charlyhors Posted May 28, 2016 Report Share Posted May 28, 2016 We've just recently factory ordered the smallest of the Open Range Roamers. As I recall the ones we've seen, I realize I paid no attention to the hitch, but I don't recall it having any sort of mechanism to soften vibration. Can someone who owns a similar unit by Highland Ridge comment on the hitch construction, and how well it works? As a no longer New owner of an RV, I've become aware of how much damage continuous vibration can do to a unit. Might it be worthwhile to invest in a better hitch than will come with this Roamer? What do you think? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oscarvan Posted May 28, 2016 Report Share Posted May 28, 2016 Rubber (containing air) is better than steel. Previously a 2017 Forest River, Berkshire 38A, "The Dragonship". https://dragonship.blog/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirk W Posted May 28, 2016 Report Share Posted May 28, 2016 How big is it and is it the fifth wheel or the travel trailer model? Both of these make a difference. 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...
charlyhors Posted May 28, 2016 Author Report Share Posted May 28, 2016 How big is it and is it the fifth wheel or the travel trailer model? Both of these make a difference. The 5w is 30.5 feet long, and GVW of about 12K. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jimalberta Posted May 28, 2016 Report Share Posted May 28, 2016 Hmm...I've never heard of a lot of vibration travelling through the hitch before. If that happens one would think that there is a problem with the truck? My tow vehicle ran pretty darn smooth. <p>....JIM and LINDA......2001 American Eagle 40 '.towing a GMC Sierra 1500 4X4 with RZR in the rear. 1999 JEEP Cherokee that we tow as well. IT IS A CONTENTED MAN WHO CAN APPRECIATE THE SCENERY ALONG A DETOUR. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alie&Jim's Carrilite Posted May 28, 2016 Report Share Posted May 28, 2016 If you're asking about a MorRyde pin box or the Flex Air type from Lippert, then yes they do help. It's not so much vibration, but chucking from large potholes, bridge joints, concrete highways that have the expansion joint every 25' that cause issues. The other item would be an air ride hitch in the truck itself. What are you going to be towing with? 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...
Kirk W Posted May 28, 2016 Report Share Posted May 28, 2016 The air hitches are more of a shock absorber than a vibration prevention. Since I've never owned a fifth wheel I'm an observer of the issue and have listened to that discussion for a long time. I'll tell you this much, I can only recall one RVer who bought any of the air hitches that didn't seem to feel that it was worth the cost. Some will disagree as to whether the air bag is best on the trailer pin box or in the truck bed on the fifth wheel hitch, but most agree that it is a good purchase. As an observation, they are much less common on the smaller, lighter weight fifth wheels than on larger, heavier ones. 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...
Chalkie Posted May 28, 2016 Report Share Posted May 28, 2016 We have a Trail-Air hitch on the rig and air bags on the truck. Between the two we have a fairly smooth towing experience. However, we still hit some of those bridge joints that just simply bounce us around. I think the Trail-Air helps a lot, but it is not the be all, end all. I try to watch traffic ahead of me, observing the bounce I see, and slow down as needed. Not a perfect solution, but it helps. And, has been said, smaller and lighter rigs are not as likely to be affected. Personally, I think highway engineers never really drive the roads they design, but that is another conversation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlyhors Posted May 29, 2016 Author Report Share Posted May 29, 2016 What are you going to be towing with? I have an F-350 dually with the Reese Companion hitch on it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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