Subject: Re: [a/s] Pull-rite
Date: Fri, 26 Mar 1999 14:01:57 -0500
From: "Dan Burwinkel" <burwink@fuse.net>
To: <airstream@airstream.net>

Hi all,

I had an appointment to have the Pull-Rite installed on my Suburban to pull
my '69 Ambassador 29'. When I drove the 80 miles to the nearest authorized
dealer for my appointment, 2 weeks ago, the dealer informed me that the
price had gone up $500.00, that installation would be $325, AND that I
needed the heavier duty Pull-Rite for them to stand behind it, even more
$$$!!! Why didn't they stand behind there origional quote of $990 plus
about $250 installation? The final price was going to be $1900 and
change!!! I had this appointment for over a month and they didn't reserve
one at the origionally quoted price!!! Not just that but they didn't have
one in stock to fit my Suburban, when they knew I was leaving in 3 days to
get my trailer in Florida!!! I drove home to Cincinnati without a Pull-Rite.

I called Pull-Rite and was informed that yes, the price quoted was
correct!!! When I told them what had happened they did not seem to be
concerned in the least.

I went to the nearest RV dealer and got a Reese deluxe heavy duty weight
distributing hitch and sway controls. Worked fantastic! I would still like
one of the safer towing systems out there, but we have an extremely humble
income. I sure won't be looking for a Pull-Rite with the Hensley only $600
more! If anyone knows of a used Hensley for sale.... please e-mail me
privately!

Dan burwink@fuse.net

>* i am not yet clear
>* on the relative advantages and disadvantages of this factor.
>*
>* i tend to keep vehicles a long time, so change is less of a
>* factor for me.
>* even then, if you change to same type of tow-er,
>* old pullrite should still work (else get with a welder)
>* and can be moved to new tow-er,
>* so i estimate several changes with pullrite would still cost less
>* than the hensley.
 

>If you really can not afford a Hensley, your only other safe
>option is a pull-rite!
>
>One important point not stated yet. The Hensley has a lifetime warranty,
>which I do not believe the Pull-rite does, and we (at Hensley) believe that
>over a long life, you will have to replace the pull-rite at least once if
>not more just from wear. Certainly, that may not be the case if you take
>good care of your Pull-rite. Couple that with the likelihood that your tow
>vehicle will change either by your choice, or by manufacturer design, the
>Hensley has a price advantage overall. If you are going to tow for 5 years,
>not change tow vehicles, and then call it quits, then I would tend to
>recommend the Pull-rite. If you have more plans for RVing, then I believe
>the Hensley will be a better investment. I also understand that pull-rite
>just increased the price by $400.00, (I do not know this for a fact).
>
>One last point. There is a significant difference in ride. While the
>pull-rite is a good system, they use a weight dist. bar that has very little
>flex. That does two things. First, it creates a ruffer ride, plain and
>simple. We sell several pull-rite owners a year, based on ride alone.
>Second, by increasing flex, we have found that under VERY extreme conditions
>(panic maneuvers) the added flex improves recovery. It is why we use the
>bars we use! Now, do not mistake that for us using cheaper bars. Many
>people believe that they have to have a rough ride for towing. Take a heavy
>burb for example. The Suburban is not always the best tow vehicle. If a
>vehicle is properly outfitted, properly powered, a smooth riding vehicle
>will out perform a heavy truck.
>
>--
>Phil Sinewe - mailto:Hensleyarrow@erinet.com
>http://www.hensleymfg.com