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08-21-2012, 06:18 PM
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#1
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4 Rivet Member
2012 30' Classic
Wildwood
, Missouri
Join Date: Sep 2020
Posts: 285
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Best Anti-Sway Hitch?
We hit the "perfect storm" and rolled our beloved 2003 Airstream Classic (thankfully we were not injured). A cold front coming in with wind gusts, down steep hill and tractor trailer going to fast by us caused the trailer to sway and tip both trailer and TV (Ford Excursion V10). We used an anti-sway hitch with chains and bars but didn't help this time. We pulled our '75 Airstream Excella for 10 years without sway problems. What about the Hensley Arrow hitch, is it worth the money when we replace our Airstream?
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08-21-2012, 06:26 PM
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#2
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Rivet Idiot
1999 34' Excella
Currently Looking...
Currently Looking...
On The Lake
, Georgia
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,000
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Really sorry to hear that. If you think the hitch would have made a difference you may be a lot more comfortable with a different hitch. Check the Hensley but also look closely at the Pro Pride if you are going to spend that amount of money. Are you getting a new tow vehicle also?
Glad you are OK.
Joe
__________________
Annette
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08-21-2012, 06:34 PM
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#3
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Rivet Master
Port Orchard
, Washington
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 4,463
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kswelsh
We hit the "perfect storm" and rolled our beloved 2003 Airstream Classic (thankfully we were not injured). A cold front coming in with wind gusts, down steep hill and tractor trailer going to fast by us caused the trailer to sway and tip both trailer and TV (Ford Excursion V10). We used an anti-sway hitch with chains and bars but didn't help this time. We pulled our '75 Airstream Excella for 10 years without sway problems. What about the Hensley Arrow hitch, is it worth the money when we replace our Airstream?
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If you hit the perfect storm, there is no perfect hitch. However I am confident that our ProPride is giving us the best sway control currently available. To me that piece of mind is worth the extra monetary investment, compared to other types of sway control.
Ken
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08-21-2012, 07:00 PM
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#4
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Rivet Master
Hampton
, New Hampshire
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,126
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Glad you are OK!
I can't compare since I don't have experience with other brands, but I can say with confidence that our Hensley was the best investment we have made. Had we chosen the ProPride, I suspect I might very well say the same thing about it.
I can't speak to the conditions present when you had your accident, but I will tell you our F250 is MORE stable towing (with the Hensley) than just the F250 alone, which I am sure sounds bizarre. Not saying it would have been the same in your situation, but when we tow in winds it is like there is no wind - we can tell it is windy from looking at the trees.
The Hensley I have found to be very easy to hook up. On some rare occasions (I'm talking 1 out of 100 hookups) it takes me a while and can be a little exasperating.
__________________
Brad (The Slowsky's)
2019 Airstream Classic 30RBT, 2021 Ford F350 King Ranch 4X4 w/6.7L Diesel, Hensley, ACI #1313
travelwiththeslowskys.com
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08-21-2012, 07:17 PM
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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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I went from a Reese dual cam to a Hensley for our trailer, when we had a short wheelbase truck. The Reese would allow the trailer to move around, especially on a windy day descending a hill.
The Hensley allows none of that, and I have also noticed our new F250 seems more stable towing with the Hemsley than just driving, not towing.
The Propride is comparable to the Hensley, with some changes and a somewhat lower cost.
__________________
Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy, and taste good with ketchup.
Terry
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08-22-2012, 02:33 PM
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#6
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Rivet Master
2015 30' Classic
2012 28' International
Greensboro
, North Carolina
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,708
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Just returned from a couple of thousand miles in my 2012 Intl. This is my 4th trip, and I can vouch for the ProPride 3P. It IS an expensive hitch, but even with the blast of a semi going by at 75 MPH I felt ZERO sway with my 28' trailer. Went through a couple of significant thunderstorms with gusty winds. No sway. Can only report on my own experience, but it is all positive.
__________________
_________________
"SilverLeaf II" 2015 30' Classic
2019 RAM 2500 Limited 4x4 CC w/6.7L Cummins
ProPride 3P
AIR# 58452
WBCCI # 3430-Unit 21
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08-22-2012, 03:15 PM
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#7
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4 Rivet Member
2001 25' Safari
London
, Ontario
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 299
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kswelsh
What about the Hensley Arrow hitch, is it worth the money when we replace our Airstream?
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Yes it is. I've been towing with a Hensley since our first travel trailer. Many say it's overkill, but last weekend we got our moneys worth...and more. We were driving up a two-lane highway around 90 KPH in the boonies low on gas. My DW and I spotted a gas station and were assessing it's accessibility and with the sun in my eyes I didn't notice a beige car stopped in my lane waiting to turn left. No chance to stop on time, I had no choice but to execute one of those "emergency lane change avoidance manouvers" that I've seen on videos but I never thought I could pull off. Initially I hit the brakes to knock 20 kph off the speed then swerved onto the gravel shoulder and went around the car before re-entering the highway. I really hate cliche's but I have to tell you, God's Honest Truth, my short wheelbase Traverse handed it like the trailer was not there. I've always appreciate the Hensley, but that day I'm convinced it saved my butt, and was worth many times what I paid for it.
__________________
Gary & Debbie
2001 Safari 25 SS
2011 Chevy Traverse 3.6L AWD • Hensley • DirecLink • McKesh
Set-up by Can-Am RV
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08-22-2012, 03:26 PM
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#8
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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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Sorry about your accident, but glad you weren't injured. And, welcome to the forum.
I have about 50,000 miles towing experience with the ProPride 3P hitch, and can definately recommend it. The ProPride was designed by the same person that designed the Hensley, only it's a newer design with inprovements.
I've been in one foot on the floor panic stop situation, and lots of windy conditions, and the only time I've expereinced even the slightest of a wiggle was when I went thru a Texas Panhandle whirlwind at 70mph, but it was not a sway.
I would not be without the ProPride.
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08-22-2012, 05:41 PM
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#9
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Rivet Master
2012 25' Flying Cloud
Battle Lake
, Minnesota
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 7,714
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Glad to hear you made it through kswelch's.
Good testimony here on the Hensley/Propride. They do prevent sway but we must remember they do not reduce the external forces on the truck and trailer that caused it. There is a point if the forces load up enough, it's all going over without warning. In bad conditions slow down even though you "can't even tell it's back there".
doug k
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08-23-2012, 09:25 AM
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#10
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4 Rivet Member
2012 30' Classic
Wildwood
, Missouri
Join Date: Sep 2020
Posts: 285
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Best Anti-Sway Hitch
Thank you all for your posts about the Hensley and ProPride hitches. After careful consideration and soul-searching, we decided that we love our Airstream adventures too much to not be part of that anymore. We have carefully considered all the posts to our inquiry and have put a deposit down on a 2006 Airtream Classic and have contacted ProPride to order a new anti-sway hitch. We will do whatever we can to avoid this situation happening to us again. We look forward to going to Forum Rallies and getting to know you nice people! Looking forward to getting back on the road again (with lots of prayers for safe travel!)
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08-23-2012, 09:38 AM
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#11
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Rivet Master
2015 30' Classic
2012 28' International
Greensboro
, North Carolina
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,708
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I know Sean Woodruff will take good care of you with the ProPride. Thanks for sharing your experience with all of us, and many more years of safe Airstreaming to you both!
__________________
_________________
"SilverLeaf II" 2015 30' Classic
2019 RAM 2500 Limited 4x4 CC w/6.7L Cummins
ProPride 3P
AIR# 58452
WBCCI # 3430-Unit 21
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08-23-2012, 09:49 AM
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#12
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Rivet Master
2012 25' FB Flying Cloud
Gig Harbor
, Washington
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 780
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Glad you're OK. We have a Hensley, but would use a Pro-Pride as well. Same principal of pivot point projection. I would feel really comfortable with either of these products. I would like to try the new Anderson hitch as it it much lighter but also dosen't have much towing history....Glad you're jumping back in.
Adios,
Daan
__________________
TAC
Hope is not a plan.
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08-23-2012, 10:43 AM
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#13
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Rivet Master
1968 28' Ambassador
Cedaredge
, Colorado
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,542
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I'll throw my 2 cents in for future readers. I use the Andersen WD with the built in sway control. Traveled 3000 miles in head winds and strong 25 mph+ side winds in the Columbia River Gorge. I had no sway at all the whole rig did move around some, but it was as one unit not just the trailer.. Semi trucks pushed pass with no sway of the trailer at all. I also had an emergency braking situation in portland on the freeway. My first one. I braked so hard the anti lock brakes on the TV came into play. No sway or wagging of the trailer during this emergency braking..
Plus the whole set up is light and easy to put on and off. You can also make sharp back ups without disconnecting, as the whole thing moves as one. It is also micro adjustable so no choosing which weight bars you need..
__________________
Jason
May you have at least one sunny day, and a soft chair to sit in..
2008 5.7 L V8 Sequoia
AIR # 31243
WBCCI # 6987
FOUR CORNERS UNIT
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08-23-2012, 12:38 PM
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#14
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4 Rivet Member
2011 30' Classic
Kingwood
, Texas
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 262
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I am about 1 1/2 years ownership with the ProPride hitch and love it. It seems to back a little sharper, and is very stable on the highway. Coming from a Reese there is a learning curve. Sean provides excellent service.
__________________
2011 30' Classic
2015 Ford F250 4X4 Platinum
ProPride Hitch
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08-23-2012, 12:44 PM
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#15
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2 Rivet Member
2006 19' International CCD
Leesburg
, Virginia
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 23
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I cant speak to the other brands, but I can tell you that we are very happy so far with our Equal-i-zer 6K for our 19' Bambi. I also talked to their customer service about adjustments and a replacement part and they were stellar.
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08-27-2012, 10:40 AM
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#16
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1 Rivet Member
Tampa
, Florida
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 14
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08-27-2012, 11:58 AM
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#17
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Rivet Master
2006 22' International CCD
2007 Base Camp
Elk Valley
, British Columbia
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 657
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The 'virtual pivot' systems like Hensley or PP are 'the end' as far as it comes to sway, as they don't control it, they eliminate it. As noted though, that force doesn't disappear... it is just spread through the hitch and tow vehicle as it is essentially a virtual solid coupling. In your scenario, it is possible these forces could overwhelm even these high-end hitches and you could have a catastrophic failure...
Other VPP rigs have wrecked... so it doesn't fix everything. If you are a frequent tow-er in all kinds of weather, it's worth it. For others the finances of it don't make as much sense...
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08-27-2012, 12:09 PM
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#18
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Rivet Master
1977 31' Sovereign
1963 26' Overlander
1989 34' Excella
Johnsburg
, Illinois
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,944
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It also depends on how big (WB)and heavy your tow vehicle is by comparison to your trailer. It noticed a great deal of difference when I went from my 3/4 ton van to my 1 ton, crew cab, full bed dually. The dually cost more than a $3,000 hitch, but had other advantages and uses.
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08-27-2012, 12:24 PM
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#19
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Rivet Master
2005 25' Safari
Salem
, Oregon
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 8,367
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kswelsh
We hit the "perfect storm" and rolled our beloved 2003 Airstream Classic (thankfully we were not injured). A cold front coming in with wind gusts, down steep hill and tractor trailer going to fast by us caused the trailer to sway and tip both trailer and TV (Ford Excursion V10). We used an anti-sway hitch with chains and bars but didn't help this time. We pulled our '75 Airstream Excella for 10 years without sway problems. What about the Hensley Arrow hitch, is it worth the money when we replace our Airstream?
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Friday
The 'virtual pivot' systems like Hensley or PP are 'the end' as far as it comes to sway, as they don't control it, they eliminate it. As noted though, that force doesn't disappear... it is just spread through the hitch and tow vehicle as it is essentially a virtual solid coupling. In your scenario, it is possible these forces could overwhelm even these high-end hitches and you could have a catastrophic failure...
Other VPP rigs have wrecked... so it doesn't fix everything. If you are a frequent tow-er in all kinds of weather, it's worth it. For others the finances of it don't make as much sense...
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Hi, so sorry to here about your accident. And glad that no-one was hurt. The VPP hitches are good, but I agree with Friday. More than likely you were going too fast, down hill, in the wind, and being passed by speeding big rigs. These are all bad especially when combined. Whatever hitch you decide to buy and use should not give you the feeling of over confidence. Slow down, going down steep grades. This seems to be where I have read the most loss of control trailer accidents have happened. I'm very happy to say that in the eight years that I have owned my trailer, driven in all kinds of weather, for many thousands of miles, through all of the Western states including Canada and Alaska, my trailer has only swayed violently out of control once. This was when my trailer was parked in my driveway during a 5.0 Earthquake.
__________________
Bob 2005 Safari 25-B
"Le Petit Chateau Argent" Small Silver Castle
2000 Navigator / 2014 F-150 Eco-Boost / Equal-i-zer / P-3
YAMAHA 2400 / AIR #12144
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08-27-2012, 11:27 PM
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#20
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Rivet Master
2015 25' FB Eddie Bauer
2013 25' FB Eddie Bauer
2012 20' Flying Cloud
Small Town
, *** Big Sky Country ***Western Montana
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,860
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Another plus for the Equal-i-zer by progressive mfg ... PM for any questions / details.
__________________
2015 25' Eddie Bauer Int'l FBQ / 2023 Ford Lightning ER
2022 Ford F350 6.2 V-8; equalizer hitch + Shocker air hitch
Honda Eu3200; AIR# 44105; formerly WBCCI 2015.1
Terminal Aluminitis; 2-people w/ 3+ dogs
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