Ron Gratz
full time RVer
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Joined: 12/27/2003
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willald wrote:---Those that have actually owned a Hensle, know that those retainer pins can and will eventually shear off from wear, no matter how well you follow instructions or not. Doesn't matter how far the bars are swung or not swung. Don't believe it? I can send you one or two sheared off pins sitting on my workbench right now, that I've collected over the years of REAL WORLD experience with a Hensley.
One person who has seven years and 50,000 miles of towing with a HA reports he is still using the original Zerks and retainer pins. Another user reported that his first HA, purchased in 1998, and his second HA, purchased in 2002, both have the original Zerk fittings. Apparently some pins do get sheared off and some do not.
But, getting back to "differences" and "improvements" -- I agree it would be good if a 3P owner could describe how the 3P's WD bars are held in place when they are not loaded.
Ron
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Ron Gratz
full time RVer
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Joined: 12/27/2003
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willald wrote:Don't believe ProPride's adapter is available yet, no. But, it will be soon from what I understand.
Yes, I'm aware of the custom made adapters. However, I think an adapter made specfically for this purpose by the manfuacturer and with their full support, is a MUCH better solution than a custom-made contraption that you have to put a screwdriver blade through to make it work. Wouldn't you agree, Ron?
If and when an adapter becomes available for the 3P, it might be of interest to a relatively few owners. It appears that only a relatively few HA owners have found a need for one.
As regards a commercially-made adapter being a MUCH better solution -- it would depend on how much it costs and how it performs relative to a custom-made adapter. If the cost of a custom-made is right and if it works as I want it to, I really don't care if it takes a screwdriver blade to make it work. I have lots of screwdrivers.
Ron
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willald
NC
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Joined: 07/15/2002
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Ron Gratz wrote:One person who has seven years and 50,000 miles of towing with a HA reports he is still using the original Zerks and retainer pins. Another user reported that his first HA, purchased in 1998, and his second HA, purchased in 2002, both have the original Zerk fittings. Apparently some pins do get sheared off and some do not.
But, getting back to "differences" and "improvements" -- I agree it would be good if a 3P owner could describe how the 3P's WD bars are held in place when they are not loaded.
Ron
As I was told by Hensley tech support (Jarrod I believe his name is), one thing that makes a big difference is the type of WD bars used. The stiffer 1400 lb bars are notorious for wearing out those retainer pins quicker. Thats what I have.
Soooo, YES, even Hensley has acknowledged this is an issue with their hitch.
And, YES, it will be good to see specifically how ProPride addressed this issue.
Will
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edited 09/03/08 07:52am by an administrator/moderator *
Will & Angela
2 children that love camping, Stephen & Allison
2012 FR Georgetown 351DS on F53 (V10) Chassis ("No Taxpayers were harmed by the makers of this MH's chassis")
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willald
NC
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Ron Gratz wrote:willald wrote:Don't believe ProPride's adapter is available yet, no. But, it will be soon from what I understand.
Yes, I'm aware of the custom made adapters. However, I think an adapter made specfically for this purpose by the manfuacturer and with their full support, is a MUCH better solution than a custom-made contraption that you have to put a screwdriver blade through to make it work. Wouldn't you agree, Ron?
If and when an adapter becomes available for the 3P, it might be of interest to a relatively few owners. It appears that only a relatively few HA owners have found a need for one.
Or is it more like, only a relative few have found a bad enough need for one, that they have constructed a contraption to address this? You're once again making the assumption, Ron, that the few you read about on here, represent ALL Hensley owners out there. I can assure you, as one thats actually owned a Hensley such a device would be something MOST Hensley owners would want, given the price isn't too expensive like you said. Not all Hensley owners have the resources or know-how to make the custom contraptions mentioned earlier.
Will
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edited 09/03/08 07:53am by an administrator/moderator *
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crappie_fisherman
Fort Wayne, Indiana
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Joined: 08/09/2005
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willald wrote:Ron Gratz wrote:willald wrote:Don't believe ProPride's adapter is available yet, no. But, it will be soon from what I understand.
Yes, I'm aware of the custom made adapters. However, I think an adapter made specfically for this purpose by the manfuacturer and with their full support, is a MUCH better solution than a custom-made contraption that you have to put a screwdriver blade through to make it work. Wouldn't you agree, Ron?
If and when an adapter becomes available for the 3P, it might be of interest to a relatively few owners. It appears that only a relatively few HA owners have found a need for one.
Or is it more like, only a relative few have found a bad enough need for one, that they have constructed a contraption to address this? You're once again making the assumption, Ron, that the few you read about on here, represent ALL Hensley owners out there. I can assure you, as one thats actually owned a Hensley such a device would be something MOST Hensley owners would want, given the price isn't too expensive like you said. Not all Hensley owners have the resources or know-how to make the custom contraptions mentioned earlier.
Will
I'll add some fuel to this particular part of this smoldering forest fire 
My RV dealer has 3 or 4 of us folks with Hensley's on their trailers.
Try as I might...I simply could NOT get thru to these guys on HOW to hitch the HA at all...forget about easily. They use a tractor to haul their trailers around.
One of the other owners actually came in to pick up his trailer and found the HA taken OFF his trailer since the service guys had apparently given up the ship on trying to hitch and reverted to the ball coupler...they did install it back on his trailer when he got there to show them HOW to re-install it 
I actually showed them Russells home made coupler...personally I kinda like the simplistic yet effective approach that that couler accomplishes...what more basic than converting the square opening in the HA or ProPride BACK to a ball coupler?
I actually take my trailer in to the dealer tomorrow for a small warranty repair...in talking with him...they have apparently come up with their own home made coupler...I am interested to see what they have ginned up.
I know my local dealer was having a heck of a time working with the HA...but then again...this summer I took my TT to the Jayco factory in Middlebury since I was up there camping and needed some maintenance (not warranty) on the TT (brakes, bearings, re-seal unit, etc) figured who better than the FACTORY!!!...they had NO issues moving my TT...I just had to leave the stinger.
I personally do think offering some 'inexpensive' coupling option is a good idea...since some folks and the HA are kinda like a monkey and a football!
Altough I'm assuming 'inexpensive' to me which is like $25-30...or the price of a standard style 2" straight receiver ball coupler I can buy from Reese, WalMart, UHaul or the like.
Joe.
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DH, DW, 2 DD's
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BurbMan
Louisville, KY
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Joined: 09/20/2001
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I can't stand to read anymore....Ron and Will, "Yolk" is that yellow part in the center of an egg..."Yoke" is a mechanism that links separate parts and enables them to work together.
Now, with that out of the way, let's move on to KSD's question. First off, Ron and Will almost need their own forum where they can privately pummel each other about the pros and cons of the Hensley vs. the ProPride.
That said, both are good hitches, and a MUST, IMO, for pulling a long trailer with a Suburban. We had a 34' Sunnybrook that we pulled with our 2500 Burb for 6 yrs with the Hensley Arrow. (Still have the burb and the hensley, traded the Sunnybrook for a 32' Terry). Given the length of the trailer, the wheelbase of the Suburban is relatively short to provide adequate control. the hitch makes ALL the difference, and we towed thousands of miles not only safely, but comfortably, in all kinds of weather, including snow/ice.
I've been very satisfied with my Hensley, and have not experienced any shear bolts shearing off. The paint, as was noted, is disappointing. I painted mine 3 times already and it still manages to chip off. Customer service is top notch, and the whole thing works as advertised.
I don't have any first hand knowledge of the ProPride, but from what I;ve read and corresponded with the owner Sean Woodruff, they have improved upon the HA design. The mounting of the strut linkage, the adjustable draw bar (stinger), and the purportedly better paint job are the top points.
Bottom line, do your homework, pick the one you like, either one will do a fine job for you.
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willald
NC
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BurbMan wrote:I don't have any first hand knowledge of the ProPride, but from what I;ve read and corresponded with the owner Sean Woodruff, they have improved upon the HA design. The mounting of the strut linkage, the adjustable draw bar (stinger), and the purportedly better paint job are the top points.
Bottom line, do your homework, pick the one you like, either one will do a fine job for you.
Exactly right.
Will
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edited 09/03/08 07:58am by an administrator/moderator *
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Ron Gratz
full time RVer
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Joined: 12/27/2003
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BurbMan wrote:I can't stand to read anymore....Ron and Will, "Yolk" is that yellow part in the center of an egg..."Yoke" is a mechanism that links separate parts and enables them to work together.
Don, glad you caught the spelling error. Did that intentionally to see if anyone was paying attention (just jolking, of course).
Ron
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Ron Gratz
full time RVer
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Joined: 12/27/2003
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BurbMan wrote:---I don't have any first hand knowledge of the ProPride, but from what I;ve read and corresponded with the owner Sean Woodruff, they have improved upon the HA design. The mounting of the strut linkage, the adjustable draw bar (stinger), and the purportedly better paint job are the top points.
Don, my understanding is that the 3P does not use any struts.
Can you explain what you mean by the "mounting of the strut linkage"?
Ron
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BurbMan
Louisville, KY
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OK, maybe my terminology is off and I should have said YOKE....I meant to refer to the mechanism by which the hitch head is held in a fixed position relative to the trailer coupler. The HA uses struts, the ProPride uses a different YOKE assembly that mounts under the A frame somehow. I have not seen one yet up close and in person, but have been told by folks who have that the ProPride approach is a cleaner design.
Ron, you're a good egg! (just yolking.... )
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