Pro Pride Hitch Assembly-Handles to Carry It?

[BogeyPro]

As all PP hitch owners are only too aware, that hitch assembly unit is one heavy chunk of steel. I want to preserve my lower back muscles as much as possible.

Has anyone out there figured out a solution for lifting that unit, i.e. with a handle of some sort? I've seen some responses mentioning that they have...but can't seem to find those threads using search.

If you do have a solution, a picture would be appreciated!

Thank you again!

[Pete B55]

Originally Posted by BogeyPro

As all PP hitch owners are only too aware, that hitch assembly unit is one heavy chunk of steel. I want to preserve my lower back muscles as much as possible.



Has anyone out there figured out a solution for lifting that unit, i.e. with a handle of some sort? I've seen some responses mentioning that they have...but can't seem to find those threads using search.



If you do have a solution, a picture would be appreciated!



Thank you again!

I bought a 2” Ratchet strap from Home Depot (about $8) just to get the handle which I think is ideal to fit on the stinger but not be too high to interfere with my tailgate. Will post a picture later when I get a chance

[dznf0g]

This is my old Hensley stinger pictured, but still use it with the pp and flaps

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[nryn]

Originally Posted by BogeyPro

Has anyonehttps://www.airforums.com/forums/f42...ml#post2515297 out there figured out a solution for lifting that unit, i.e. with a handle of some sort? I've seen some responses mentioning that they have...but can't seem to find those threads using search.

Hey BogeyPro, I posted on this a while back. It’s this post (and a few others afterwards) in my Traveling with Tatay thread.

[Pete B55]

This is the Home Depot 2” Ratchet strap handle installed

[Daquenzer]

Originally Posted by nryn

Hey BogeyPro, I posted on this a while back. It’s this post (and a few others afterwards) in my Traveling with Tatay thread.

Great idea.

[Rich Jenkins]

Wow, I had forgot how much fun that thing was to horse around on my old rig, a 2016 FC30. I basically just two-handed it, as best I could. The handle/strap thing looks like a really useful accessory, I have to say.

Does anyone know how much it weighs exactly?

[nryn]

Sorry, the direct link to that post didn’t take.

https://www.airforums.com/forums/f42...ml#post2515297

[dznf0g]

Originally Posted by Llando88

Wow, I had forgot how much fun that thing was to horse around on my old rig, a 2016 FC30. I basically just two-handed it, as best I could. The handle/strap thing looks like a really useful accessory, I have to say.

Does anyone know how much it weighs exactly?

51# for the stinger; 84# with rocktamers attached

[jondrew55]

At home I use my harbor freight hydraulic lift table. I bought it years ago for changing out kitchen oven. I've found dozens of other uses for it since then. Now I use it to remove and install the stinger. You just sort of balance the stinger in position (I suppose I could get some foam blocks or something to stabilize it), roll the table up to the back of the truck, and then lift it in place and slide in.

Of course on the road it does not do me any good. Trying to lift that table into my truck would be as bad as lifting the stinger.

https://www.harborfreight.com/500-lb...art-61405.html

[Daquenzer]

I really don't find the stinger any harder to mess with than my previous Blue Ox hitch attachment. What I don't like is getting my hands all grimy from the thing. Thus the handle on the hitch makes perfect sense.

By the way this is one good reason for us older folks to do strength, balance and functional training; as well as learning to lift properly. It will increase our enjoyment with less back issues!!!

Excellent resource: Ageless Strength (strong and fit for a lifetime). It takes you through basic to more advanced strength workouts. It's not about barbells and weight machines. Very practical exercises for balance, strength and functional moves. Highly recommend. Very little gear needed.

[dznf0g]

Originally Posted by Daquenzer

I really don't find the stinger any harder to mess with than my previous Blue Ox hitch attachment. What I don't like is getting my hands all grimy from the thing. Thus the handle on the hitch makes perfect sense.

By the way this is one good reason for us older folks to do strength and balance training; as well as learning to lift properly. It will increase our enjoyment with less back issues!!!

Excellent resource: Ageless Strength (strong and fit for a lifetime). It takes you through basic to more advanced strength workouts. It's not about barbells and weight machines. Very practical exercises for balance, strength and functional moves. Highly recommend.

It's not any harder than any of the rest. BTW, no lube is necessary on a stinger. If you do think you need it, use dry lube made for mountain bike chains. Grease just attracts sand and grime, making the situation worse than just leaving it dry.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Airstream Forums mobile app

[nryn]

Daquenzer, I totally agree on all points. The handle is mostly to avoid awkward handling and lifting. It also makes it very easy to handle the full stinger assembly (with rock tamers, which I think I'll leave at home more often now that I'm not going to Alaska). With the handle you don't have to stoop lower to get the stinger in and out of the truck's hitch receiver. All of this even more helpful with the larger and heavier stinger that I use with my F-250.

I had back surgery in 2003. It took me many years to realize that strength training, particularly in the core, was essential to me having a problem-free back. I have a few pilates exercises that I learned in PT that I can do anywhere, including in the trailer, and I do them regularly. Especially on trips, where long days driving in the truck can really come back to haunt me if I'm not careful.

Originally Posted by Daquenzer

I really don't find the stinger any harder to mess with than my previous Blue Ox hitch attachment. What I don't like is getting my hands all grimy from the thing. Thus the handle on the hitch makes perfect sense.

By the way this is one good reason for us older folks to do strength, balance and functional training; as well as learning to lift properly. It will increase our enjoyment with less back issues!!!

Excellent resource: Ageless Strength (strong and fit for a lifetime). It takes you through basic to more advanced strength workouts. It's not about barbells and weight machines. Very practical exercises for balance, strength and functional moves. Highly recommend. Very little gear needed.

[missaviatrix]

I leave the stinger connected to the hitch on the Airstream, and disconnect the other end of the stinger from the Ford. Thus, I never have to lift it.

Seems to work fine!

[BogeyPro]

Originally Posted by Pete B55

Attachment 414698

This is the Home Depot 2” Ratchet strap handle installed

Pete B55, this is a clever solution and just what I am looking for! I'll check out home depot for that ratchet strap. Regarding the bolt used to attach the handle, did you buy another one for that handle, or are you using one of the three bolts that came with the hitch assembly?

[BogeyPro]

Originally Posted by nryn

Sorry, the direct link to that post didn’t take.

https://www.airforums.com/forums/f42...ml#post2515297

I do like that Kayak handle solution you got there! Not sure how I'll install a grommet into the ends though. But definitely worth considering.

[DavidsonOverlander]

For my Hensley, I bent a piece of steel and welded it to the top. Then I used aluminum tubing to make a holder on the a-frame. I think the tubing is 2.5" outside with a 3/16" wall, so it provides a loose fit. It was a cutoff from my local Metal Supermarket. I know if looks like it would be hard on the shins, but you'd really have to be kicking at something under the trailer for that to happen. I can lock it in place with the hitch pin if I think it necessary.

[Daquenzer]

Originally Posted by dznf0g

It's not any harder than any of the rest. BTW, no lube is necessary on a stinger. If you do think you need it, use dry lube made for mountain bike chains. Grease just attracts sand and grime, making the situation worse than just leaving it dry.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Airstream Forums mobile app

From time to time I put on rust inhibitor. When the paint wears off rust can occur. That’s the grimy part. Otherwise I put on silicone spray so that it goes in and out with less friction.

[Pete B55]

Originally Posted by BogeyPro

Pete B55, this is a clever solution and just what I am looking for! I'll check out home depot for that ratchet strap. Regarding the bolt used to attach the handle, did you buy another one for that handle, or are you using one of the three bolts that came with the hitch assembly?

I used another 5/8-3” bolt through an empty adjustment hole on the stinger. I would not suggest utilizing the Propride bolts as those are grade 8 torqued very high. The softer metal of the handle would probably deform compromising the torque.

[nryn]

Originally Posted by BogeyPro

I do like that Kayak handle solution you got there! Not sure how I'll install a grommet into the ends though. But definitely worth considering.

Grommet kits are readily available at hardware stores and sports stores, around $10-15. All you need is a hammer. They are handy to have around. This is the one I use (for more than this project).

The kayak handle adds practically no weight to the stinger. But really, bolting on any handle is an improvement.