Last call before I pull the trigger...

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Mar 13, 2019 | 04:50 PM

hstechteacher

Thread Starter

Cross-Country

Joined: Mar 2016

Posts: 75

Likes: 8

From: Northport, NY

Last call before I pull the trigger...

So I am just about ready to pull the tricker on the $3k Propride sway system.. does anyone have any comments for me...
Here is my background/ setup:
Second generation TT owner. First camper I had was a "99 25' Layton being hauled with my 99 crew cab SRW 7.3. Put the old school Reese Dual cam on it and trailer was never even there!!! Upgraded to a 2011 Jayco 32bds with extra 2ft off the back for extra stuff. Bought the newer style Reese Dual cam and hauled it around the east coast VT to FL for a few years and was all good. Kids got bigger so I upgraded to a 2003 7.3 Excursion!!!! Did the Ford X code springs and Rear 350 springs with my f350 rear sway bar and a ton more stuff... Been 2 years now of White knuckles on any down grade curves or passing Tractors. Forget about crosswinds.... I have adjusted and readjusted the dual cams a dozen.. just when i think i have it... no go and trailer starts swaying all over... trailer is over 8k lbs dry so I am estimating it at about 10k plus loaded for a 2 week trip with 5 people. Tongue weight is over 1500 lbs if I don't bring any water in the tank on the road!! I have been dealing and working with this for the past 2-3 camping seasons.. We are headed to Disney from NY this April then doing a run from the adirondacks to ohio then down to GA this summer. the 2 major changes I am ready to go with is fresh rubber.. tossing the 285/75/16 duratracs that i have and going with either the BFG Ko2s or maybe even just a street tire on the X. Second.. was throwing down the big $ for the Propride 3p hitch system... if it wasn't for the power of the 7.3 I am sure we would have gone over a few times.. Locked the trailer brakes up by hand and stomped on the gas!!! I am really done with that.. can't put a price tag on safety of your family.. So.. am I crazy.. is there anything out there that can do what the Pro Pride/ Hensley hitch does for a more reasonable price?
thanks for the comments in advance!!!

Mar 14, 2019 | 03:02 PM

WE3ZS

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Joined: Jul 2010

Posts: 12,055

Likes: 1,559

From: Media PA

No other hitch does what a PP or HA does for a better price other than a used PP or HA. I bought my Hensley Arrow used off craigslist for $650, I replaced two of its bearings (cheap trailer axle spindle bearings) and gave it a fresh coat of paint and replaced the typical wear items as well as upgrading from the 1,000lb bars that it came with to the 1,400lb bars, the heaviest that it accepts. That was about 9 years ago when we were still pulling the old 9,500lb TH (towed it 15K miles) now we are pulling a '14 Jayco 338 RETS that's 41' long and scales at 11,300lbs with over 1,800lbs of tongue weight (have towed it over 23K miles so far). Our '05 V-10 EX (with modded XB codes) tows the big TT great all over the Eastern states, we are on our first trip of the year right now in TN as a matter of fact! We have towed in all sorts of weather, snow, ice, heavy rains, strong winds (very close to multiple tornadoes in NC with very high winds! Was scary.) and it always tracked true with no sway at all. Big rigs and strong crosswinds will push the combo over a few inches but they move together like a straight body truck, no tail wagging the dog.
Look around for a used PP or HA, they are super easy to service and make like new, mine is almost 20 years old now and still functions as new.

Mar 14, 2019 | 07:00 PM

hstechteacher

Thread Starter

Cross-Country

Joined: Mar 2016

Posts: 75

Likes: 8

From: Northport, NY

i have been look all over for a used one.. none on ebay or craigslist .. i am on Long Island in NY. Had a lead on one last year but never got upstate to get it and craigslist add is gone.. my local Jayco dealer has a used one that he will sell me for $1700.. for the extra $1000 i want the warranty and connections to manufacturer including 60 day guaranty

Mar 14, 2019 | 08:23 PM

WE3ZS

Moderator

Joined: Jul 2010

Posts: 12,055

Likes: 1,559

From: Media PA

Have you talked to Hensley? Most times they will have used hitches that are fully reconditioned that they will warranty forever, just like a new unit, when I was looking they had a refurbished one for $1200, worth a call to see what they may have on hand. I'm not sure if Sean over at PP does the same type of thing with used units.

Mar 14, 2019 | 08:34 PM

Excurvelle

Logistics Pro

Joined: Mar 2010

Posts: 3,534

Likes: 497

From: NC

I bought my PP new in 2011 and now I consider it an investment. If you can't find used buy a new one.

Mar 15, 2019 | 01:15 PM

PROSTOCK

Cargo Master

Joined: Feb 2004

Posts: 2,081

Likes: 175

From: Central Texas

Started out with the dual cam and no problems. Upgraded trailers with same hitch and still no problems. Then upgraded truck (to an Excursion mind you) and have all kinds of problems and you are blaming the hitch? We got back from Spring Break yesterday, blowing like hell the whole way and I had no problems with my dual cam.
Air springs is what it took to make my Excursion tow well (Red head steering gear probably helped some too). Now with the F250 I still have air springs but it tows significantly better than the Excursion ever did. All while using the same hitch.
I don't think you'd be disappointed in a new hitch, I just don't see it as the problem.
Had a guy approach me in the park as I was hooking up yesterday and he asked about my hitch, his was the ole friction style anti-sway and he hated it. For the $$$ I suggested the dual cam was the way to go.

Mar 29, 2019 | 07:27 PM

hstechteacher

Thread Starter

Cross-Country

Joined: Mar 2016

Posts: 75

Likes: 8

From: Northport, NY

DId IT

ok.. so i did it.. i got the hale mary pass up in the air!! Pro pride in the garage, hellwig rear bar, air ride bags , and i rhink i found an alignment shop to get me rhe 5 deg caster everyone is talking about..
step 1.. strip it down ..