What's the proper hitch for me?

[Murphuga]

I am very new at all of this, so be gentle please. I recently purchased a 1962 28' Ambassador and plan to pull it with a 2007 Chrysler Aspen. I would like suggestions on which hitch and rating to use for this combo. Keep in mind that I don't plan to spend a ton of money on the hitch (pretty much rules out the Hensley). Thanks in advance.

[Jammer]

You might consider the Reese dual cam or the Equal-i-zer. Weigh your trailer if possible. It probably weighs around 7500 pounds loaded. Select a hitch accordingly.

Strait-Line Weight Distribution System w Sway Control - Round Bar - 10,000 lbs GTW, 800 lbs TW Reese Weight Distribution RP66087

[wkerfoot]

A 1962 Ambassador has a dry weight of 3,960. I would guess a gross weight of 6,000. Only a scale will know for sure.

Bill

[davenpow]

I am currently towing a 31 footer (1975) using the Reese Dual cam with 800 # bars
and an 07 Aspen, Couldn't be easier and comfortable.

Ted

[loudruff]

The ProPride is wonderful and is not quite as expensive as the Hensley. We love ours. Do a little research on it before you decide about all the others.

[SteveH]

If I were you I'd be looking at stuff like this: HENSLEY ARROW TOW HITCH SYSTEM: eBay Motors (item 230531822654 end time Oct-05-10 11:14:37 PDT)

I'd take a used Hensley or used ProPride any day over ANY other hitch.

[Jammer]

The ProPride is certainly appropriate and worth the money but the OP said he wanted something cheaper.

[slowmover]

Best hitch is never expensive. A used Hensley fits the bill. Trailer size or weight is irrelevant, IMO.

[Mikethefixit]

Murph
Just my opinion now,but If you look at Craigslist or your local Newspaper watch for a Reese Dual cam, with 500 to 800 lb bars or check with your local RV or Trailer dealer,they might have a used one. I did and was able to come up with an old style Reese Dual cam in great shape for about (cant remember) $150 to $200 bucks. Now I think I had to have the u-bolts made for the A frame mounts,at the local spring shop and they were a whoppin $40 bucks,which I thought was to high at the time. The pain went away after while and I had the peace of mind that they were done right and with quality materials.
The old straightline dual cam will do ya a great job and not break the bank.
GOOD LUCK and GOOD HUNTING
Roger

[SteveH]

Originally Posted by Jammer

The ProPride is certainly appropriate and worth the money but the OP said he wanted something cheaper.

Jammer, Yes I read what the OP sid in his first post, but if he can buy a quality sway elimination hitch used for the price of a new hitch of lesser capabilities, all the better.

[Jammer]

While used HAHAs and PPPPPs occasionally come up for sale it is my experience that the complete & delivered price is rarely a bargain. You might save 20% or 30% at best. Part of the difficulty is in finding a hitch with the correct size wd bars and stinger drop for the situation. Replacing the bars and stinger can drive the price back up to almost-new levels. With older Hensleys there is the problem of wear and the cost and hassle of repairs. The Hensley people do not consider the lifetime warranty transferable. Parts costs are high, and round-trip shipping expenses for in-warranty repairs are considerable.

I don't think it's feasible to get a properly configured, working Hensley for less than, say, $2000, which is 4x higher than a new dual cam.

[SteveH]

Originally Posted by Jammer

While used HAHAs and PPPPPs occasionally come up for sale it is my experience that the complete & delivered price is rarely a bargain. You might save 20% or 30% at best. Part of the difficulty is in finding a hitch with the correct size wd bars and stinger drop for the situation. Replacing the bars and stinger can drive the price back up to almost-new levels. With older Hensleys there is the problem of wear and the cost and hassle of repairs. The Hensley people do not consider the lifetime warranty transferable. Parts costs are high, and round-trip shipping expenses for in-warranty repairs are considerable.

I don't think it's feasible to get a properly configured, working Hensley for less than, say, $2000, which is 4x higher than a new dual cam.

You pay your money, and sometimes you get what you pay for.

[JFScheck]

If you can afford it - I would go with a "ProPride" or "Hensley" with "Pro Pride" being very highly recommended by myself!

It's a bit expensive - but in my opinion - money well spent!!!

[Ag&Au]

Originally Posted by Jammer

The ProPride is certainly appropriate and worth the money but the OP said he wanted something cheaper.

Just my opinion:

Looking for a cheap hitch to take out on the highway, is a lot like a skydiver shopping for a cheap parachute.

Regards,

Ken