Question for ProPride 3P/Hensley Arrow Owners

[TucsonJim]

I just purchased a ProPride 3P hitch and I'm waiting on delivery. But I have a question for current owners. I understand how the hitch works and how good it is at preventing sway. I also know that you can prevent the unit "bumping" around during braking if you have the brakes properly adjusted.

My question pertains to descending a grade. Do you have any problem with the hitch trying to pivot right or left if you downshift on a grade? It seems the trailer would continue to move forward during a downshift and pivot to the side and "bump" you.

Thanks,

Jim

[elidodge]

I have used my pro pride for 4 yrs pulling with a ram cummins and never folt this bump. I am a retired trucker with 40yrs of exp.

[Drew_A_]

I've been using a ProPride for 7 years now with the rig in my sig. I don't have an exhaust brake but I do down shift on hills. I have never felt the bump on hills.

I have felt the bump other times when the trailer brakes don't apply early enough while braking sort of hard. It's something that can be felt, but I can't say that it ever disrupted the truck or trailer. I don't even think my wife notices when it happens. It's that subtle.

[goducks10]

I had the 'bump' when I used my HA with my 12 Ram diesel. The problem was that with the exhaust brake in use the TT brakes aren't activated. So on occasion I'd get the bump when it came time to hit the brakes. Usually when least expecting it. I also used the HA with my 2010 F150 and very rarely ever had the bump.
I think some of it is attributed to the poor OEM Ram TBC. It's not very strong. If you slam the brakes it works great. It's when you apply the brakes more gently that the trailer brakes don't see to grab as well.
The F150 TBC was the best I've ever used.

[mbutts]

I used ours for 3.5 years and never experienced bumping while going downhill using the engine and transmission as a brake (my truck did not have an exhaust brake).

[Mortimer_Brewst]

I never noticed any bumping. Keep doing what you have been in terms of gearing. The ProPride is a fantastic hitch. Worth every penny. If you don't have one, get a cordless drill to adjust the WD bar tension.

[TucsonJim]

Let me post the following scenario to show why I'm having second thoughts about switching to one. I do a lot of mountain driving and frequently encounter downhill grades of 6-8% with many turns per mile. In most of these areas, you can overheat your brakes if you are frequently applying them. Normally, I'll gear way down in order to minimize or eliminate brake usage.

This seems like the worst case scenario for the Hensley designed hitch and would cause the hitch to bump back and forth with each opposite turn. Can anyone confirm that?

Jim

[BarneyS]

I have never had that problem. Keep in mind there is still wind pressure against the front of the trailer helping to keep the hitch in tension. If you are worried about it, then just manually apply a bit of trailer brake when you downshift.
Barney