Automated safety hitch system - thoughts?

FiremanBill · Mar 1, 2013

Has anyone looked into this. I posted the website link but it got deleted. Here is a youtube video that shows it and what it's all about. I am very interested in it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugE1gS1zoXU

jimtoo · Mar 1, 2013

The warranty on your unit will most likely be voided if you use the goose neck hitch.

Jim M

mikeandconnie · Mar 1, 2013

Pretty cool! It would give you room in the bed of your truck. I wonder if your truck hitch is rated for the tow weight 16000 +. Post more info if you find out more.

Rickhansen · Mar 1, 2013

I also would think that you would be "going backwards" in terms of safety, stability, and drive-ability. This is like going back to a bumper hitch, plus 6 feet.

Tombstonejim · Mar 1, 2013

Rickhansen said:
I also would think that you would be "going backwards" in terms of safety, stability, and drive-ability. This is like going back to a bumper hitch, plus 6 feet.

I don't see it that way. It takes most of the weight of the trailer off of the truck and puts it on the dolly wheels which also have brakes so you gain another axel of brakes. Plus it tracks true and does not short cut the turns. Probably not worth the cost though.

ILH · Mar 1, 2013

Tombstonejim said:
I don't see it that way. It takes most of the weight of the trailer off of the truck and puts it on the dolly wheels which also have brakes so you gain another axel of brakes. Plus it tracks true and does not short cut the turns. Probably not worth the cost though.

Which of course begs the question.... what kind of cost is it?

lwmcguir · Mar 1, 2013

Tombstonejim said:
I don't see it that way. It takes most of the weight of the trailer off of the truck and puts it on the dolly wheels which also have brakes so you gain another axel of brakes. Plus it tracks true and does not short cut the turns. Probably not worth the cost though.

Used a couple of dolly's years ago on stock trailers to try to haul more weight. You cant back up and it is very dangerous if you develop any slack at all creating a whipping action similar to TT's without proper "hitching". I wouldn't use one of these for nothing. If you check these have been around the block a couple of times with no success at all. If you want a bumper pull then get a TT.

FiremanBill · Mar 1, 2013

If you look at how it is hooked up it is not a single point mount. There are 3 hard point mounts to the frame of the truck. In theory it is like a drop axle on a big cement hauler type rig. It is also a steering axle and has brakes so added braking power too.

It also comes in a 5th wheel configuration jimtoo.

I got a price quote fully loaded with the dual winches, batteries custom paint and all and it was right at $12k. Expensive but a lot cheaper than buying a new dually.

DW_Gray · Apr 25, 2013

I met the Automated Safety Hitch inventor, Joe Jamieson, last week and I'll tow with it today or tomorrow. I'm impressed not only with the quality of this hitch system, but also with all the safety improvements towards towing. I plan to write up a full article on this safety hitch for next Heartland Highlights issue. My first impression is the the value of this hitch is better than upgrading from a 250/2500 vehicle to a bigger one. But I'm still crunching the numbers.

scottyb · Apr 25, 2013

It wouldn't do me any good. I am already 61' bumper to bumper. Neat idea though.

ILH · Apr 25, 2013

How many feet does it add to the total length? In the videos it looks pretty long.

jayc · Apr 25, 2013

I saw one several years ago with a fifth wheel hitch. It looked really cool and the owner said he could back it with ease and now could carry more gear in his truck bed.

DW_Gray · Apr 25, 2013

ILH said:
How many feet does it add to the total length? In the videos it looks pretty long.

Depending on truck model, the length would be no more than 9 feet from the truck's rear axle. (center)

hcriddle · Apr 25, 2013

Can't wait to hear the report Dave. Even at the $12k price tag it is better than the price of the new truck and reducing the pin weight could free up enough to add an aux fuel tank. Your report ought to be a good one and I know will be well researched.

FiremanBill · Apr 30, 2013

Me too! looking forward to that report.

Automated safety hitch system - thoughts?

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