Why I chose the PROPRIDE over the HENSLEY Arrow.

[@WhiteFox011]

OK, We own a Hensley Arrow hitch. We purchased it in 2007. We have towed 3 different RV's with our 2007 155"wb Chevrolet Express 1 ton van. We have not been real busy towing, as we have only 39K miles on the hitch and the rig. BUT in all of this time, we have experienced sway exactly 0 times. Yes there is a learning curve to hitching and unhitching an Hensley Arrow. The best situation for hitching and unhitching is on flat level ground, that if you are very fortunate, you have on your home trailer pad. But the Hensley has adjustments for most of the situations I have found myself in. As to using the stinger with all of our Rv;s not a problem. once we found that we had to rotate the stinger 180 to get the right hitch height, but other than that, no real issues. We have been towing trailers since about1979. With poor results we have tried several friction hitches to no avail. When we purchased our Hensley, it was after a lot of research. Hitching up our RV the first many times, was a chore, the Hensley stinger inserts much further into the hitch than the Pro Pride hitch, and the tolerances at the rear end of the stinger leave NO room for error. It is so tight, that the last inch of the stinger is left unpainted.At least that is what Hensley will tell you. Over the years I have destroyed 2 class 4 hitch receivers while towing. The last receiver I purchased was a class 5 receiver. I was hoping that this receiver would stand up to the torque of running down the road. Sadly the only difference between the class 4 receiver and the class 5 receive is the thickness of the plates that bolt to the tow rig's frame Within a year I was seeing the same damage to the class 5 receiver as I had seen in the class 4 receivers. I went to one of the local welding shops in our area and talked it over with the owner. We could both see and imagine the torque that the Hensley applies to the truck frame, and that something had to be done to reinforce the receiver.His fix was to mirror the end of the receiver to that of where the stinger slides into the hitch, and adding 4 wedges to the stinger , and wrapping a steel bar around the modification in the receiver. I suggested adding a large U-Bolt to pull the stinger into the receiver to fully seat the new wedges. He also machined the pin hole to fit as the hitch wore in. So far after about 10K miles I have seen no wear. Of course this modification is not supported by Hensley. But over years of towing and having to hitch and unhitch the Hensley in every angle imaginable, I have learned how to pitch the hitch left right, up, and down to account for the UN-level conditions. I never tow at much over 60 mph as that is the law where we have driven. And I am not at all sure that I would ever tow at 80 mph even if the road was posted for 80 mph. That is the Maximum safe speed for that road. Except when driving through heavily populated areas, we travel in the slow lane to let anyone wanting to go faster to fly right on by. Where we travel we call cars that do this, "BEAR BAIT", and they take on that job for free! And I just smile and wave when I see them pulled over to the side of the road by a car with red and blue lights on it. When we travel through a heavily traveled section of highway that has 3 lanes going each direction, I run in the middle lane as is suggested by signs along the highway, as this takes up out of the lane that has traffic leaving and entering the highway. I suppose the fact that we have had no sway issues in 39K miles of towing has brought the Hensley to be near and dear to my heart. The ProPride hitch looks inviting, but I can't justify spending that kind of money on a hitch that I might only be using for a relatively short. I am 76 after all! I hope that I have stated my thoughts in an understandable manner.

[@fantastiqueberliotz1209]

We owned a Hensley on our trailer. Actually, we bought the trailer second hand and it came with the Hensley. Lucky for us because we were complete newbies to trailer camping and towing and we definitely benefited from a hitch that prevented swaying. We just sold that camper after owning it for 8 years and I will say that we never had a single problem with the Hensley. Albeit, you are right about the paint. I does tend to fade and chip, but that hitch never failed us on the highway even at speeds of 75 mph. We're buying a new trailer so we just bought a new Hensley and the timing was right because right now they're sponsoring a sale ($300 off the $3475 hitch plus free shipping (big savings there). Hensley is also giving us nearly $200 in free upgrades and accessories due to the fact that we are repeat customers. They made me an offer I couldn't refuse 😶‍🌫so I had to go with it. 😉 That being said, I'd be interested in seeing an update on the ProRide after you've used it for a while. It looks like a well made hitch and if it stands the test of time and use, it would be good to know. Nice video. Thank you for taking the time to make it. 👍

[@maryrinkevich9275]

Finally! Someone doing a hitch review without being sponsored! Thank you!

[@kckettridge]

When we had our bumper pull trailers, I went with the ProPride hitch for many of the same reasons as you did. The only issue I had was the "U Bolts" pitching in when you tightened them on installation; which you mentioned so I just welded them onto the tongue and eliminated the "U Bolts" all together. I am happy to hear they have addressed this issue on the current version though. Sean was great to work with and answered all of my questions before and after the sale. If we ever went back with a bumper pull trailer again (we currently have a 5th wheel), I would have no reservations about purchasing another ProPride.

[@guillermosierra6693]

I agree they both do what they claim of no sway. It just a choice of preference. Each are going to have flaws, neither is perfect. I’ve had my Hensley hitch for about 4 years and have no paint fading and has worked perfectly. Hensley has been around WAY longer that Propride. A lot of those hitches have been on the road while Sean the founder of Propride, worked at Hensley. Just like an older car, the paint doesn’t look like it was when it was new, but it’s just paint. They come with a lifetime warranty. I also was on the table between the two. But after talking to Sean, all he did was bash the Hensley. All he could say was “his was an improved version” and didn’t offer me a competitive price. So I decided on the Hensley. Best decision I ever made! But I do say these are the best designs on the market. You won’t regret getting either one of these.👍👍

[@jimwinger5578]

Thanks for the review. I've had a Hensley since 2007. It has had a couple of wear problems but nothing serious. The key to me in both of these units is NO SWAY!! I've used 5 different setups and these types are the BEST!

[@JoseRivera-ut7gv]

Nice video. Very clear and precise.

[@EatCampShootRide]

I bought a Hensley because I got a hell of a deal and I've been pretty satisfied with it. However, I do appreciate your comparison as this is good information.

[@nomansland4811]

Being able to lower the tailgate is Huge in my book.

[@thomasnunley8771]

Actually Hensley the designer of the original Hensley Arrow let Hensley and went to work with Propride and licensed them to use his original patents. He also made improvements to his original design while he was at Propride. Juyst some interesting facts.

[@chomp54321]

Thanks a lot for the video. I am interested in the ProPride hitch but also wonder how it compares with the Hensley, so I'm glad that I found you video. I have watched ProPride's installation videos. In one of them, it was mentioned that as a regular maintenance item, the hitch ball should be re-greased every year. Are you aware of this maintenance item? If you do re-grease the hitch ball, how do you go about doing it? I'm hoping it is as simple as unlock the coupler and raise the tongue jack while the hitch is connected to the truck.

[@Midwestcamperguy]

Yes it should be done, but in my opinion depends on use. Obviously more miles it should be done more. The hitch head can be dropped with a few bolts undone pretty easily. Some guys drill the coupler and put a zurk bulb on it so you never have to drop the hitch.

[@TheMonkdad]

From my research pro pride is the same company as Hensley. Jim Hensley invented both. I own both on 2 different trailers. Pro pride is new to me as is the trailer it’s attached to. I need to learn how to properly adjust it before I comment on which I like better.

[@Midwestcamperguy]

They are not the same company…the link is Jim Hensley designed the original concept and licensed it to be sold by Hensley Manufacturing . He continued to improve the design and HMG did not want to change the hitch so he cut ties and licensed the improved design to Sean Woodruff who started ProPride. Sean was at HMG previously. Sean embraced the improvements working with the Hensley family and continued to improve and innovate the hitch. So yes same origin but most certainly not the same companies.

[@jeffstewart3170]

I used a Hensley for years, worked perfectly, no complaints. All the pictures you have online are of old Hensley's, rusted, etc. I think they have improved the quality on newer units. I would be willing to use Propride too, I think both are excellent.

[@Knuckledragnation]

With all due respect sir I believe the Hensley and ProPride hitches are all Hensley-style, and are all designed by Jim Hensley himself. Likewise, the Hensley Cub and Arrow and the ProPride 3P all use the same basic converging linkage, pivot point projection, and sway-eliminating design. As the story goes Mr. Hensley initially took his improvements to Hensley Manufacturing, but they weren’t interested in licensing them. However, ProPride was willing to not only license the new design but also manufacture and sell it as the ProPride 3P (with “3P” standing for “Pivot Point Projection”). It’s my humble opinion that the original Hensley Hitch is a good hitch it’s just that with the improvements made to it in the form of the ProPride have made the 3P into a great hitch. Especially when comparing the Hensley and the ProPride to other hitches out on the market. Both are a step up in my opinion regardless of which one you choose. ✌🏽

[@michaelgarza1145]

what is your current setup ( camper and type of F150)? What is the payload on your truck? How much does the Pro Pride weigh? How much does it take away from the payload?

[@Midwestcamperguy]

Camper is a grand design 2400bh with a 750# loaded tw. The f150 is a 2021 lariat with the max towing package. Payload if 1750. The 3P weights about 190#, however it adds length to the distance between the truck and trailer axles thus helps offset some of that added weight. Check my videos for one showing the weight of the ProPride on my camper.

[@betterwithrum]

Can I still use a ProPride if my tow vehicle does not allow weight distribution?

[@Midwestcamperguy]

Yes I believe so because unlike many friction hitches, the 3p does not require the force on the bars to be applied to reduce movement. However talk with ProPride to be sure. Also I am not sure what you mean by “not allowed”. I assume you have a unibody vehicle?

[@betterwithrum]

@@Midwestcamperguy Ok thanks! Yup, exactly. I have a Audi Q7, the manual and I called Audi of North America and they explained in great detail that applying weight distribution bars to the SUV while towing would absolutely damage the subframe. The Q7 is a unibody design. I want a truck for towing in the future, it just isn't in the cards right now with the cost of trucks currently.

[@Midwestcamperguy]

@@betterwithrum you will need a pretty small camper for a Q7 to control it. Many of those also have a 500# tw or less, so that’s a big limiter. I would look at an Andersen No Sway hitch instead of a ProPride.

[@dannylayton1106]

Good info but why did Exxon Mobil choose Hensley Hitch over Propride for all their heavy weighted disaster response trailers? I figure they are better equipped to make better choices. Just saying

[@Midwestcamperguy]

Probably because they didn’t have this handy video to show them the differences. Just because they chose something doesn’t make something better or the information untrue. I am sure they are also better outfitted to fix the broken parts and welds when they happen vs me.

[@SeanWoodruff]

@@Midwestcamperguy they clearly didn't do their research. 😀

[@benztech2262]

They probably got a quantity discount. I didn’t know Jim Hensley had made a second improved hitch until today. Maybe they didn’t either.

[@schoolbus27]

Where did you get that over the hitch bike rack!? I was thinking about doing something like that.

[@davemilster]

I just installed the latest propride system. The manual is extensive if not intimidating. But it’s lacking on the stinger alignment. Using the two washers recommended pointed the stinger downward making it impossible to shove into hitch box. I’m thinking I need to make the stinger perfectly parallel to the ground then adjust the jacks accordingly. Am I right on this???

[@HuggyBearHikes]

It's meant to angle down slightly...when you lower the weight distribution Jack's down all the way the hitch box will angle up to match the angle of the stinger....mine lines up all the time

[@chadweirick]

I tend to like the propride but my torque t281 is right at its limit unloaded. 1330 lbs vs max of 1400. Any word if there might be a propride going up to maybe 1500+ lbs ?

[@Midwestcamperguy]

Contact them. I know they have put it on some heavy rigs. The 1400# rating is for the bars, but I believe the hitch itself tests out much higher. I assume you have a 2500 or 3500 truck pulling it, in which case the weight distribution is not as critical as sway control. Contact Sean and he can get something figured out for you.

[@chadweirick]

@@Midwestcamperguy yeah a new 2500. The diesel version with the right config is crazy with 3400lbs of payload and 18k towing. Just nuts. When I was a kid 1 ton meant 1 ton! These new half tons do that when configured right. Just bonkers how my engineering is out there. Thanks I’ll contact them.

[@livingindetroitmetro-shawn9895]

Just stumbled on your video, you mentioned you had a video about what happened with your Silverado..can you post a link to it?

[@MajTom-wd2yt]

0:30...an opinion 17yrs with the Arrow, (0:45 that's our 25' Classic with the Arrow), our opinion, it's the 'best'....for us.

[@CoreyThilges]

Good information and go Cyclones!

[@Prabagosatx]

Would you recommend this hitch for a 2017 Lincoln Navigator pulling a 2022 grand design transcend 265BH? I'm currently using a blue ox weight distribution hitch and seem to be stuck going no more than 55 MPH due to sway. Mind you we never load anything in the camper and drain all fluids before we tow, even the water heater which is only 6 gallons. Your advice would be greatly appreciated

[@Midwestcamperguy]

The issue you are facing is a long trailer with a short wheelbase SUV, at least I assume your Navigator is the short wheelbase. It also has an independent rear suspension if I recall which is nice for a smooth ride, but not the greatest at a towing platform. That combination makes things far more unstable and any wind or large trucks will certainly have a negative impact on the feel. With that said the hitch will certainly greatly improve that and give your truck a much better fighting chance, especially over the blueox. I have not personally used that hitch, but I have read more mixed reviews about that one that most other main stream hitch. With that being said, your are still asking the hitch to over compensate for a lot given the reasons above. It will definitely help no doubt, but I would also caution not to set unrealistically high expectations on it because of the tow vehicle. The nice thing is they have a great return policy so give it a try, and if it doesn’t fix your issues they will take it back within 90 days I believe.

[@schoolbus27]

Probagostatx you're describing how things feel in my 2016 Yukon XL (Long wheelbase) pulling the same trailer. In many conditions it's great but when the wind picks up or there are lots of semis its less fun. I just bought a ProPride but haven't installed it or used it yet. I'll try to remember to comment on this vid once I have some data. Based on what others have said, including a Yukon owner with similar trailer, it makes a night/day difference to the handling.

[@EGGINFOOLS]

You're Lincoln is way more than capable to pull that trailer. Especially since it's only a 26ft. You'll have zero issues with that combo

[@schoolbus27]

Following up, I now have the ProPride installed and tested it in 20-30mph cross and headwinds. The thing rocks! You still have to obey the laws of physics, you feel the wind, but it does not have you turning the wheel to the 3:00 and 9:00 position to stay straight in your lane. If you can afford it, you won't regret the 3P.

[@schoolbus27]

@@EGGINFOOLS the number is deceiving on that trailer. Its actually 33' long. I miss the days when the numbers actually meant something... :(

[@johntaylor4809]

There is not a f150 made that will out tow a f250, you must be insane.

[@Midwestcamperguy]

You must be mistaken…no where did I say an f150 can out tow an f250. I said the improvement was marginal and the trade offs/rough ride and other things made me not like the f250.

[@molonlabe287]

A lot of these idiots making comments like these have never towed with a gen 2 or 3 Ecoboost either especially with a tune. My wife drives a new 250 just because she loves the truck and she got it from her dad that recently passed, but we pull our 35 ft travel trailer with my Eco. It gets better mileage towing and I can literally lay back in the seat and drive all day with 2 or 3 fingers on the wheel with 0 stress. And the best part, set the cruise at 75-80 and never downshifts up the mountains, you just watch the boost go up like a diesel and maintains speed. 0 stress.

[@alexford5214]

Wow... Biased much? Let's see a ProPride in 20 years of use. Lately all Ive seen are the number of broken welds from PP hitches on dedicated FB pages. Pretty welds don't translate to functional welds. About the only area I agree with you is the adjustable stinger and Im told Hensely now makes them too. My number one reason to get the Hensley hitch is the Cub. PP doesn't have one that's dedicated to smaller campers and even if they show that, the price is way to much, for someone buying a 20-30K camper versus a 70-140K Airstream. Need to make the smaller stuff affordable

[@Midwestcamperguy]

Don't confuse being bias with facts. ProPride is nearing 20 years. For every 1 3P failure you can find 20 Hensley. I am not suggesting they are perfect. What is interesting about their adjustable hitch bar is they claimed for years it was a weak point and the 3P was bad because of it. Now they offer one...and to my understanding it is not even as adjustable as the 3P (thought I saw it didn't use washers, but I could be wrong) The club hits a market that I feel many standard friction hitches can still cover and perform well, but do agree it is still better than a friction hitch. I do fail to see your logic in how the price of the camper should dictate the cost of the hitch somehow. a $20k rig pivots on a ball and collects wind the same as the Airstream. Actually, worse than the Airstream.

[@alexford5214]

@@Midwestcamperguy - Thanks for the response. On the last point, its simple economics- it's harder to get someone to buy a 3K hitch when their budget for a camper is 30K versus 100K. Regardless of the affects being greater- tell someone they need a WDH (New customer to RVs) and they will always chose the cheapest. Most buy what the RV dealer sells. I know the benefit of having control seeing my camper will be roughly the same weight as my TV and the single axle means a blow out would be catastrophic, without a Hensley. My last TT was a Lance 2295 and the TW was over 1200 lbs stock and that's why you don't see many of them. That being said, it towed like a dream, with the axles so far back. Almost not needing a WDH for my F-250, but I got the Anderson and it worked for the most part, with a small issue that the friction material in their "cone"/ ball hitch was coming out, again due to the high hitch weight. To their credit, they overnighted a new one, to my campsite. All I will say is you chose to show really ragged out hitches from Hensley and showed nearly perfect for PP3. Powder coats are all going to fail and some just don't care if their hitches look "pretty". Making an assumption that it's 20:1 failure is a bit of a stretch. It's something you cannot validate and a simple look at the FB pages devoted to unbiased reviews of both brands, show an equal number of damaged hitches. What is noticed is the fact that most (not all) are new owners that haven't had an RV before. Im willing to bet that a great deal of failures are attributed to incorrect installation and improper running. I will stand by my decision to buy the Cub, over the PP3, based on the fact I saved well over $1500. That's give me money to spend elsewhere like GY Endurance tires, Airlift 1000 airbags and Redarc brake controller. Take care

[@Midwestcamperguy]

@@alexford5214I understood your point in economics and I completely agree. My point was obviously they still sway, and to your point it’s probably someone new to towing so even worse. I personally thing $4k on a new one is quite steep, mine (I have purchased 2 over the years) were in the 2k range. At the time of my research, the Facebook groups were not a big thing but rather forums. Mainly the airstream forms because, well to your point, those buyers could afford them. My photo selection was what I saved at the time…not selected. Funny thing is some of those are actually from their website. I purchased my hitches, I spoke with both companies prior, and made a video on why I chose what I did. I spent better part of a year researching prior to spending the money. I tried several hitches first even. I can’t speak to any new failures as I don’t have them…we moved to fifth wheels 2 years ago almost. I am happy you like your cub and as said before, a perfect match for your needs. Towing with a Hensley is still better than any other friction hitch out there. My mother has an Andersen other smaller tt and it’s not the best. Someday I’ll review it also.

[@tjtrent2351]

Bruh………..

[@braddurham145]

Here a idea buy a bigger truck and you don’t need this stuff

[@Midwestcamperguy]

True, but what if someone doesn’t want all of the cost, bad ride, size, and headaches a big truck can offer? Or what if a big truck doesn’t stop trailer movement, which it of course does not.