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03-16-2012, 10:19 AM
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#1
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1 Rivet Member
2005 30' Classic S/O
la mesa
, California
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 7
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Pro Pride or Hensley with F350 4X4 Crew Cab
Am considering one of the two hitches. I tow a 30' Classic Limited Slide. Which hitch do you recommend and what weight torsion bars? Any help would be appreciated. Don't want to tear apart trailer!
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03-16-2012, 10:35 AM
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#2
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Rivet Master
Airstream Dealer
Corona
, California
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 16,497
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Quote:
Originally Posted by vetdr
Am considering one of the two hitches. I tow a 30' Classic Limited Slide. Which hitch do you recommend and what weight torsion bars? Any help would be appreciated. Don't want to tear apart trailer!
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Both of those hitches are good products.
However, the smallest bar rating they have, will be extra heavy duty, in your case, because you already have a super heavy duty tow vehicle.
At best, a Reese dual cam 800 pound hitch would do a very good job for you.
Andy
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03-16-2012, 10:44 AM
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#3
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ProPride Industries, Inc.
Commercial Member
Holly
, MI
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 642
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Inland RV Center, In
Both of those hitches are good products.
However, the smallest bar rating they have, will be extra heavy duty, in your case, because you already have a super heavy duty tow vehicle.
At best, a Reese dual cam 800 pound hitch would do a very good job for you.
Andy
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A 600# bar would be extra heavy duty? Really?
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vetdr - there are plenty of customers who have towed with both. Check out this thread - http://www.airforums.com/forums/f464...ide-57179.html
Also, there are reviews on the 3P product page from customers who have had the Arrow and the 3P.
Finally, there is a ProPride Blog post from a customer with a 28' Airstream and an F150 who has had both the Arrow and the 3P.
__________________
ProPride Hitch
"The Most Advanced Generation in Trailer Sway Elimination"
Holly, MI
Tu ne cede malis
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03-16-2012, 10:48 AM
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#4
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Vintage Kin
Fort Worth
, Texas
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 8,014
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Quote:
Originally Posted by vetdr
Am considering one of the two hitches. I tow a 30' Classic Limited Slide. Which hitch do you recommend and what weight torsion bars? Any help would be appreciated. Don't want to tear apart trailer!
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Look up contributor 2Airishuman's detailed thread on the ProPride and enjoy the long read. He switched from an Arrow (as will I) since the design improvements distinctly affect WD adjustments. (There will also be a benefit to reading his earlier thread -- "CAT Scale" -- to see how some of the discussions/arguments around hitch rigging for an A/S are formed).
You'll also want to read his comments about the Ford brake control system as it actually works, plus one would be well-advised to read on trailer disc brakes from this contributor.
That's a trailer with a heavy TW, IIRC, so the preparation to make a VPP hitch work best also coincides with best WD adjustments (as with any hitch).
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f464...ide-57179.html
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f463...ams-72455.html
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03-16-2012, 10:49 AM
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#5
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Retired.
Currently Looking...
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, At Large
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 21,276
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Bear in mind those bars will transfer UP TO the weight specified. You don't need to crank 'em down until they scream for mercy to get the effect you need.
__________________
Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy, and taste good with ketchup.
Terry
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03-16-2012, 10:56 AM
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#6
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Rivet Master
2005 39' Land Yacht 390 XL 396
Common Sense
, Texas
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 5,319
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vetdr,
Although not exactly the rig you have, I do have a simular rig and towing with a ProPride hitch and am totally happy with the setup. I have a '10 31' Classic and a 3/4 ton GMC Crew Cab pickup, and using the 1000 pound bars.
I would suggest to you to use whatever bars are recommended to you by the manufacturer of the hitch you decide to purchase.
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03-16-2012, 11:05 AM
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#7
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Rivet Master
2007 30' Classic
Oswego
, Illinois
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 13,669
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Quote:
Originally Posted by overlander63
Bear in mind those bars will transfer UP TO the weight specified. You don't need to crank 'em down until they scream for mercy to get the effect you need.
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Can you verify that? I have asked 2 different hitch manufacturers whether their ratings mean:
1) the bars (pair) are capable of rated force being applied to the bar before overloading the bar.
2) will handle a trailer tongue weight at the rated figure per pair.
There is a big difference in the two in our never ending question of proper bar "stiffness".
Neither could answer the question.
Sean, I never asked you.....what say you?
__________________
-Rich-
"If the women don't find you handsome, they should at least find you handy." - Red Green
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03-16-2012, 11:28 AM
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#8
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ProPride Industries, Inc.
Commercial Member
Holly
, MI
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 642
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dznf0g
Can you verify that? I have asked 2 different hitch manufacturers whether their ratings mean:
1) the bars (pair) are capable of rated force being applied to the bar before overloading the bar.
2) will handle a trailer tongue weight at the rated figure per pair.
There is a big difference in the two in our never ending question of proper bar "stiffness".
Neither could answer the question.
Sean, I never asked you.....what say you?
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The bars are rated as a pair. They are capable of distributing weight UP TO that tongue weight rating.
A 1000# rated system does not distribute 1000#. If the tow vehicle steer axle is unloaded by 400# you will not be able to replace that weight with an 800# or 600# bar.
The 3P and Arrow hitch WILL handle the tongue weight at the rated bar. They "may" handle the tongue weight at a lower rated bar but the bars WILL have to be jacked up more than the properly rated bar.
__________________
ProPride Hitch
"The Most Advanced Generation in Trailer Sway Elimination"
Holly, MI
Tu ne cede malis
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03-16-2012, 11:35 AM
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#9
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Vintage Kin
Fort Worth
, Texas
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 8,014
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It's all about using a certified weight scale, and not relying on guessing. Once hitched well (and tire pressures perfected; plus aligned & balanced wheels/tires) then questions about weight bar rating take on their import.
Stay with recommendations on how to do it (manufacturer) and then work with the more experienced around here to get it the way you want it. Experience with ones rig means records, and records means numbers. Floundering around (lack of hitch rigging numbers) is just a prescription for headaches.
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03-16-2012, 11:39 AM
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#10
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Rivet Master
2007 30' Classic
Oswego
, Illinois
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 13,669
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This still really bugs me!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sean Woodruff
The bars are rated as a pair. They are capable of distributing weight UP TO that tongue weight rating.
So a pair of 1000# bars are capable of distributing 1000#s? Also, why then, do we continue to see recommendations for 1400# bars for a trailer rated at 1000# tongue weight max?
A 1000# rated system does not distribute 1000#. If the tow vehicle steer axle is unloaded by 400# you will not be able to replace that weight with an 800# or 600# bar.
Seems to be inconsistent rating methodology among manufacturers. My 800# Reese bars "handle" my 1000# rated tongue load max, just fine, and with room to spare. They're only flexed about 1.5" with a proper WD per scales.
The 3P and Arrow hitch WILL handle the tongue weight at the rated bar. They "may" handle the tongue weight at a lower rated bar but the bars WILL have to be jacked up more than the properly rated bar.
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Paragraph 3 contradicts paragraph 2
This is the same unclear answers I got from Reese and Eq. Why no industry standard and test methodology. No two mfrs bars which carry the same rating, behave anything alike on the same rig.
I have now tried EQ (1000#) and Reese (800#) and soon will try Hensley (not sure what bars...bought used...pick up tomorrow)
__________________
-Rich-
"If the women don't find you handsome, they should at least find you handy." - Red Green
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03-16-2012, 11:47 AM
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#11
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ProPride Industries, Inc.
Commercial Member
Holly
, MI
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 642
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dznf0g
This still really bugs me!
Paragraph 3 contradicts paragraph 2
This is the same unclear answers I got from Reese and Eq. Why no industry standard and test methodology. No two mfrs bars which carry the same rating, behave anything alike on the same rig.
I have now tried EQ (1000#) and Reese (800#) and soon will try Hensley (not sure what bars...bought used...pick up tomorrow)
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I'm with you... once I read it -
NO a 1000# bar DOES NOT distribute 1000#. If the tongue weight is 1000# it will distribute enough weight to reload the front axle of the tow vehicle. That may only be 300#. I've never completely maxed out a bar and weighed the front axle because that isn't realistic. I don't think I'd be able to get more than 400-500# of a 1000# tongue weight shifted to the front axle with a 1000# bar.
It would probably REALLY bother you to know that the same bars I purchase and rate at 1000# are sold rated at 1200# by two other brands. Same bar. Same bar manufacturer.
But, don't REALLY let it bother you. Just get the front axle loaded properly with whichever bar you need to do that with your tow vehicle.
__________________
ProPride Hitch
"The Most Advanced Generation in Trailer Sway Elimination"
Holly, MI
Tu ne cede malis
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03-16-2012, 11:52 AM
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#12
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Vintage Kin
Fort Worth
, Texas
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 8,014
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. . get the front axle loaded properly with whichever bar you need to do that with your tow vehicle.
Just the facts, ma'am (certified scale readings)
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03-16-2012, 12:18 PM
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#13
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Rivet Master
2007 30' Classic
Oswego
, Illinois
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 13,669
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Quote:
Originally Posted by REDNAX
. . get the front axle loaded properly with whichever bar you need to do that with your tow vehicle.
Just the facts, ma'am (certified scale readings)
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Well, that goes without saying....BUT....getting the flexibility and ride characteristics WITH proper WD per scales is heavily dependent upon bar selection within a particular manufacturer and is not consistent among manufacturers. That's my only point. I just get tired of having to guess..and buying more bars.
We otta have a swap area for stuff like that on the forum.
__________________
-Rich-
"If the women don't find you handsome, they should at least find you handy." - Red Green
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03-16-2012, 12:24 PM
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#14
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Rivet Master
2005 39' Land Yacht 390 XL 396
Common Sense
, Texas
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 5,319
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dznf0g
Well, that goes without saying....BUT....getting the flexibility and ride characteristics WITH proper WD per scales is heavily dependent upon bar selection within a particular manufacturer and is not consistent among manufacturers. That's my only point. I just get tired of having to guess..and buying more bars.
We otta have a swap area for stuff like that on the forum.
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Oh no! Now you are insinuating that different manufacturer/style of bars distribute different amounts of weight????? And then, possibly some are more flexible than others???????? Oh the horror!
I do like the swap area idea.
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03-16-2012, 12:44 PM
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#15
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Rivet Master
Airstream Dealer
Corona
, California
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 16,497
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SteveH
Oh no! Now you are insinuating that different manufacturer/style of bars distribute different amounts of weight????? And then, possibly some are more flexible than others???????? Oh the horror!
I do like the swap area idea.
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Different brands of torsion bars, certainly have a different amount of bend occuring, for the same amount of impressed weight.
That also demonstrates the relative resiliance for the same amount of loading.
The Hitch Torsion Bar Story
Andy
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03-16-2012, 01:04 PM
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#16
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Rivet Master
2007 30' Classic
Oswego
, Illinois
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 13,669
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SteveH
Oh no! Now you are insinuating that different manufacturer/style of bars distribute different amounts of weight????? And then, possibly some are more flexible than others???????? Oh the horror!
I do like the swap area idea.
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Mods! How 'bout a swap area? No cash...just swapping parts.
Well, Steve. They ALL distribute the same weight on MY setup....they just do it with differing deflections, flexibility and "suppleness". (How's that for a new technical term? Supplenessssssssssss.....)
__________________
-Rich-
"If the women don't find you handsome, they should at least find you handy." - Red Green
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03-16-2012, 01:12 PM
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#17
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Rivet Master
1997 34' Limited
1970 27' Overlander
South of Atlanta
, Georgia
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,709
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Back to the original question.......
I love my Pro Pride hitch.
__________________
Craig and Carol
1997 34' Excella 1000
1970 27' Overlander, International
2009 Ford F150 5.4L
ProPride hitch with 1400# bars
AIR 41028
TAC GA-8
WBCCI 10199
Past President Southeastern Camping Unit (12)
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03-16-2012, 01:22 PM
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#18
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Rivet Master
2007 30' Classic
Oswego
, Illinois
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 13,669
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Yeah, sorry 'bout the hyjack! I was just thinking about that.
I haven't towed with either yet, but have been studying hard because of the deal I found for a used Hensley. I think most folks say they perform equally.
PP costs less and I have found I have a "real estate" problem with the HAHA. The frame brackets sit back so far and are so long that I think I'm going to have an interference issue with the Arvika bike rack. The PP has a small jack bracket and the struts are really short with the yoke style.
No drilling required for the PP.
If I were buying new, I think PP has the nod.
__________________
-Rich-
"If the women don't find you handsome, they should at least find you handy." - Red Green
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03-16-2012, 01:35 PM
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#19
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Rivet Master
2007 30' Classic
Oswego
, Illinois
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 13,669
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Oh, yeah, I forgot about the adjustable hitch bar for PP as well.
__________________
-Rich-
"If the women don't find you handsome, they should at least find you handy." - Red Green
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03-16-2012, 01:39 PM
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#20
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Rivet Master
2009 27' FB Flying Cloud
1982 31' International
1991 35' Airstream 350
Jay
, Oklahoma
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,706
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Another viewpoint.
If not tearing apart the trailer is the goal, perhaps another approach deserves consideration.
A “one ton” truck from any vendor is capable of safely towing a trailer of the stated size with out any weight distribution.
The Hensley and the Pro Pride are both marketed to “eliminate sway”, while providing some degree of weight distribution. Neither claim to help in absorbing the impacts transferred to the trailer from the rougher ride of a “one ton” truck.
A mechanism like the Air Safe hitch, or something similar, is designed to soften the ride of the trailer while allowing for some weight distribution and any amount of sway control.
I am not affiliated with any hitch maker, just a satisfied customer of Air Safe, with extended experience in the improvement this hitch made in the ride of my trailer.
Items tend to stay where we left them, and there is simply less evidence of jarring after I purchased and began using the Air Safe.
Our trailer stays put behind the truck and is easy to handle in turbulent air with the Air Safe and a Reese Dual Cam weight distributing hitch employing 600 lb. bars.
__________________
Jeff & Cindy
'09 27FB Flying Cloud;'82 31 International
'91 350 LE MH; '21 Interstate 24GT
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