Which ProPride for this tow vehicle / trailer combo?

[KerriO]

I've read through many posts on hitches, and have come to the conclusion that we want a ProPride hitch/sway/weight distro for our used '08 International that we'll be picking up from the dealer in about a month.

We're going to order and send to them to have their service department install it (unless they can get us a better price ordering it themselves).

I've read and read, but I'm still unsure about what spring bar weight we should be getting for our combo (#600, #800, #1000, #1400 seem to be the choices). From what I understand, it's not just the tongue weight you're supposed to take into consideration, but also the tow vehicle, and possible some other stuff that is beyond my complete n00b comprehension.

Our trailer:
2008 International Signature Series 27FB (listed tongue weight is #790)

Our tow vehicle:
2010 Chevy Silverado 1500 (not sure what specs may apply, but I can provide any needed).

Advice? Recommendations

[SRW]

Ask ProPride, after giving them all the specifics, what weight bars they recommend.

...and don't trust that the dealer knows how to install a ProPride correctly.

[unsui]

I am using #1400 with a Flying Cloud 30 and Toyota Tundra both 2010 models. Seems like the right size bars. Give Sean at Pro Pride a call, very helpful knowagible guy.

[Aviator]

Sean at ProPride will know. Just give him a call, or send an email via the ProPride site. We love ours.

[vswingfield]

Originally Posted by Aviator

Sean at ProPride will know. Just give him a call, or send an email via the ProPride site. We love ours.

Sean is also a forum member (Airstream Forums - View Profile: Sean Woodruff), you can PM him too.

[2airishuman]

Originally Posted by KerriO

...Our trailer:
2008 International Signature Series 27FB (listed tongue weight is #790)...

listed tongue weight isn't ACTUAL tongue weight.

doesn't include lpgas (60 lbs) or options or cargo and so on...

so unless u get a measured weight (from a scale) it's guessing.

800 lb bars will likely be LESS than tongue weight.

1000 lb bars might be spot on.

there is absolutely no reason to size the bars LESS than tongue weight.

and IF there is much of a differential with undersized bars,

it may be IMPOSSIBLE to restore front axle loading.

the 1500 suv will be AT, over or very close to maxing out payload, so good w/d is essential.

also u might consider posting into the main thread on these things,

were all of the subscribers will see your posts even after they roll off todays forum page...

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f464...ide-57179.html

cheers
2air'

[Jammer]

I will note though that it can go the other way. Tongue weight on my traylah, per the scale, is around 500 pounds, much less than I would have expected .. even with full propane.

Rear A/C and the 50 Amp AC probably explain some of that. It may take an 8D or two under the gaucho to correct it

[2airishuman]

Originally Posted by Jammer

I will note though that it can go the other way. Tongue weight on my traylah, per the scale, is around 500 pounds...

yes it can, but since most unit specs don't include lpgas,

and until recently didn't include the spare tire/wheel,

UNDER is not common.

i am skeptical of a 500 lb report for a 30 ft classic.

and IF that is an accurate weight, there is reason for concern while towing.

regardless, since the w/d bars do NOT need to be fully tensioned,

there are no penalties for having a bit of bar capacity as reserve...

(except they are a bit heavier when lifted/installed)

cheers
2air'

[dznf0g]

Jammer,

What's your total trailer weight. I think you need to move some weight forward.

[SteveH]

Originally Posted by KerriO

I've read through many posts on hitches, and have come to the conclusion that we want a ProPride hitch/sway/weight distro for our used '08 International that we'll be picking up from the dealer in about a month.

We're going to order and send to them to have their service department install it (unless they can get us a better price ordering it themselves).

I've read and read, but I'm still unsure about what spring bar weight we should be getting for our combo (#600, #800, #1000, #1400 seem to be the choices). From what I understand, it's not just the tongue weight you're supposed to take into consideration, but also the tow vehicle, and possible some other stuff that is beyond my complete n00b comprehension.

Our trailer:
2008 International Signature Series 27FB (listed tongue weight is #790)

Our tow vehicle:
2010 Chevy Silverado 1500 (not sure what specs may apply, but I can provide any needed).

Advice? Recommendations

We're towing a 2004 28' Classic with very simular tongue weight to your trailer with a ProPride with 1000 Lb bars, and I think it's a perfect setup. 800 pound bars would not be enough, IMHO.

[Dave Park]

That's the great thing about the ProPride: it's infinitely variable up to the rated capacity. I can imagine a future version that has motorized winches and that remembers your chosen settings.

[KerriO]

Thanks, all! I hadn't realized it was so easy to talk to "the ProPride guy" (Sean) directly. I will do just that.

Originally Posted by SRW

...and don't trust that the dealer knows how to install a ProPride correctly.

…what I do trustis that they'll have a much better chance of doing it correctly than we will if we try it ourselves!

2airishuman, thanks for all the helpful advice. I'm well aware that the tongue weight will be different than the listed weight, but since we don't have the trailer with us, nor do we have it loaded up yet, I can get an accurate number there.

I had read an article at Inland RV about how using a hitch that's too highly rated for your setup can be too hard on the trailer, so I'm gunshy about going too high up. But I didn't realize, if I read Dave Parks's comment correctly, that we can adjust down. So better to overestimate with a ProPride than underestimate I guess?

Thanks all. I'll report back after I hear Sean's opinions, in case anyone else who has a similar setup runs across this.

[Dave Park]

That's right. With the ProPride, you attach the bars and then you tension them to the amount of weight distribution you'd like using an electric drill to wind the attachment up a long threaded rod. In this way, you can get up to the rated loading, or less if you prefer.

Higher rated bars will be stiffer at lower settings so they will probably only have desirable effects for the top, say, 50% of their load range.

I do not own this hitch, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn last night. (I also have a minor in structural engineering, and a good grounding in how this particular hitch design works.)

[Sean Woodruff]

Originally Posted by KerriO

Thanks, all! I hadn't realized it was so easy to talk to "the ProPride guy" (Sean) directly. I will do just that.


…what I do trustis that they'll have a much better chance of doing it correctly than we will if we try it ourselves!

2airishuman, thanks for all the helpful advice. I'm well aware that the tongue weight will be different than the listed weight, but since we don't have the trailer with us, nor do we have it loaded up yet, I can get an accurate number there.

I had read an article at Inland RV about how using a hitch that's too highly rated for your setup can be too hard on the trailer, so I'm gunshy about going too high up. But I didn't realize, if I read Dave Parks's comment correctly, that we can adjust down. So better to overestimate with a ProPride than underestimate I guess?

Thanks all. I'll report back after I hear Sean's opinions, in case anyone else who has a similar setup runs across this.

No need to hunt me down...

The 3P-1000 will work for you.

As for the dealer installing it, I haven't had even close to as many problems with the 3P dealer installs as I used to have with the hitch colored after that famous astronautical drink. The 3P is kind of hard to install incorrectly. Once it is bolted on it works.

[KerriO]

We drove home last week with the ProPride an new(used) airstream in tow. The service dept. at Southwest Coaches in Irvine did a great job installing and walking us through the process of hitching and unhitching. Very pleased with the PP!

[casa holanda]

Sean
I am looking at towing with my 2004 expedition a airstream excella 1000 1988, what hitch set up will be the best to reduce sway and provide great safe towing?

[Sean Woodruff]

Originally Posted by casa holanda

Sean
I am looking at towing with my 2004 expedition a airstream excella 1000 1988, what hitch set up will be the best to reduce sway and provide great safe towing?

Anything at 30' or more you'll need the 3P-1400.


-

[casa holanda]

Originally Posted by Sean Woodruff

Anything at 30' or more you'll need the 3P-1400.

-

Great stuff. Please quote and send specifications.
Regards

[Sean Woodruff]

Originally Posted by casa holanda

Great stuff. Please quote and send specifications.
Regards

Specs and pricing are here... Trailer Sway Control Hitch Guaranteed to Eliminate Trailer Sway - ProPride 3P

[Aviator]

Casa,

I am towing a 34' with the 1400# 3P and am extremely happy with the setup.