Automated Safety Hitch System Review

[DW-gray]

Here is my review of the:

Automated Safety Hitch System

[45Ricochet]

I would guess that some of the 40' RV's would be pushing the length laws in some states with that device. Looks like it would add about 10' compared to the conventional fiver hitch in the bed. Would be great for some of the 2500's that are over RAWR.

[schrod]

I find it strangely curious that Dave Gray has on almost every RV forum that I have read has endorsed the Automated Safety Hitch System. Even though he says he is not a rep of the company, I am beginning to think otherwise. Why else would he go to great lengths to endorse a product so thoroughly?

I was liking this product extremely well and really thinking on buying it but now am having 2nd thoughts. I have searched and searched for reviews and can only find his reviews and those of the specific website. Please is there anyone out there in RV Land using this?

[DW-gray]

thomasmnile wrote:

DW-gray wrote:

The ASHS includes a modified Class 5 receiver assembly certified for 30K pounds. When the ASHS is attached, it literally becomes an extension to the vehicle's frame. No additional stress. The tow vehicle's frame just became longer, therefore, towing stability has greatly increased.


P.S. If I recall correctly, the story is that the certifying company called Joe after they reached 45K pounds and wanted to know how high he wanted it certified.

Thank you. Your explanation answered my question. Am I correct that the key to this working successfully is the fact the hitch's axle is steerable?

Yes. When making a slow turn, activating the turn signal unlocks the the steerable axle. The axle steering lock unlocks after about 8 to 9 signal blinks, therefore, one must turn on the signal in advance of the turn. This is done so that when changing lanes going down the highway, the signal will not unnecessarily unlock the steering.

So, for those who have a tendency to not use the signal when making a turn, they'll have to start practicing good safety habits.

Note: When backing, you do not want the steering unlocked. Due to the physics of backing, the wheels will want to steer to the opposite direction.

[thomasmnile]

DW-gray wrote:

The ASHS includes a modified Class 5 receiver assembly certified for 30K pounds. When the ASHS is attached, it literally becomes an extension to the vehicle's frame. No additional stress. The tow vehicle's frame just became longer, therefore, towing stability has greatly increased.


P.S. If I recall correctly, the story is that the certifying company called Joe after they reached 45K pounds and wanted to know how high he wanted it certified.

Thank you. Your explanation answered my question. Am I correct that the key to this working successfully is the fact the hitch's axle is steerable?

[DW-gray]

Puttin wrote:
Dave,

I'm very happy to hear that you had the chance to see this device in action and I was in complete agreement with the review. I hope Mr. Jamieson gets the business he deserves.

Drew

Thinks for the tip on the ASHS. It's the top priority on my major purchase list. It will certainly improve my towing safety. And you know how a feel about towing safety.

[DW-gray]

thomasmnile wrote:
Interesting concept and all, but what kind of stress is placed on the TV frame, since I guess this gadget is attached to it in some form or fashion? The "hitch" is pretty much like the dolly placed under second trailer of a "double bottom" semi, and secured to the lead trailer by a pintle hitch. This hitch would seem to put the stresses of the full mass of the trailer on the TV's frame. No criticism, I'm just trying grasp the concept and perceived advantage beside an empty truck bed.

The ASHS includes a modified Class 5 receiver assembly certified for 30K pounds. When the ASHS is attached, it literally becomes an extension to the vehicle's frame. No additional stress. The tow vehicle's frame just became longer, therefore, towing stability has greatly increased.


P.S. If I recall correctly, the story is that the certifying company called Joe after they reached 45K pounds and wanted to know how high he wanted it certified.

[thomasmnile]

Interesting concept and all, but what kind of stress is placed on the TV frame, since I guess this gadget is attached to it in some form or fashion? The "hitch" is pretty much like the dolly placed under second trailer of a "double bottom" semi, and secured to the lead trailer by a pintle hitch. This hitch would seem to put the stresses of the full mass of the trailer on the TV's frame. No criticism, I'm just trying grasp the concept and perceived advantage beside an empty truck bed.

[stripit]

Very informative and well written review. Sure opens up the possibilities to those wanting to haul more than the truck is able and overall cheaper than buying a new tow vehicle. Thanks for the report.

[The_Mad_Norsky]

Thanks!

[DW-gray]

The Mad Norsky wrote:


The only question I have is tire size on the product. What size are they????? I know it is a Dana 70 series axle, but tire specifications for the product are lacking at the web site and also in your review.

Thanks!

I emailed Joe and this was his reply:

Standard tires are LT235/85R16E BFG COMMERCIAL 10 PLY

Customer can upgrade to the LT235/85R16G GOODYEAR 14 PLY

I'll add this info to the article.

[The_Mad_Norsky]

There is an RV oriented site within Facebook I "Liked" and noted a week or so ago a review of this very same product.

In fact, the Facebook page showed the lifted dually as shown in the photos of your review of the product.

First, very well done on your review.

Second though is a comment on all the negative comments I saw on the Facebook site. It seems many commented on Facebook, all in a negative view of the product and how the dually owner had absolutely ruined his vehicle for towing by adding the lift kit and so on.

To me, it just seemed many commented negatively simply because they were so rigid in their thinking that they could not accept a product such as this. Too bad for folks like that who lack the imagination needed to recognize something good when it comes along.

I visited the product website and found their videos very interesting and well put together.

The only question I have is tire size on the product. What size are they????? I know it is a Dana 70 series axle, but tire specifications for the product are lacking at the web site and also in your review.

Thanks!

[Puttin]

Dave,

I'm very happy to hear that you had the chance to see this device in action and I was in complete agreement with the review. I hope Mr. Jamieson gets the business he deserves.

Drew

[PapPappy]

Very interesting! Sounds like a really nice system, and would be ideal for those folks that want to tow a 5er behind a Suburban or van, for the larger family!