Check this out from Craigs list... ******5TH WHEEL AIR RIDE HITCH******
pricey & flimsy looking IMHO

Ok Mr.Krabs I would suggest to you that such a hitch would definitely be a sound investment for your livelihood & a very good selling point for the service that you provide. . The Trailer Saver rep I previously mentioned had just competed an extensive owner's manual which has not been posted to their site yet. He seemed pretty frustrated with the web master on that point. I think maybe it's not made publicly available because of the "to much information" factor determined by some corporate executive. As a good start to your project I'd like to provide that document for your reference. I'm sure you are aware that an improper hitch engagement can cost great damage or even your life during a faulty connection process. I have the utmost confidence in my hitch & the instruction of its use found in the owner's manual. Unfortunately it does lack an illustrated "exploded view".

Please keep in mind that the Holland Binkley head (part #44001) & the air springs (part #45006), as well as other key elements, could possibly be available for purchase from their parts list, if you talk like you own their particular unit. I faced questions like "Where did you buy our product?" posed in a very protective manner from the manufacturer when I contacted the company. I was informed that Camping World was no longer allowed to sell Hensley Manufacturers products because of price cutting strategies that hurt other distributors. I did not divulge where, or how, I purchased my unit but only that I had it & wanted proper parts to meet future needs. That seemed to satisfy their concerns especially after I got a little haughty about safety while using their product no matter where it came from. Certainly it should not matter even if you implied that you had bought a used unit from a private party & simply wanted to rebuild it.

I suspect the cost is not at all to be regarded as "cheap" when acquiring these necessities to your project. While I admire your initiative to produce your own air ride 5th wheel hitch it might be worth considering that should there be a failure resulting in liability then the savings could be negated by a lack of legal recourse to a manufacturing company. Not that it hasn't been done before! Have a look at these patents linked from one design registration for inspiration. There are a great many different air ride hitches on the market & considerable research will serve you well. I have seen several unhappy customers of other products complaining about their purchases on RV forums.

I would enjoy being kept informed of you progress or decisions. If you need additional information or photographs of a particular facet of this particular design, such as dimensions, please do not hesitate to contact me. As I do not check Diesel Bombers every day I would be happy to supply my email address &/or phone # in PM if you so desire.

Perhaps others would find this hitch an interesting topic. I will probably spend some time posting a thread about my hitch in the near future. I have a lot of preventative maintenance to do on my own RV while the weather is nice first. I'll be working on a draft soon though.

Best of luck to you sir!

Thanks for asking about the air hitch Mr.Krabs. I love it!
I didn't think anyone would actually check out my album
They say "A picture is worth 1000 words" so I should probably supply both


Bucking (front to back) - Chucking (side to side)


Smooth ride with air hitch

Relieves the 'bucking & chucking' of my 36" 5ver trailer, "saving" not only it, but also my back, from an uncomfortable ride. I simply hated that old rigid hitch. Another big plus is the protection it offers my truck's drive train. No more yanking it with stress while towing. I set the air bag pressure at 60 LBs for a smooooooth pull. Found this "little" jewel on eBay for $1,300 plus freight. This hitch normally retails for about $2,500 + shipping.

Had it dropped in Fort Worth TX at Hitches Etc on Camp Bowie Blvd who installed it for free just to get the experience with that item. Needless to say I have been a repeat customer & purchased my Ranch Hand grill guard from them at a very reasonable price. Tell Tom @ Hitches Etc that Miss Vicky sent you if you get a chance!

After the original install I thought the plate was really to low in the bed to hook up. So I called the manufacturer for advice. I was told that I could just lower the king pin on the trailer but that option did not appeal to me for the sake of my perception of structural integrity. Trailer Saver offers model specific risers so I got the 3 inch set. Also a repair kit for any eventualities while on the road. Also!! I purchased in cab gauge & compressor access (need to get a pic of that posted). Back to Hitches Ect who only charged $65 to reinstall the unit with the risers this time.

As I was speaking to the manufacturer's rep I asked about warranty coverage. After being informed that UV damage from the sun baking the air bags was a problem for coverage I asked how to avoid that issue where the coverage was concerned. Naturally I could keep the hitch covered during periods of non-use by my own devices but according to the Trailer Saver rep the only way they could be sure of that protection would be if I bought their specific cover. So I was like... OK sign me up for that too! ($86) Seemed excessive at the time but I could understand their position. The cover is just perfect & gives a finished professional look when the hitch is not in use.

I'm really happy with the hitch & all the accessories. I got lucky with eBay for my purchase! If you are interested in a hitch like this its worth a try to save a considerable chunk of bux. Doubtful my eBay luck will be there always though. The Wyoming located RV store (Stalkups) that had this said it was the last of 6 they were moving out to remodel their warehouse. When you consider the wear & tear 'bucking & chucking' can take on not only your nice 5th wheel but also a truck's drive train the air ride hitch is an investment that protects your bigger investments.

There are a variety of air ride hitches available! I just happened to get a great deal on eBay with the Trailer Saver which cinched my selection. Only problems are that it weighs a hefty 350 LBs & dominates the truck bed. The constant & additional bed weight surely affects normal fuel consumption when my truck is not towing but to take the hitch out between parking places is not feasible for me although I've read some people do remove the hitch between tows.


I will add more hitch pics soon now that I know there is interest!

Errr,I don't know what ya mean Jenn?
I know you are not talking about my sucktastic profile

bad ass!!

video back up buddy