP has been using. Dan (Class of 2017) - 2012 Ram 3500 & 2005 Alpenlite Valhalla 29RK Contact me at rvsolarconsulting.com or Two Wheel Ramblin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
richfaa Posted October 16, 2017 Report Share Posted October 16, 2017 We have been using the trailer saver BD3 hitch for two years now our Montana has the same GVW as your unit. We had the Reese 16K before that. We have had zero problems with it and IMO one has to try very hard or not watching to hitch improperly. It greatly improves the ride but you have to take the time to adjust and use the hitch properly.The instruction book is clear. We keep 50PSI in the airbags. It is expensive but we are long timers and do many miles a year. It was $$$$ well spent. Helen and I are long timers ..08 F-350 Ford,LB,CC,6.4L,4X4, Dually,4:10 diff dragging around a 2013 Montana 3402 Big Sky SKP 100137. North Ridgeville, Ohio in the summer, sort of and where ever it is warm in the winter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
I'mdonewiththis forum Posted October 16, 2017 Report Share Posted October 16, 2017 I also use a TralierSaver TS3. I had a little RBW L'il Rocker and the difference in like night and day. I purchased the hitch from a forum member here and had planned on putting it in an HDT, but plans changed and I put it in my LGT. I can watch the pin box float over bumps. My trailer is a rear kitchen and we have no problems with things breaking back there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GlennWest Posted October 16, 2017 Report Share Posted October 16, 2017 Camper rode very smooth, truck didn't. 2003 Teton Grand Freedom towed with 2006 Freightliner Century 120 across the beautiful USA welding pipe.https://photos.app.goo.gl/O32ZjgzSzgK7LAyt1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TXiceman Posted October 18, 2017 Report Share Posted October 18, 2017 Never had an issue with my TrailerSaver TS3. Hitch latches in in first try every time...been using it for about 4 years, full time. Great hitch. Ken Amateur radio operator, 2023 Cougar 22MLS, 2022 F150 Lariat 4x4 Off Road, Sport trim <br />Travel with 1 miniature schnauzer, 1 standard schnauzer and one African Gray parrot Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ALLOY Posted October 18, 2017 Report Share Posted October 18, 2017 No coupling issues with out TS3. Our laws here require the hitch to the be 20% over capacity.....16,000lb trailer + 20% = 19,200lbs capacity = TS3 which is a little big for our needs. After going over a large hump on the highway the trailer bounce 3 or 4 times. I want to experiment with different types of shocks to reduced the bounce. I've installed an automatic height control valve and will add a bypass so the height over the pick-up rails can be increased from inside of the truck. 2011 Cameo 34SB3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dennis M Posted October 18, 2017 Report Share Posted October 18, 2017 On 10/16/2017 at 11:54 AM, Bobi and Dick McKee said: We love our Trailer Saver. The ride is smooth even on the roughest roads, but the true test the fact that nothing moves in the trailer when we travel. I did read the complaint mentioned by Kirk and wonder if they read the instructions that came with the hitch that said to use their thin lube plate to assure the pin locks. Ours always makes a distinctive loud "click" when we hookup. I can't imagine ever towing with one again. Dick X2 Been using the Trailer Saver since just before Hensley bought the company, 10 years plus. Towing close to 19k for more than 10 years with no issues. Very rare failure to lock is invariably "hitched high" with the wide part of the pin inside the jaws instead of below them. Of course I have occasionally forgotten to "cock" the hitch by returning the lever to the 9 O'clock position. Dennis & NancyTucson, AZ in winter, on the road in summer.1999 Volvo 610 "Bud" 425 HP Volvo, Super 10 spd.2005 Mountain Aire 35 BLKS2013 smart fortwo CityFlame riding on Bud(Replaced '05 smart first loaded in '06 and '11 smart that gave it's life to save me!)Our Travel Blog Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
champ_49 Posted October 20, 2017 Author Report Share Posted October 20, 2017 On 10/16/2017 at 3:36 PM, MrSeas said: Another possibility ...... http://comfortridehitch.com/ I had a similar product a few yrs ago that was a prototype. I can tell you it was the worse hitch I ever dealt with. It looks almost exactly like the comfortridehitch. I had the air risers come out and it took me a full day to unhook the trailer. They ditched the idea after trying 2 different ones. Maybe this company has it worked out and I surely hope so because it was a disaster in my opinion. Dave & Linda 2011 Bighorn 3670 2000 Ford 7.3 PS diesel white and tan in color Now Fulltiming since May15, 2010 Semper Fi Marines!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hone eagle Posted October 20, 2017 Report Share Posted October 20, 2017 similar? prototype A little unfair to comfort ride don't you think? 2005 volvo 670 freedomline singledNewmar Torrey Pine 34rskswoot woot Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlueLghtning Posted October 20, 2017 Report Share Posted October 20, 2017 21 minutes ago, champ_49 said: I had a similar product a few yrs ago that was a prototype. I can tell you it was the worse hitch I ever dealt with. It looks almost exactly like the comfortridehitch. I had the air risers come out and it took me a full day to unhook the trailer. They ditched the idea after trying 2 different ones. Maybe this company has it worked out and I surely hope so because it was a disaster in my opinion. There were several comfort ride hitches at the Rally and Rick was there from WI with his setup and answering lots of questions about the hitch. I chatted with several that owned them and they all loved them. A couple of them had gone from Trailer Saver to the Comfort Ride hitch and were very happy. Gregg also mentioned in one of his presentations, they were only putting on Comfort Ride hitches right now on their trucks they built. Sounds like the protype you tested definitely needed some work. Dan (Class of 2017) - 2012 Ram 3500 & 2005 Alpenlite Valhalla 29RK Contact me at rvsolarconsulting.com or Two Wheel Ramblin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
remoandiris Posted October 20, 2017 Report Share Posted October 20, 2017 Anyone know if the Comfort Ride is one or 2 pieces? If 1 piece, they are pretty heavy for 1 person to handle. Air hitches are also heavy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlueLghtning Posted October 20, 2017 Report Share Posted October 20, 2017 38 minutes ago, remoandiris said: Anyone know if the Comfort Ride is one or 2 pieces? If 1 piece, they are pretty heavy for 1 person to handle. Air hitches are also heavy. This video says head is 47lbs and can easily be taken off, but not sure about the rest of it. I'm sure the rest of it is still quite heavy. - http://comfortridehitch.com/mo_un_crating.html Dan (Class of 2017) - 2012 Ram 3500 & 2005 Alpenlite Valhalla 29RK Contact me at rvsolarconsulting.com or Two Wheel Ramblin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
richfaa Posted October 20, 2017 Report Share Posted October 20, 2017 On 10/16/2017 at 6:31 PM, GlennWest said: Camper rode very smooth, truck didn't. Oh yes our truck rides well like a heavy duty truck. Solo it is very rough but we have a Honda for a smooth ride Helen and I are long timers ..08 F-350 Ford,LB,CC,6.4L,4X4, Dually,4:10 diff dragging around a 2013 Montana 3402 Big Sky SKP 100137. North Ridgeville, Ohio in the summer, sort of and where ever it is warm in the winter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
champ_49 Posted October 20, 2017 Author Report Share Posted October 20, 2017 5 hours ago, hone eagle said: similar? prototype A little unfair to comfort ride don't you think? Exactly why I said similar and prototype. Which means it was not the ComfortRide hitch. I see they made the improvements as far as my experience and only experience with air ride systems. Other than the 5th Airborne pin box that I have. To say I was unfair to comfortride is wrong. I wish them the best and would even consider one. I am just trying to eliminate the problem that I have. So I would say instead of slamming me how about suggesting the answer to my question? Dave & Linda 2011 Bighorn 3670 2000 Ford 7.3 PS diesel white and tan in color Now Fulltiming since May15, 2010 Semper Fi Marines!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hone eagle Posted October 20, 2017 Report Share Posted October 20, 2017 don't buy a prototype? that way you are not the beta tester buy a new hitch and write it off to season learned 2005 volvo 670 freedomline singledNewmar Torrey Pine 34rskswoot woot Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alie&Jim's Carrilite Posted October 20, 2017 Report Share Posted October 20, 2017 Lets try to clear up a few things - Comfort ride was bought by Rick Olson from Jerry ?????. - Jerry ????? was the original designer of the Trailer Saver hitch. When he sold to Hensley he signed a non-compete for X-terms. He waited awhile and started Comfort Ride. He needed a builder for the hitch. In stepped Rick who later bought the company from Jerry and made improvements in the design and quality of the hitch - There have been several fly by night- air ride-swing arm- 5th wheel hitches, styled like the Trailer Saver that have come to market then disappeared after the first run of hitches are sold. They- The Hitch manufacture -usually disappear when issues start to appear and people start to complain. - Back to Comfort Ride and Rick. An announcement that was made at the HDT rally was that Comfort Ride / Rick Olson and Road Master- the tow bar-towing apparatus company have teamed up. Road Master took all 3 models of the Comfort Ride hitch, had their engineers tear them apart and test all the components for strength, weakness issues, etc. No issues were found that concerned Road Master. Comfort Ride Hitches will eventually be sold thru all the Road Master vendors. Alie & Jim + 8 paws 2017 DRV Memphis BART- 1998 Volvo 610 Lil'ole 6cyl Cummins Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pappy Yokum Posted October 20, 2017 Report Share Posted October 20, 2017 10 hours ago, hone eagle said: similar? prototype A little unfair to comfort ride don't you think? I think not. - He told his experience..... as it was. (IMO) If I was in "the hunt" ( I'm not), I would be appreciative of his thoughts/comments - and file them away in the grey matter for future reference and research, . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hone eagle Posted October 21, 2017 Report Share Posted October 21, 2017 3 hours ago, Alie&Jim's Carrilite said: Lets try to clear up a few things - Comfort ride was bought by Rick Olson from Jerry ?????. - Jerry ????? was the original designer of the Trailer Saver hitch. When he sold to Hensley he signed a non-compete for X-terms. He waited awhile and started Comfort Ride. He needed a builder for the hitch. In stepped Rick who later bought the company from Jerry and made improvements in the design and quality of the hitch - There have been several fly by night- air ride-swing arm- 5th wheel hitches, styled like the Trailer Saver that have come to market then disappeared after the first run of hitches are sold. They- The Hitch manufacture -usually disappear when issues start to appear and people start to complain. - Back to Comfort Ride and Rick. An announcement that was made at the HDT rally was that Comfort Ride / Rick Olson and Road Master- the tow bar-towing apparatus company have teamed up. Road Master took all 3 models of the Comfort Ride hitch, had their engineers tear them apart and test all the components for strength, weakness issues, etc. No issues were found that concerned Road Master. Comfort Ride Hitches will eventually be sold thru all the Road Master vendors. thanks for the clarification 2005 volvo 670 freedomline singledNewmar Torrey Pine 34rskswoot woot Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blflmhog Posted October 21, 2017 Report Share Posted October 21, 2017 TS3 owner here. 3yrs Ram Dually 3500 with air bags on the rear axle. Raptor 43' 5th wheel, almost 19000 loaded for the winter siesta. Truck rides much smoother ( but it is a 1 ton dually, so it's a matter of perspective 🤔) biggest benefit was the mercy shown to our trailer, not much bounces loose anymore 👍. Expensive and worth it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
remoandiris Posted October 21, 2017 Report Share Posted October 21, 2017 On 10/20/2017 at 10:02 AM, BlueLghtning said: This video says head is 47lbs and can easily be taken off, but not sure about the rest of it. I'm sure the rest of it is still quite heavy. - http://comfortridehitch.com/mo_un_crating.html I didn't watch the vid. I looked at the specs on the website. If the head is 47, the bottom of the 24K unit is about 100. Not too bad for 1 person. Another good thing about this design is no air leaks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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