Need ProPride Help

[missaviatrix]

I bought a ProPride for my 23FB FC. Does anyone know of someone in the Fort Worth, TX area that installs them?

[DoubleR]

You might check with DFW Airstream. They are a 5 Rivet dealer.

[flynmike]

Ask the folks at ProPride. I've also seen requests on the ProPride Facebook page for install help in a particular area. You might put up a request on Facebook if you participate there. Hope this helps.

[wulfraat]

Just install yourself. It's really not hard and only requires some very basic tools. Instructions are great, along with support from Sean and team.

[Daquenzer]

If you don’t install yourself I highly recommend you watch them install it, and ask questions through the process. Then you will be thoroughly familiar with the hitch. You will from time to time need to make adjustments, tighten, lube, etc.

[dmassey321]

I installed my first one all by myself (prior Airstream)...even before their current instructions which are excellent. Recently, I partnered with DFW Airstream and did the install there at the dealership prior to delivery...with their help. Note though that I completed about 70% all by myself prior to their hitch guy freeing up to assist.

It takes 4-6 hours to complete if your by yourself...less if you obtain and read their instructions very thoroughly in advance.

Please take note that as a part of the process, you will need to take into account the tow vehicle and what it has installed. For example, if you have air bags to level your TV, it may require several adjustments/attempts to the hitch/stinger prior to arriving at a level set-up.

I will add that their hitch is worth every penny...I would pay double what they charge...it is that good (about 10K miles so far). Their customer service is fantastic...something you unfortunately will not see from Airstream... I am afraid at this point ... ever. Thor does not seem to care one iota about customer satisfaction.

[nryn]

Echoing the DIY crowd. Not because I think it’s easy (it is) but because as others have mentioned, it will help you understand it, which in turn will help you optimize it in use. An installer won’t do the latter. It’s not quite set it and forget it—there are multiple things you’ll want to adjust over a few trips when you first get it, and a few things you may want to adjust while traveling.

I did not install mine to begin with, I got it with my trailer. I was having trouble with its performance while on the road and Sean and his dad (from ProPride) helped me get through those. But when I got back I took it off and reinstalled it. It made a lot more sense to me after that.

That’s not in any way a cautionary tale—I’m sure many of these are installed by dealers or what not and folks are instructed in its use and everything worked out from day 1. I just think that the hitch is pretty much the most important mechanical aspect of the whole rig and a modest understanding of how a more complex hitch like the ProPride 3P goes together makes for a better prepared operator.

[renderit]

Probably wouldn't do you any good but I would be more than happy to help with it if you were closer. I'm in Austin and I just got one to put on my unit when it comes in (April). I would not mind helping with an installation just to know what I was up against as I will be doing my own in Florida at pickup.

Maybe there is someone closer to you that might be curious about them enough to help with the installation?

[missaviatrix]

Thank you all that responded for your feedback and positive comments.

I have found a gentleman with several years of RV repair and service that is willing to take on the task, with me as helper. He is familiar with the ProPride hitch but has never installed one.

Hopefully he will show up on Saturday and we can get it installed. "renderit," you're welcome to join us.

[rmkrum]

Just read ALL the instructions FIRST and that makes it fairly easy. I installed mine with the help of a bottle Jack and a floor Jack to handle the heavy lifting and holding. Daughter passed tools. Took a few hours.

Very important to properly center the crossbar that holds the yoke. If it’s not centered snd tight the rig will not tow properly. I have first hand evidence of this.

[Melucy2airs]

Read the instruction manual thoroughly and watch YouTube videos...then repeat. Lay out your basic tools and the ProPride parts and pieces on the ground then do it yourself.
It’s not bad...I’ve done it myself with my Hensley Arrow. Very similar process with excellent technical support.

This way, you’ll be more familiar with its adjustments and repair if needed.

[wilsodf]

We installed ours by ourself this year and it took about 6 hours and now that it is installed, I know what items to grease and what bolts to check with the right torque.

After 6 months of use, I had to re-torque every thing. I also check the torque before each trip.

Good luck, it is a great hitch and once you get used to hooking it up, it is really simple.

[wilsodf]

Also, keep it covered. I read a few posts about water getting into the main bearings and causing earlier failure. We purchased the cover from ProPride and keep it cover when not in use.

[missaviatrix]

Thanks again for the added advice. Please know that I am heeding all input. Worked on measurements today. Had to call Brent at ProPride; great guy and very patient. Explained it all. I hope their hitch is as good as their customer service.

[rmkrum]

I flat won’t tow without one.

[GMFL]

You can install it your self if you take your time.
Here is a link to a video I did on my install

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFNM17gVEHo

[kukula]

My new 25 foot Flying Cloud won't get delivered until April, but of course I am researching and planning as I wait. I like what I read about the ProPride and the notion of installing it myself makes sense... but the precise logistics are a bit hazy! The dealer is about 50 miles from our house... would it be reasonable to just tow the trailer to our house from the dealer using a simple ball mount... I can take back roads to keep the speed down to maybe 40 mph... and then take my time installing the ProPride at home? I plan to talk to the dealer about my options, but I would love any stories and advice here!


I've got a RAM 2500 to tow with... I expect it won't mind the 50 miles too much, though they certainly do recommend a weight distribution hitch for a trailer over 5000 pounds.

[rmkrum]

I towed my rig with a junky WD hitch setup to my home down the Cajon Pass freeway 15 here in Southern California about 65 miles. Bad move. I had to carefully slow down to about 35 MPH on the downhill run so the Airstream would not sway out of control. Took a lot of manual trailer braking to keep the rig straight and in line.

If you are on flat ground and ride on the back streets you can probably get away with it. Your call. I would not personally trust a dealer to read the directions and install a ProPride properly. They want to sell you their profitable hitch regardless of whether it’s appropriate or not. Note that ProPride will help you in great detail over the phone. I installed mine myself, and I’m a certified old Phart.

[GMFL]

Originally Posted by kukula

My new 25 foot Flying Cloud won't get delivered until April, but of course I am researching and planning as I wait. I like what I read about the ProPride and the notion of installing it myself makes sense... but the precise logistics are a bit hazy! The dealer is about 50 miles from our house... would it be reasonable to just tow the trailer to our house from the dealer using a simple ball mount... I can take back roads to keep the speed down to maybe 40 mph... and then take my time installing the ProPride at home? I plan to talk to the dealer about my options, but I would love any stories and advice here!


I've got a RAM 2500 to tow with... I expect it won't mind the 50 miles too much, though they certainly do recommend a weight distribution hitch for a trailer over 5000 pounds.

Yes you can tow it on just “the ball”. I towed our 30’ Globetrotter home from Baton Rouge LA (426 miles) on “the ball” with no problems.
When your trailer was towed from the factory to your delivering dealer it was towed on a ball only.
You will be fine.

[kukula]

Originally Posted by GMFL

When your trailer was towed from the factory to your delivering dealer it was towed on a ball only.

That's strong logic there!


Thanks!