ProPride

[Xflyhighx]

Hello, I just bought a 2014 Jayco 338rets Eagle Premeir. I also own a 2012 F350 DRW long bed. I know it is long[39']. I'm thinking about the Hensley or the Propride hitch. I like to travel so it won't be used for short weekend outings. Do you think I'll need it and what one should I buy?

[javelinman]

I use a 12,000 lb Equal-i-zer hitch. It tows great. No issues at all.

[Rustic Eagle]

Originally Posted by Xflyhighx

snip.... Do you think I'll need it and what one should I buy?

Xflyhighx,

Welcome to JOF

IMO the Hensley and ProPride are great WDH's with similar design characteristics and function. Both are considered top-of-the-line WDH's......, and their price is reflective of their design/construction. IMO either one would be a good choice if your WDH budget allows.

The next best choice would be either the Equal-i-zer brand WDH or the Reese Strait-Line WDH (w/Dual Cam) WDH......, and both have integrated sway control. With the potential loaded tongue weight of the 338RETS, I would consider a WDH with at least a 1,500lb rating. With the 338RETS you will want your TT's loaded tongue weight to be 13% to 15% of the TT's loaded gross weight for optimized TV handling of the 39ft TT.

There are a number of JOF threads on the different WDH's, here is a recent one:

http://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/f3...rol-31052.html

As far as a minimum requirement (or "need") for a Hensley or ProPride WDH for towing the 338RETS safely, I would say no......., it boils down to your personal preference, but proper sizing/adjustment is key with any WDH choice.

Bob

[Xflyhighx]

Thanks for the warm welcome. I am leaning toward the Propride. The only thing I see is that the highest rated bars are 1400#. What do you think. Will it work? Thanks all.

[TWP723]

Should be fine.

[Xflyhighx]

Thanks for all the valued advice.

[Rustic Eagle]

The 1,400lb rated spring bars should be ok.................,

Once you have your TV/TT under loaded conditions head to your local CAT scale. To dial-in your WDH adjustments the CAT scale will tell you everything you need to know. Also, the CAT results will confirm that your actual loaded tongue weight is within the limits of the WDH (or if cargo relocation needs to be considered).

CAT scale how-to: http://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/f3...v-tt-3871.html

JOF member "javelinman" scaled (via Sherline tongue scale) his 2015 338RETS loaded tongue weight at 1,600lbs, but we all have different loading habits: Post #21 in the following thread:

http://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/f7...ers-15843.html

Jayco's published (web site, brochure, etc.) weight specifications for the 2014 Eagle 338RETS are:

UVW..... 8,590lbs (actual ship UVW will be higher, refer to sticker on TT)

GVWR..... 10,950lbs

Dry Hitch Weight...... 1,140lbs (only gets heavier from here)

Even with 1,500lb rated spring bars I would still recommend a CAT scale visit because the 338RETS's tongue weight can climb fast. If you normally travel with some water in your fresh water tank, insure you have water in your tank prior to the CAT scale visit.

Bob

[JohnWedell]

Just brought home my 2016 338rets from Pennsylvania to Long Island using my Blue Ox Sway Pro. No problems at all.

[yddad45]

First time out next week for a long haul, with a New Hensley, took a short run on it with it, just up the road and back and I can tell significant difference on the way the truck seemed to ride but we'll have to see how it does on the Long Haul next week.

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[2500hd]

I would not think with a dually you would a propride or Hensley. Maybe if you were pulling with an f-250 short bed.

[2500hd]

I would not think with a dually you would need a propride or Hensley. Maybe if you were pulling with an f-250 short bed.

[Ottawasteve]

Just got back from a trip from Canada to Florida and back towing our 28BHBE hitched with a Propride to our 2010 F150 Supercrew and hit some high winds along the way and the Propride performed flawlessly.

Based on my research, the Propride and Hensley function the same way and neither has an advantage over the other as far as controlling sway. The one advantage of the Propride is the adjustability of the hitch height by removing 3 bolts. I believe with the Hensley you have to order a new stinger. I recently had to get my TV bumper replaced (due to a texting driver while I was stopped at redlight) and upgraded the hitch and the receiver ended up being about an inch lower than stock. It took about 10 minutes remove and re-tighten the three bolts to adjust the height. This would be an advantage if you tow multiple trailers or change TVs or TTs in the future.

The Hensley and Propride hitches cost a little more up front but they do hold their value quite well if you have ever looked into used one. The heavier the trailer, the more you will appreciate these hitches. If you have questions on the spring bars, give Sean at Propride a call as he answers the phone and provides quick answers direct from the "horses mouth", so to speak, both before and after purchase.

[Moseh]

Originally Posted by Ottawasteve

Just got back from a trip from Canada to Florida and back towing our 28BHBE hitched with a Propride to our 2010 F150 Supercrew and hit some high winds along the way and the Propride performed flawlessly.

I recently purchased a 2017 F150, 3.5 Eco, max tow.. stock shocks and 18" Goodyear .275/65R (A/S A/T) tires. I have put all of 2050 miles on it. After I purchased the truck, I purchased a 2017 29RKS.

I realize that perhaps I should have purchased more truck (like an F250)... instead of losing a ton of money on a trade and buying a more expensive truck, I'm thinking of upgrading shocks, maybe tires, maybe airbags and changing to a Propride or Hensley hitch. I'm a rookie RVer and I'd love to hear the thoughts of the experienced.

(Yes I know I need to visit a CAT scale... but it's still a 1/2 ton truck with a big sail behind it)

[nighthawk87]

Originally Posted by Moseh

I recently purchased a 2017 F150, 3.5 Eco, max tow.. stock shocks and 18" Goodyear .275/65R (A/S A/T) tires. I have put all of 2050 miles on it. After I purchased the truck, I purchased a 2017 29RKS.



I realize that perhaps I should have purchased more truck (like an F250)... instead of losing a ton of money on a trade and buying a more expensive truck, I'm thinking of upgrading shocks, maybe tires, maybe airbags and changing to a Propride or Hensley hitch. I'm a rookie RVer and I'd love to hear the thoughts of the experienced.



(Yes I know I need to visit a CAT scale... but it's still a 1/2 ton truck with a big sail behind it)

I had a 2016 F150 and had issues towing with it. The new f150s just don’t tow as well. I upgraded to the Ram 2500 CTD and it made a world of difference. For really no money out of pocket I went from the lariat trim to tradesman and traded in my fancy features for a real truck. Look into it. It’s the safety of your family.


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[LiftedAWDAstro]

If you can afford the ProPride, you will not be disappointed! You probable won't need to upgrade anything else on the truck except tires when the ones you have are worn out.

[Demiles]

One thing to consider is the Propride hitch will add about 100lbs + to the hitch weight over other designs. It shouldn’t be an issue with the OP’s TV. I’m amazed at those that purchase the hitch to compensate for a already inadequate TV for a large trailer TT, then increase the tongue weight and exceed tongue weight ratings and or payload even more with the Propride.

[cekkk]

I found the expensive propride Jack's didn't fit under the curvature of the front of my Eagle. I could have converted to a chain system but chose to go to the Equalizer. Love it. So check the fit first.

Backing the shank into the hitch is a little less forgiving than a ball/coupler setup but not a big problem.

My nearly unused propride with 2.5" shank is available cheap!

[Moseh]

Originally Posted by cekkk

I found the expensive propride Jack's didn't fit under the curvature of the front of my Eagle. I could have converted to a chain system but chose to go to the Equalizer. Love it. So check the fit first.

Backing the shank into the hitch is a little less forgiving than a ball/coupler setup but not a big problem.

My nearly unused propride with 2.5" shank is available cheap!

I have a 2” receiver, but would otherwise be interested in your price.

[bono]

I do not think that you can compare ProPride weight with weight of conventional hitch. ProPride adds ca. 3 ft of length to the tongue, decreasing the TW. I did not compare PP with conventional hitch, but I took some measurements for my PP.

https://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/f...ger-44430.html

Originally Posted by Demiles

One thing to consider is the Propride hitch will add about 100lbs + to the hitch weight over other designs. It shouldn’t be an issue with the OP’s TV. I’m amazed at those that purchase the hitch to compensate for a already inadequate TV for a large trailer TT, then increase the tongue weight and exceed tongue weight ratings and or payload even more with the Propride.

[Demiles]

Interesting? My tongue weight was measured at the dealer with the trailer loaded and full of water was weighed right at the ball socket not the jack. FYI tongue weight is essentially any weight added behind the TV rear axle so if you use a Equalizer that weighs 100 lbs that adds 100bs to tongue weight. You add a Propride that’s weighs 200lbs you added 200lbs to tongue weight end of story. It’s weight distribution uses the same principle of all the others, nothing magical. It’s weight, $$$$, and complexity are it’s only negatives other wise it’s a great product.