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Old 01-15-2015, 08:30 AM   #21
ShinyPete
 
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2014 27' Flying Cloud
Bushnell , Florida
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I actually experienced the GM round hitch weakness on a rig in our past. We pulled a 2002 SunnyBrook Titan 31' 2 slide TT (1100lb hitch, 9800lb ish wet weight) with a 2003 4WD Chevy 2500HD extended cab Duramax. The coach had a Hensley hitch, and I could see the round hitch tube on that truck "torque" when you adjusted the Hensley for towing.

I swapped the hitch myself with a much beefier Class IV square tube bolt-on replacement hitch. I don't remember the brand but is was a well-known one, with like 1400lb tw /14,000lb gw ratings. No more twist/torque when dialed in for towing, and a big improvement in performance even on the Hensley. Man I wish I'd kept that truck.............
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Old 01-15-2015, 08:41 AM   #22
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When Overlander 63 (Terry) endorses something I have learned to listen. Although, I have had both the Hensley and now have a Pro Pride.

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Old 01-15-2015, 08:43 AM   #23
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ShinyPete View Post
I actually experienced the GM round hitch weakness on a rig in our past. We pulled a 2002 SunnyBrook Titan 31' 2 slide TT (1100lb hitch, 9800lb ish wet weight) with a 2003 4WD Chevy 2500HD extended cab Duramax. The coach had a Hensley hitch, and I could see the round hitch tube on that truck "torque" when you adjusted the Hensley for towing.

I swapped the hitch myself with a much beefier Class IV square tube bolt-on replacement hitch. I don't remember the brand but is was a well-known one, with like 1400lb tw /14,000lb gw ratings. No more twist/torque when dialed in for towing, and a big improvement in performance even on the Hensley. Man I wish I'd kept that truck.............
This thread reminded me that I needed to get rid of the round tube hitch on our 2003 Suburban 2500. I don't see any broken welds but with my luck they won't show up until it is too late to do anything about it. Just ordered a Curt Class V hitch.
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Old 01-15-2015, 10:49 AM   #24
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2003 25' Classic
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At the Chevy Store we were replacing hitches under warranty right up to my retiring in 2009.

This is the OEM unit installed on our 2006 2500 Suburban…
Made in Canada...



I replaced it with a Tow Beast V before towing the AS.


This is the new style in bumper ‘square’ tube on a 2007 Suburban.


Rear view of the same vehicle. Completely new design much improved.

Bob
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Old 01-15-2015, 12:18 PM   #25
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Robert, perhaps I wasn't clear. For the GMT900 SUVs, the square "frame member" receiver is the one where the receiver is BEHIND (Not below) the bumper, usually with a cover over it (can't remember the year it started, and it may have been a running change). I know both the Yukon XL and the Escalade I had were both HUGE rectangular receivers. The HD2500/3500 GMT900, all new chassis didn't start until 2011.
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Old 01-15-2015, 12:40 PM   #26
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I would like to try a PP just to verify the difference as we have been completely satisfied with our same EQ hitch on the last four TTs; however, we have always towed with a relatively heavy pickup truck and that might account for the lack of any perceived sway with the EQ. When the $$ are already expended on the EQ, it is hard to take the hit and come up with more $$ for a PP. The local AS dealer charged us $1k for EQ + install. Then we got it home and re-set everything. Fortunately, the propane line did not get pinched or rupture!

One caveat that resurfaces on here periodically is the hitching / unhitching issues for new PP owners; search, read, and decide on the PP for yourself. I know that I have hitched up with the EQ under a variety of adverse settings and never had an issue... do it by myself and generally takes about 3-4 minutes from beginning ...to safety chain -hooked -up end.
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Old 01-15-2015, 01:17 PM   #27
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Rich,

"the square "frame member" receiver is the one where the receiver is BEHIND (Not below) the bumper, usually with a cover over it (can't remember the year it started."

I think it started in 2007, (as pictured above), I remember 'cuz the hitch height changed drastically and a few customers wern't thrilled with having to get a new drop.
I believe the failure problem started around 2002 continued 'til at least 2006, going by the number of replacements we were still doing under warrantee in 2009.

I know ours was one I wouldn't trust any further than I could throw a potato chip.



Bob
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Old 01-15-2015, 01:39 PM   #28
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Ohhhh, were the two bottom pics NOT your vehicle? I seem to remember you had a white 800?
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Old 01-15-2015, 02:02 PM   #29
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My daughter and I installed the ProPride hitch in a few hours. Most of the time was spent figuring out how to place jacks and blocks just right to position the parts. The instructions are very clear, and Sean gives out his cell number and responds quickly to any questions.

Hitching up has never been an issue, once I figured out how to aim the PP trailer part correctly before I tried to get the TV stinger into it. I have been able to reliably hitch up even at extreme angles-- like when the AS was diagonally across a sloping driveway at almost 90 degrees to the street. Had to adjust the AS side of the hitch a bit with the WD bar jacks to get it just right, and fiddle the tinge jack a little as I approached. Went right in. Was more worried about tire scrub as I pulled out.

I like the updated ProPride design better than the Hensleys, but in any case I would not tie my 22' without it. Lull me, I still pay attention, I just don't have to worry about jackknife issues or the trailer trying to steer the Tacoma--to me that's well worth the money...


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Old 01-15-2015, 02:07 PM   #30
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SteveH View Post
Don't quite understand that because the Equal-I-zer brand of weight distribution hitch does not use chains. Did you possibly have an Easilift hitch?

It was a generic equalizing, Pro Series set up. It equalized the weight fairly well, but the friction sway control left a lot to be desired. If you changed the chain link in the lifting bars, you really needed to adjust the hitch ball angle as well. It did not work as well as It should have, the Hensley does all it was claimed to do.


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Old 01-16-2015, 05:47 AM   #31
"Cloudsplitter"

 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dznf0g View Post
Ohhhh, were the two bottom pics NOT your vehicle? I seem to remember you had a white 800?
'Yer right it's white...


The black 2007 was new on the lot. First year for that receiver.

Bob
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