Who has a "Lot Bar" for a ProPride hitch?

[jondrew55]

I was reading thread today about hitches and someone mentioned a lot-bar for a ProPride hitch. This seems like something you'd want when you put your trailer in for service or need someone to move it around for you who does not have the matching stinger setup. How many PPP people have one of these? It's like $250.

My backup in case my PPP fails somehow on the road is to remove the PPP completely and just use my standard 2-5/16 ball hitch. At one time I'd thought about getting one of those electric tow dollys to move my GT into a challenging storage lot, but the max tongue weight they could handle was 900#. Add the weight of a PPP to the almost 900# of my Globetrotter 25' and you've already blown that.

[GMFL]

I have one, but I’ve never needed it. Most who have them use them if the trailer is stored at a lot that “they” move the unit in and out for you or on the dealers lot for service. Neither of these issue I have.

[Ephraim]

I have a lot bar. I'm glad I have it. A new 2019 Classic has gone in three times for warranty service and the dealer was incapable of dealing with it. I also just took it to Vinnie's in Wilton California and it was needed there while they ceramic coated the trailer.

It's a bit pricey, but I just considered it part of the original hitch price.

Vinnie's had no issue using it, but the Albuquerque dealer had lots of issues. The hitch was totally out of alignment every time I picked it up from them. I have no idea what they did, but the ProPride didn't like it. I know they move things around with a forklift (ball on the fork) and I think they get somewhat rough.

I won't be taking it back to them for any work -- Ever -- anyways, so it's all good.

The original plan was to use my tractor to move the airstream around on the property, but I ended up keeping it in a secure storage lot, just down the road. It works out better as the neighbors never know if we are home or not now.

[wulfraat]

Don’t have one never needed one.

I am headed to JC for some repair work in September - I asked them if this would be an issue, they said nope, we’ve got one

[s1000pre]

I made one for $20. I use it all the time with my trailer valet XL.

[ROBERT CROSS]

No need.

Bob
🇺🇸

[s1000pre]

Here are a couple photos if interested. Trailer valet uses a proprietary thread so I used Trailer Valets OEM 2 5/16 ball as the attachment bolt. I purchased the steel tube from Coremark metals in Minneapolis. This is a specific size made for hitch receivers (which I didn’t know existed until the guy at Caremark mentioned it). It allows a very snug fit, you can see the centerline seam is smooth inside and out. I use this setup to move my 30 Bunk into my driveway. My driveway is off an alley with a ton of obstructions. With the rock retaining wall lining the backside, there is barely enough room to pivot the trailer into position without a truck. The Trailer valet was my only option.

[Daquenzer]

I have a lot bar. I have used it a few times. Once when it was in storage and once when I had work done on the AS. Hard to believe but the AS dealer didn't have a stinger. But many service areas move the trailers with trailer dollies that don't have stingers. (Although nice configuration above). I think it is a necessity to have in case you need to have your trailer serviced and they don't have a stinger to move the trailer around.

In my mind it is kind of like a spare tire. You need it when you need it, but often don't use it. I always carry it with me when traveling. Not that heavy. Easy to put on. It's also one way you could weigh your hitch weight if you needed to.

But it is kind of expensive IMO.

[stevejones]

I have one and carry it in the bumper compartment. Always appreciated when I take it for service.

Steve

[jimfa440]

I have one and don't need it. Email me if you want it, fletcherpianoservice@gmail.com
Thanks

[jondrew55]

How far do you move your trailer with the valet? It’s not motorized, correct?

Originally Posted by s1000pre

Here are a couple photos if interested. Trailer valet uses a proprietary thread so I used Trailer Valets OEM 2 5/16 ball as the attachment bolt. I purchased the steel tube from Coremark metals in Minneapolis. This is a specific size made for hitch receivers (which I didn’t know existed until the guy at Caremark mentioned it). It allows a very snug fit, you can see the centerline seam is smooth inside and out. I use this setup to move my 30 Bunk into my driveway. My driveway is off an alley with a ton of obstructions. With the rock retaining wall lining the backside, there is barely enough room to pivot the trailer into position without a truck. The Trailer valet was my only option.

[Hans627]

I have a lot bar and have never used it. But I bought and keep it should I need to take the AS somewhere for service.

[switz]

The orange painted ProPride lot bar they make is NOT for road use. It locks the lateral movement of the head. It is limited to 5 mph. I bought one and carry it in the truck on road trips “just in case”.

I gave one to my favorite Airstream repair facility as both of my Airstreams sport a PPP hitch now. His shop gets lots of units with PPP hitches so this makes their life easier.

[Streamracer]

Steve Jones and all others storing weighted items in your bumper compartment. Over a period of time the bouncing of items going down the road might break the bottom out. I added 1" reinforment straps under mine.

[s1000pre]

Originally Posted by jondrew55

How far do you move your trailer with the valet? It’s not motorized, correct?

It runs off an 18V drill. I back the AS into the driveway by swinging the front into my neighbors driveway directly across (a total of 30-40ft). See photo. The trick is curbs and inclines, it really makes it work. I have a 1/2” lip where the driveway heaved above the alley. I use wood shims to step the edge. Otherwise the Trailer Valet’s wheel can’t climb the 1/2” tall edge. You can choose to use the included manual crank, though your arm will fall off before you make it 40ft.

[missaviatrix]

I bought one “just in case” I needed to have the trailer towed while on the road. Found out from ProPride that that you can’t “road” tow with it (reference ‘switz’ above). I kept in anyway, just in case.

[Pete B55]

I have one. Only used while in the dealer for service. Always carry it in case I need to get in or out of a tight spot/steep incline

[gdanderson]

Built a adaptor for my Parkit 360. Allows me to move trailer without removing Hensley Hitch. Simple and cheap. 1.5" X 12" long pipe nipple and 10" long 2" x 2" square tube. Total cost $25. I welded myself. Would not do you any good with anything but a Partkit 360.

[doctorlewis]

I have one and it has been "great" when the trailer is at the dealers for work. Before getting it there was always a problem moving the trailer around at the dealers.

[davidlbriggs]

I just unhook the stinger and leave it with the trailer.