Should AIRSTREAM Owners Jump On The AIRSAFE Bandwagon?

[@jtlong8383]

My 2.5” shank Equalizer hitch head and weight distribution bars already weigh 106 pounds as it is. Adding another 49 pounds will make it nearly unmanageable and greatly increase chance for injuring my back. You’ll need a second person to help carry it or a lifting/rolling device to transport it. Virtually impossible to lift it into the bed of your truck when not needing it to tow. I decided to switch to an Andersen Hitch, which weighs in at only 26 pounds and has a MUCH softer ride than the Equalizer.

[@thewrightlife]

I don’t even try to lift it and place in the bed of the truck. I just chain it to the AS tongue when we are camping. Safe travels.

[@DonnaGoodman-ny9bk]

We don’t own an airstream but after watching KYD my husband thought it seemed like a good hitch for any type of towable so we purchased one. We have a stretch of highway close to our home that bounces like crazy and we have no way to avoid it to get to I35. We towed with the new airsafe hitch for the first time this weekend and it took 90% of the bounce away. Before this hitch we had to take that stretch at 40mph just to have some control of the RV. We were able to do 60mph with the new hitch.

[@thewrightlife]

We’ve had a similar experience with our hitch. So far we are very happy with the purchase. Thanks for watching.

[@LuvSubbin]

Good video as always. I think your theory on what causes front end separation is valid. IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTE: At 10:30 your breakaway switch wire is shown being hooked to your chains. This is wrong. The breakaway switch must be hooked to a part of the tow vehicle entirely separate from the hitch assembly. The design intent of the breakaway switch is to apply the brakes and stop the trailer in the event that the entire hitch assembly departs the tow vehicle. If ever you lost your hitch, the wire would go right along with it, never pull the pin out, and never engage the trailer's brakes.

[@thewrightlife]

Hi Rich, thanks for the comment and the safety tip. I reviewed the video and can see how it appears that the breakaway cable is attached to the safety chains. It is actually attached to the receiver. That said, I need to get an eye bolt and attach it near the license plate (I think this is your set-up). Take care and safe travels.

[@velorider638]

Excellent presentation. Looking forward to your future experience with this hitch.

[@thewrightlife]

Thanks for watching. We will provide a follow up once we log some real miles.

[@2021-j2d]

Nice presentation. Hope you end up w positive results. We have the Hensley that we initially thought could be overkill but it’s been a terrific game changer. It saved us, our tv & Airstream in an emergency situation where we had to keep moving on a hairpin turn. Mattress flew off bed from the maneuver but that hitch brought it all right back on track instantly. Never had to test it before or after in 30 years. That day it paid for itself!

[@thewrightlife]

Thanks for the comment and sharing your experience. Hopefully we never have an emergency situation such as that. Wishing you safe travels in the future.

[@2021-j2d]

@@thewrightlife we hope you never do either. I suppose the odds of a crazy or unexpected emergency situation are somewhat high as we add on the years of travel and time spent cross country. Pray that’s one & done.

[@mikemadden865]

Great video. Like others said, I can’t wait for some real life experience with the hitch. Safe travels.

[@thewrightlife]

Hi Mike…we are testing it out the next few days and we will make a follow-up video with our thoughts. Safe travels

[@cbdane]

My hitch manufacturer recommended that I use the lighter tension bars (1000lbs) and suggested that we go with a 1/2-ton truck for a more compliant suspension due to FES. This was the first I heard of the issue and was before we even purchased our truck or trailer. Fortunately we then went with an Airstream model without the front storage hatch. I also chose a truck with electronic adaptive shocks that keep the ride very smooth but adjust rapidly (fractions of a second) to rougher conditions like a pothole. As a bonus, they provide an estimate of tongue load. As it turned out, I think researching the Pro-Pride hitch before purchasing truck and trailer turned out very well for us.

[@thewrightlife]

That sounds like a great setup you have. We have an older 3/4 ton truck with very stiff suspense. Someday we may need to upgrade our tow vehicle 🛻

[@MRHEAT20]

Great talk we can’t wait for the update- and I don’t have a front storage compartment but just want to see if it makes a difference 🍻

[@thewrightlife]

We plan to test it out over the coming months and will provide updates in future videos.

[@davidsimmons5172]

I just got my Air Safe. Question on you install. 1. Did you just measure ball height on old setup and set your new Air Safe at the same height? 2. Did you change the position (mive back) the L brackets on the frame of the Airstream? We leave Sunday in our first trip of the year. 4000 miles from home in Wyoming to Florida and back. I will really get to test the Air Safe. Our 2023 Globetrotter had FES within the first 3 months and we had it fixed at the mothership.....I consider the Air Safe additional insurance. Thanks for such informative content!

[@thewrightlife]

When we set up our AirSafe and Reese WD system we just followed the instructions for both manufacturers. I first installed and set up the AirSafe with the WD bracket then we installed and set up the Reese WD system. We believe we have it dialed in pretty well and we are just playing with the airbag psi at little to see what works best. So far so good.

[@daletesson4630]

The dealership we purchased our Classic from provided the Blue Ox Sway Pro as part of the package. A little cumbersome to cinch up the weight distribution bars but certainly tows the AS nicely. Time will tell if FES becomes an issue. I do appreciate you discussing the telltale signs of initial symptoms to watch for. How did Lisa escape being in this installment of TWL?

[@thewrightlife]

I’ve heard good things about the Blue Ox system. I think all WD systems can be a little cumbersome at times but are necessary equipment for safe travels. Hopefully you can escape the dreaded FES issue, just keep an eye on it as it will slowly reveal itself. As for Lisa, she likes to leave the “technical” and “how to” videos to me. That way, if I screw something up, i get all the blame 🤣.

[@johnstering1401]

Just purchased a Shocker hitch for the same reason. Towed with it this weekend using a 3/4 ton SD. Truck squats a little more without weight distribution but not on the overload leaf. Hoping to not experience front in separation, several members in our club have already.

[@thewrightlife]

Good luck with the Shocker hitch. Hope you have great success with it and many miles of fun and adventures. Thanks for watching and safe travels.

[@sgriffith2353]

It would be very interesting to put some instrumentation such as strain gages on the trailer A frame and on the frame where the outriggers are to see how much the loads are reduced with the AirSafe hitch. Ideally, Airstream should do this and run some tests. There are several testing establishments and test tracks not far from Jackson Center where this could be done. This situation is much less severe but in many ways similar to the Grand Design Frame Flex problem in that there are many theories and a great paucity of data. I spent a number of years in product support for the world's largest manufacturer of heavy equipment and situations like this would prompt an investigation and an official set of recommendations and fixes that would be transmitted to dealers. In some cases, kits of required additional or replacement parts would be released. It was part of taking a long-term view of customer satisfaction and reputation. Finally, simply reinforcing the structure and shell might help but it doesn't eliminate the root cause of the problem. You have to remove the stresses and strains in order to have a long-term fix.

[@kannikapatiew9191]

Great. Thanks for sharing experience❤

[@rogerdennison8154]

BTW, I noticed your hat….we are currently camping near Norman, OK for the 1st time and we drove into town to shop. It suddenly dawned on me that I was in a college town. I knew I’d figure that out Sooner or later. 😏

[@richardcooper7047]

Interesting Information keep us posted!

[@thewrightlife]

We are currently out on a short camping trip so I’m getting to test out the AirSafe hitch. More to follow. Thanks for watching and safe travels.

[@neddavies4060]

Great video. I did have an Air Safe on a F150 with an Equalizer system but my experience since it lengthed the hitch from the rear of the vehicle it created more bounce. I had numerous popped rivets on the frame of the front storage door and the interior not to mention FES. When I traded up to a F250 I had airbags installed on the truck and haven't used the Air Safe and not one popped rivet. I know there's a lot of moving parts in creating problems and I'm just sharing my experience

[@thewrightlife]

Great information. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences. Happy camping and safe travels.

[@SaulSadowsky]

My F350 SRW has rear airbags and that makes no difference aside from keeping the vehicle level when towing the 10K LB classic 33.

[@kathytaramasso1099]

can you open your tail gate ? with the shocker hitch people are saying cant open there tail gate . really liked your honest information .denis from santa rosa ca

[@thewrightlife]

Hi…yes we can open the truck’s tailgate.

[@SaulSadowsky]

I just purchased the class VI Air Safe Hitch, because my 2023 Classic 33 bounces around allot and shit is getting broken on every trip which is ridiculous.. Im hoping the air safe hitch will reduce the jarring up & down bouncing that occurs. I had the dealer perform the front end separation bracing, 6 months after I had purchased it. This is a known issue with Airstream, I was told that all airstreams have this additional bracing on all airstreams leaving the factory from April 23 & newer.

[@theresawells-sjogren6787]

Timely video! We just noticed the same signs of FES on our 27’ FB and had begun research on how to repair and mitigate future damage. Interested in how this works for you. Please also share how your damage was repaired and/or structural integrity “beefed up”. We’ll be watching, as always.

[@thewrightlife]

Glad to hear the video was useful. We plan to post updates and share our thoughts on the AirSafe as well as the FES repairs. Thanks for watching and safe travels.

[@jlokanis]

I am curious how this will work out. We are planning to purchase our first AS this year and will be upgrading our TV to a 3/4 ton to pull it. We were just going to go with the standard BlueOX WDH setup but are now looking at other options. There is not much coverage of AirSafe on KZbin so I hope you are going to be able to fill that gap. I also saw the KYD video and read many posts on AirForums about FES and various towing solutions. There are several threads on the Gen-Y torsion hitches and some video reviews as well on YT. There seems to be less on the Shocker hitches. Most of the info I have been able to gather shows that the Gen-Y product does not do nearly as much as the Shocker and nowhere near as much as the AirSafe to help smooth out the bumps and stresses. If you can find a way to compare them, that would be very helpful. The biggest issue with all of these solutions is the added weight. This will of course add to the payload but for me the bigger issue is with attaching/detaching the hitch. It will be interesting to see how much of an issue that is for you and how you solve it. Lastly, I have heard (both online forums and directly from the AS dealers) that AS has added some additional support brackets in '24 (and maybe '23?) models to deal with FES. I have heard of these being located near where the front access door is located and also with the new redesign of the front end cap in the '24 models (specifically the 25' and 27' ones). Have you heard any concrete details on this? I think that would be an interesting video to report on what changes have been made and maybe get the option of a reputable repair tech on if the changes will make a difference or not. Keep up the good content! It is very informative and useful to us!

[@thewrightlife]

I have only heard rumors that AS has begun to modify/enhance some models, but I can’t confirm. Thanks for watching and safe travels.

[@PJ-gp2hj]

All theories play a part. Great video.

[@thewrightlife]

Thanks for watching!

[@cackerson10]

Did you consider Shocker or Gen Y hitches before you purchased Airsafe? Those are the two I've been considering.

[@kcwerv]

I have used the Shocker hitch on my 2023 Classic pulling with a Ram 3500 dully for over a year and it has been great.

[@cackerson10]

@@kcwerv Are you using a weight distribution hitch along with the Shocker? I know some people with HD Trucks don't.

[@kcwerv]

@@cackerson10 No. We have been all across the country with winds up to 70 MPH and we haven't had any sway problems. We just slow down if the winds are high and that solves the sway issues.

[@thewrightlife]

I briefly looked at the shocker hitch but did not believe it would meet our requirements.

[@LeeH-Ranger83]

And you have the weight / configuration of you use “Rock Tamer” mud flaps as well.

[@thewrightlife]

Agree…Rock Tamer mud flaps would only add to a very heavy set up.

[@Piratecapt]

Great video. We just looked at our 2023 27FBT International and noticed 4 rivets missing around the front storage so we will be watching closely for follow ups. Curious why a Class VI and not the V?

[@thewrightlife]

We went with the class 6 based on the tongue weight of our AS. Additionally when you use a WD system with the AirSafe hitch it reduces the tongue weight capacity of the AirSafe hitch by 25%. Based on that we needed the class 6 version. Hope this helps.

[@Piratecapt]

@@thewrightlifethanks for the reply. Very helpful.

[@SaulSadowsky]

Interesting you should ask. I see the specs on the class V which should suffice based on the weight from my Classic 33. The difference on the class VI is it can handle double the weight 20K lbs, but thermal difference is t he (2) additional shocks one on either side on the hitch which slow down the recoil on a jarring bump. I went with the class VI

[@airstreamer]

FES! 🥺 That’s a bummer! The AirSafe is still a little less than the ProPride we are using. Totally different engineering. Really curious to see how the AirSafe affects your towing experience and handling. Take care guys, hope to see you again soon. - Jim

[@thewrightlife]

Hi Jim…thanks for watching and the comment. We have our fingers crossed 🤞 that the AirSafe hitch will provide the desired benefits. Safe travels.

[@Winstonsdad1956]

Do you really need a weight distribution hitch with the Air Safe Hitch? I have a 3/4 truck and am wondering if WDH is necessary. Thoughts?

[@thewrightlife]

It is my opinion that the Air Safe hitch and a WDH are serving two different purposes. One is intended to reduce the stress and fatigue of a ridged truck/trailer connection using airbag technology. The other is intended to evenly distribute the trailers tongue weight across the truck and trailer axles. Because they each serve a different purpose we have chosen to use a WDH with our Air Safe hitch. Hope this helps. Safe travels

[@jnmaher1967]

Did you consider the new B&W weight distribution system

[@thewrightlife]

I did not. I’m not familiar with it.

[@nomansland4811]

I can imagine a couple of bicycles on the back can be an issue. I want to know what Airstream says about that. I notice I don’t see that they offer a receiver hitch option? Might be a reason for that.

[@thewrightlife]

We have heard that bike racks and other items mounted to the back bumper of the Airstream can potentially cause problems but we can’t confirm. Not sure what Airstream official position is on that topic but would assume that they do not recommend it. Just our opinion. Thanks for watching and the comment. Happy camping and safe travels.

[@andyherron1808]

Is the weight distribution hitch required on the air safe setup? Can that be removed if you go with rear air suspension upgrade? I'm thinking that might lessen the stress on the frame w.r.t. front end separation.

[@thewrightlife]

The WD system is designed to distribute the trailer tongue weight across all the axles (steering axle, drive axle, and trailer axles). Without a WD system the majority of the weight will be placed on the drive axle. The AirSafe Hitch provides for a less ridged truck/trailer connection through the use of airbag technology. In theory, this is to less the physical impact on the truck and trailer due to rough roads, potholes, etc while towing. Using air suspension on your truck may improve your ride and possibly provide similar benefits of an AirSafe hitch (what degree…I don’t know), but it will not improve the weight distribution across the truck/trailer axles. That is why we use both an AirSafe hitch and a WD system for our towing set-up. Additionally, we had the Airstream front end reinforced recently to better withstand the impacts and vibrations of the rough roads in order to prevent any front end damage/separation problems. Hope this provides some insights to our thought process. Happy camping and safe travels.

[@billwaterhouse5894]

You had me until $2K 😮. Great video, thank you for the information

[@jeffholaday4712]

Interesting the order of the potential causes for FES that you presented. I’m guessing it was just a random listing. I would certainly re-order them. Weigh on the back would be last on the list. Just my opinion of course.

[@jeffholaday4712]

Also, on the cons of the hitch. I certainly agree with the ones you pointed out. How about the increased possibility of sway occurring with moving the trailer further away from the tow vehicle? I’m not an engineer or a tow expert, I just see that point brought up a lot in regards to rear overhang.

[@thewrightlife]

No real justification on the order of the FES theory’s I provided other than it helped with the flow of the presentation and our alternative FES mitigation solution (AirSafe)

[@thewrightlife]

I can’t say if there is a greater possibility of trailer sway with the AirSafe hitch. According to AirSafe they promise improved control & handling on their website. I guess we will see. Thanks for watching and the comments. Safe travels.

[@justsayin8893]

I have a 33' Classic and tow with a GMC one ton duly, my hitch is a Equalizer that i never take off.. i have chevron warning tape on the bars and use two parking spaces when not in tow.. i am looking into the Airsafe for the smoother ride for the AS and less bounce... i will leave the hitch on as a 70 yo single woman traveler... i'm sure there are some critics out there against this, but i take plenty of precautions for the safety of others that do not pay attention to where they are walking.. Do you know if JC Airstream installs these? I think i may budget for it

[@thewrightlife]

I don’t believe JC sells or installs the Airsafe hitch but can’t say for sure. Best of luck and safe travels

[@loadmasterc141b4]

How long is your Airstream? We have a 25' FBT. We have a bike rack and bikes that total weight 125 lbs. on the rear of our AS. I'm no expert either, but I think dragging the rear of the AS could cause front end compression and overloading the rear of the AS could cause FES. I have airbags on the truck for two reasons. Take some of the pressure off of the WDH bars as well as get the truck and AS as level as I can. Besides that, and driving more carefully, the only other thing I can think of to mitigate any FES/compression is to get an AirSafe. It will be interesting to see how it performs for you. Thanks for the video. Well made...

[@thewrightlife]

Our AS is a 27FBT. So far, so good with the AirSafe hitch. Thanks for watching and your comments. Happy camping and safe travels.

[@paulabitz6240]

Great video, we are picking up a 30 RB Globetrotter (so no front hatch) within a week, but I need to get a hitch ASAP! The Pro Pride looks amazing but it's $4k. I don't mind spending $1500 but I don't know about the AIRSAFE just yet either. What WD bars/set up would you recommend if I were to use the AIRSAFE? Oh, and BOOMER!

[@thewrightlife]

I think any of the major WD systems (Equalizer, Blu Ox, Reese). would be fine with the AirSafe hitch. Their job is to compliment the AirSafe hitch and distribute the tongue weight across the truck & trailer axles. Good luck and safe travels.

[@paulabitz6240]

@@thewrightlifethank you!

[@johnmueller6687]

I realize that there is an ongoing problem with some airstream designs in regards to frame separation. In my humble opinion and not knowing anything about engineering, I I just have a lot of common sense and grew up around travel trailers in the '60s and '70s. For crying out loud look at where Wally took his early Airstream designs, off-roading across countries with barely any dirt roads, I don't think the answer is these over the top hitches. I believe the best way to solve this problem is reinforce those storage areas and put extra fasteners around the front clip of the airstream. John

[@thewrightlife]

Hi…thanks for the comment. We are looking into some “preemptive repairs” to reinforce the storage area with additional bracing as you suggest. We wish the that wasn’t the case, but changes in design and manufacturing seems to require a fix. We also decided to use the AirSafe hitch with the hope that it would mitigate any further FES on our Airstream. This combined solution is what we are pursuing and will provide an update in the future. Thanks for watching.

[@sgriffith2353]

It is worth asking why this is occurring now and wasn't a problem in the past. It would be interesting to look at how the weight and center of gravity of the trailers have changed as more equipment, etc. is added. In addition, the speeds at which the trailers are being towed has increased. This will dramatically increase the shock loads on the hitch and frame.

[@rogerdennison8154]

Ty for sharing! I own a similar AS with front hatch but I think that’s irrelevant as even the RB’s can have FES. I believe the Airsafe can be a game changer based on my 10 years as a truck driver. Any 53’ trl that I hauled with air suspension ride compared to leaf springs were significantly smoother. Leaf spring trailers almost always had a severe “kick” to them. You might think that I’m comparing apples to oranges but I believe the principle applies here. That “kick” or shock is contributing to FES, I believe. Also the overall load-TV and AS- is causing the frame to flex. The greater the load, the greater the flex- front and back. But my question to you is…does that thing really weigh 114 lbs?? 😳You must be as strong as a bull. That’s too much for me. 🤷🏼‍♂️ The Equalizer hitch ( not incl bars) is pretty dang heavy and I took a tip from Luvsubbin and made a handle for it.

[@thewrightlife]

Thanks for the question…yes I weighed the AirSafe and was surprised that it weighed 114 lbs. definitely something to consider before buying. Happy camping & safe travels.

[@ogaddcb]

So where is the link to AIRSAFE HITCH supposed to take you? All I see is “ECPG now offers marketing services”

[@thewrightlife]

I just updated the link in the video description. Here it is below. 👇 Let me know if it works. www.airsafehitch.com/

[@ogaddcb]

That one works grreat

[@thewrightlife]

@ogaddcb thanks for bringing it to my attention. Good luck and safe travels.

[@QuadTap]

GenY or Shocker will provide largely the same dampening with way less weight and cash... Air Safe is probably the absolute best for isolation though.

[@thewrightlife]

Never tried the GenY or Shovjer but we’ve been happy with the AirSafe so far.

[@QuadTap]

@@thewrightlife just wanted to throw them out there in case people were unaware of less expensive similar options.. keep up the great work

[@thewrightlife]

@@QuadTap absolutely…thanks for sharing! Safe travels.

[@Qwiv]

Anyone address that the airstream is aluminum and attached to a steel frame now with composite panels and a front storage door. All those seam more likely to me.

[@Bwanar1]

Doesn't Airstream have a recall for this? They have always been known to put out a well built RV and charging you accordingly. Can't believe their starting to cut corners now!

[@thewrightlife]

I can’t speak for Airstream, but I have not heard of a recall. That said, I would recommend you contact Airstream directly and inquire with them.

[@cliffmorgan31]

Another big black eye for Airstream…

[@Michaelmontana08]

Just fine without it. It simply weighs too much.

[@thewrightlife]

Weight is our #1 issue with the AirSafe hitch. Thanks for watching and the comment. Happy camping and safe travels.