Like to hear from users of the Automated Safety Hitch

[noteven]

I am interested in hearing from people who are actually using an Automated Safety Hitch. What tow vehicle and what trailer, pros/cons etc.

Thanks.

To the non-users:

- DOT has confirmed no it is not a double tow/another trailer where I tow. It's ok.
- I have driven "A, B, & C" commercial truck combinations up to 140,000lbs GCWR.
- yes I know what it costs.

[majorgator]

06Fargo wrote:
I would guess the factory receiver would be subject to 1/3 of the trailer weight in a 3 point connection system?

If it were a 3-point connection system with weight bearing properties, you would be correct. However, the other 2 connection points of this system aren't built to handle any loads other than the lateral forces exerted in a turn.

I'll further note that my understanding the design of this system is based purely on the information given on their website. If the other connection points are meant for load bearing, I don't see any mention of it on the site.

[noteven]

I would guess the factory receiver would be subject to 1/3 of the trailer weight in a 3 point connection system?

[majorgator]

avvidclif1 wrote:


Go to their website and see how it works before asking questions. It doesn't use the factory bumper pull hitch.

When I say "bumper-pull", it is surely understood that I'm referring to the Class IV or V receiver hitch...not the actual bumper. Their website uses the same lingo.

Nonetheless, I visited the website and quickly confirmed what I was speculating. The "old" hitch is removed, and the new hitch provided by the manufacturer is installed. They clearly state that their hitch is a Class V, which has a weight limit of 12,000 or 12,500 pounds (depending on who's literature you read), unless you use weight distribution measures. The receivers on the side of the new hitch are merely for the control of the automated steering feature. They do not have any weight carrying or distribution function.

Using an example from the Ford 2015 Towing Guide:
F-250/350, SRW, 4x4, 6.7L PSD w/ 3.55 axle ratio - MAX TOW = 14,000 LBS*
* = ONLY WHEN USING WEIGHT DIST HITCH
You are otherwise limited to the actual rating of the hitch (12,000 LBS)
This represents conventional "bumper" tow ratings, which is what you're doing when using the Automated Safety Hitch. And though I couldn't find any info on their website about the weight of the device, I'm sure its no less than 750 to 1000 LBS by itself. The result is that many 5'ers (or cattle trailers) will exceed the weight rating of the vehicle and its equipment.

A comparable RAM truck is not significantly different in the ratings for conventional towing.

Again, not bashing the product, but I think you have to consider more than just the parameters of the device itself. If you fall within the specs of your vehicle and equipment, then knock yourself out. FWIW, I do find it to be a really neat product.

[avvidclif1]

majorgator wrote:
Last time I saw a thread involving this hitch, I asked the following question (paraphrasing):

When using this, are you not potentially exceeding the max allowable tow weight of the bumper-pull hitch? How about the max allowable truck rating from that tow point?

Pin weight/tongue weight is not the concern here, but rather the overall towing weight. I think that most bumper-pull hitches max out somewhere around 12,500 pounds. The towing guides (specific to your vehicle) will also say something like: "tow weights exceeding XXXXXX must be towed from gooseneck/5th wheel..."

No product bashing here...haven't even read much of their literature...
But this is really the main question I have.

Go to their website and see how it works before asking questions. It doesn't use the factory bumper pull hitch.

[majorgator]

Last time I saw a thread involving this hitch, I asked the following question (paraphrasing):

When using this, are you not potentially exceeding the max allowable tow weight of the bumper-pull hitch? How about the max allowable truck rating from that tow point?

Pin weight/tongue weight is not the concern here, but rather the overall towing weight. I think that most bumper-pull hitches max out somewhere around 12,500 pounds. The towing guides (specific to your vehicle) will also say something like: "tow weights exceeding XXXXXX must be towed from gooseneck/5th wheel..."

No product bashing here...haven't even read much of their literature...
But this is really the main question I have.

[The_Mad_Norsky]

silvercorvette wrote:
I did not know what it was and had to google it. At first glance it looks like a good idea but the added length worries me. I had to make a few tight turns with my truck that I never could have made if the truck RV length was a few feet longer. There was a street near Gettysburg that I almost did not have enough room to clear, and there were a few campgrounds that would have been difficult to impossible to make.

I often leave my RV connected to my truck in campgrounds but the extra few feet would have probably blocked traffic.

Not an owner, but do check the videos on the Automated Safety Hitch web-site. The tires do turn as you turn, and the one video showed backing into a limited space.

So appears with the ability to steer the tires on the hitch, it will reduce or at least not add to a turning radius.

[noteven]

Thanks for the feedback. The setup I'm thinking about is like the truck in Lyle's pictures above, except a flat bed for more versatility. Couple or three bikes, or tanks and bikes, or camper and toyhauler etc. Side loading capable. Rack above for paddle craft or tinny boat. That sort of thing.

I like the way these fixed to frame style dollies turn the rear of the truck into a 6ft spread tandem when the steering feature is locked - lots of wheelbase stability.

These are not to be confused with an "A" converter dolly that turns the semi trailer into a wagon. The connection does not pivot at the rear of the truck like a trailer hitch. The "5th wheel" trailer is still a semi-trailer.

[laknox]

06Fargo wrote:
I am interested in hearing from people who are actually using an Automated Safety Hitch. What tow vehicle and what trailer, pros/cons etc.

Thanks.

To the non-users:

- DOT has confirmed no it is not a double tow/another trailer where I tow. It's ok.
- I have driven "A, B, & C" commercial truck combinations up to 140,000lbs GCWR.
- yes I know what it costs.

Here's one I saw at Camp Verde several years ago. I believe this was a 2500 series, but can't remember for sure. He also had a fresh water and aux fuel tank in the bed, under the cover. About 60 gallons each.





Lyle

[Me_Again]

Reese made one years ago and it never caught on! The one we saw, the guy had two quads sidesaddle on a flat bed F350 Ford and a large 5th wheel. He liked it!

Chris

[rhagfo]

Interesting question, looked at your profile, and think I see where you are going with the question.

2006 Dodge 3500
2005 Snowbird Offroad camper
2007 Carriage C-Force 39SV toyhauler

Just assuming the 2005 Snowbird is a slide in Camper, you would like to carry them both.
It just might work if that is the plan, good luck finding "good" feed back.
It seems when there were postings about these before, there were a couple posters that stated having experience with them.

[dblr]

I do not use one but met someone who was using it last spring, he had a Western Star semi with a jeep & a golf cart on the truck with his 5th wheel using this hitch, was quite the site. He said he is 73' long and had no issues with the length and also said it maneuvered just fine and he really liked it, he was in a pull thru site so I did not get to see how well he could do with it. I was impressed with the set up but not sure I would like the cost involved to purchase one. Good luck with this if you end up with one and report back on how it is.

[silvercorvette]

I did not know what it was and had to google it. At first glance it looks like a good idea but the added length worries me. I had to make a few tight turns with my truck that I never could have made if the truck RV length was a few feet longer. There was a street near Gettysburg that I almost did not have enough room to clear, and there were a few campgrounds that would have been difficult to impossible to make.

I often leave my RV connected to my truck in campgrounds but the extra few feet would have probably blocked traffic.