Pro Pride unhappiness

[Echelon73]

Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS

FWIW.....you don't adjust the WD for "ride quality", you adjust to transfer the needed weight to the TV steering axle, if done properly the quality will be there.

"Dialed in" works better with weights,(first choice) or measurements.

Bob

Agreed. I did mine with measurements at the wheel wells, but I found that after getting the measurements correct and getting everything leveled out, small adjustments didn't seem to change the leveling of the truck a measureable amount but sure changed the ride quality.

Weighing may be beneficial as a reference point, but we are packed different for each trip so my weights will vary from trip to trip. I just decided for my purposes (not a full time camper) measuring is adequate.

[RVDreamer]

9" sounds way to high to me as well. My jacks are about 6.5" in height. I have an F-250 and a Serenity 27FB. I am using the 1400 lb bars recommended by Sean.
There is a learning curve for using the PP hitch but once you get it down, it is very fast and easy.
Like others have said, the key is getting the receiver to not only be at the same height as the Stinger but to also have the Stinger and receiver in the same plane. The receiver angle can be changed by adjusting the jack height.
Another tip is when unhitching; make sure the WD bars are relaxed completely (this can be checked by lightly kicking the bars, they should wobble freely). Don't touch the jack adjustment again. Then when you go to hitch back up, only adjust the hitch height and the stinger will slide right in with ease. The Jacks will be set so that the receiver is on the same plane with the stinger just like when you unhitched.

[ROBERT CROSS]

"Echelon73"

....small adjustments didn't seem to change the leveling of the truck a measureable amount but sure changed the ride quality."

Then.....I'll guess your using 1400lb WD bars?

Bob

[Echelon73]

That is correct. I have the 1400lb bars.

[jwp]

Originally Posted by Ohiobrits

The AS tongue weight has been reduced by about 150lbs. .

How did you do that and/or verify it? Does the Cayenne have PDCC?

I should weigh with my LR3 empty/stripped down of all outing gear to see what it's axle weights are because loaded for a trip it's at 8000 lbs which is already over GVWR before hooking up a trailer.

I have much higher rated tires than you do though, for whatever that's worth

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by Echelon73

That is correct. I have the 1400lb bars.

1000 or 1400?

I started with 1400lb bars, changed to 1000lb, I'm able to transfer 840lbs with a much better ride using the 1000. I've found the stiffer the bar the harsher the ride.

Bob

[dkottum]

Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS

1000 or 1400?

I started with 1400lb bars, changed to 1000lb, I'm able to transfer 840lbs with a much better ride using the 1000. I've found the stiffer the bar the harsher the ride.

Bob

Perhaps Andy from Inland RV's advice applies here; the lighter rated the truck, the heavier the w.d. bar required. I won't try to understand or explain this logic but he has set up many towing combinations over the years in his Airstream repair and supply business.

Bob, you have a 3/4 ton Suburban and carry very heavy loads when Airstreaming with your Hensley hitch. Echelon73 has a 1/2 ton (F150). Sean from ProPride has suggested the need for 1400# w.d. bars with 1/2 ton trucks, including our own Ram 1500. I'm not sure we would get the weight transfer we need with 1000# bars, but the 1400# bars do and the ride is very good.

I'm not sure that harshness of ride is the O.P.'s complaint, sounds more like a bouncing or porpoising that is making them unhappy. And that sounds like a hitch adjustment or load balance problem in the truck and/or trailer. Heavy loads should be concentrated over the axles of the Airstream and forward of the rear axle of the truck.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Doug,

It's mostly conjecture, as no weights were proffered.

I totally agree... 73's concern is related to weight placement/hitch adjustment.

As far as our Burb goes...long WB, relatively soft suspension for a '3/4'=1000lb WD bars.

Correction on a previous post....my receiver load with WD set is 840lbs, I'm transferring 660lbs forward & 160 back with the 1k bars.......my bad.

Bob

[SteveSueMac]

Doug - as an FYI - Sean also recommended the 1400# bars for my setup which is a 3/4 ton diesel. I went with the 1000# bars and am having the 1400s installed at Colonial later this year.

[Ohiobrits]

Originally Posted by jwp

How did you do that and/or verify it? Does the Cayenne have PDCC?

I should weigh with my LR3 empty/stripped down of all outing gear to see what it's axle weights are because loaded for a trip it's at 8000 lbs which is already over GVWR before hooking up a trailer.

I have much higher rated tires than you do though, for whatever that's worth

jwp, I replaced the lead acid batteries with AGM's and moved them to the rear of the AS with the inverter, deleted the AS spare, upgraded the AS tires to Michelin LT's and store a full size spare for my Cayenne under the dinette when towing. I have a thread on here describing what I did. Weights were checked with a Sherline and verified on the scales. The tongue was down from 900 lbs to 650 with an Eaz-Lift. It's now around 750 with the ProPride. Caution - my tongue weight was below 10%, not recommended unless you have a Hensley or ProPride to ensure you do not have sway issues.

If you are really over your GVWR without your AS hitched I would suggest an alternate TV........or putting your LR3 on a serious diet...! Going a bit over GVWR is probably OK (although I would not recommend it), but 700 or 800lbs is probably a very bad idea. Be safe.

[rodsterinfl]

I spoke with Sean when I got the PP and with my 1000# tongue weight he told me to get the 1400# bars, that, you never want to be at the max of the bars.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by rodsterinfl

I spoke with Sean when I got the PP and with my 1000# tongue weight he told me to get the 1400# bars, that, you never want to be at the max of the bars.

Rod,

1400 on a 1/2 ton p/u, what am I missing?

How much of that 1000lb TW are you moving?...I move 820 from an un-hitched TW of 1200lbs Hope I'm ok....

Why 1400 for the PP?

Maybe it's 'cuz it's so much stronger than the HaHa.

Bob

[BAB]

Like Gary Haynes....I am towing a '15 Classic with a '2500 -- though mine's a '14 Ram w/Cummins. I've towed my new trailer about 10,000 miles now, and while we do obviously have different set-ups, I cannot even begin to imagine 9" on the jacks. I'm good anywhere between 5-6" depending on how fully I'm loaded (which tends to be pretty heavy). I do know that if I have more torsion moved forward it has a drastic impact on the ride in the truck. Hope you can get this dialed in correctly so you can enjoy the PP.

[switz]

I wonder how many washers the OP installed in the hitch head? No washers would require a lot more travel on the bars. See Step 5 on page 6 of the installation instructions.

I put all the washers that came plus one and that works for me. Changing the four Lifeline 6CT GSM batteries and stainless steel enclosure (around 450 pounds) mounted immediately behind the propane tanks for a lithium iron phosphate battery (about 175 pounds) mounted inside under the sofa changed my measurement from 6" to 5.0 to 5.5" depending on what is in the truck bed.

[bw2315]

Just to close the loop I have to report that after trying for several frustrating days and talking with Sean a couple more times I just could not get the hang of hitching and adjusting the Propride. So I have taken it off and reinstalled my Equalizer. Thanks again for all your help.
BTW in response to one question I had started with two washers installed and also tried it with all four.

[SteveSueMac]

Sorry you had such frustrations with it.

Safe and happy travels to you.

[dkottum]

Originally Posted by bw2315

Just to close the loop I have to report that after trying for several frustrating days and talking with Sean a couple more times I just could not get the hang of hitching and adjusting the Propride. So I have taken it off and reinstalled my Equalizer. Thanks again for all your help.
BTW in response to one question I had started with two washers installed and also tried it with all four.

All this happened the last two days?

[silverlabs]

I guess now that it has been taken off this may be too late to ask for, but do you have some pictures of your setup that you can share? There has to be something that is off that in these discussions is not coming out. The adjustable shank may be too high/low or something. As many folks that have posted about the ProPride in the Unofficial ProPride thread and the many others on this forum there should be an answer to the issue. So many pull with an F150 and experience far superior ride and sway control over some of the other hitches, there should be an answer and without seeing the actual setup, hard to resolve.

Wish you the best in safe travels with whichever hitch setup you go with. Sorry we couldn't have been of more help.

Chuck

[ghaynes755]

My post#2 asked for photos. For others that ever need help photos/videos can really speed up the trouble shooting process. As Chuck hit it on the head. Lots of folks can help but the group needs lots of information and as is said a picture is a 1000 words.

[Daquenzer]

So I have an 2020 F150, and I go to about 8.5” with my 28RB. I also have a roadmaster suspension system which dampens the porpoising. I think if you have a 3/4 ton you don’t need as much height on the jacks. But I’ve found my ride and handling is really great at 8.5”.

A friend of mine just got a Propride for his SOB. He loves it. Way better handling and control.

Something must not be right. Sorry you had your troubles with it.