ProPride 3P review

[BobBaron]

Moving up from a Toyota Van pulling a pup to a SUV pulling a 30' TT, I decided to go with a ProPride 3P Hitch system to keep my family safe on our weekend trips and on our annual 2000 miles round trip from Montreal to Myrtle Beach.

Knowing my manual limitations, I had my RV dealer do the installation. Problem is that his tech did an amateur job and I finally completed the installation myself (although paying for 3 hrs at $135/hr). At least they had already done the "major" modifications that consisted in moving the propane tanks and the battery.

It has now been over 2 months since I have my new TT and the PP3P and I still have 2 unresolved issues:

1- The weight distribution jacks are made for the wide 2 3/8 in frames while my Wildwood XLite has a 2in frame, causing the jacks to move and bend the side of my trailer's frame. Sean promissed to send me some shim plates a couple of months back but still hasn't acted on his promise...

2- The bottom of the drop hitch bar occassionnaly hits the pavement on uneven turf. My SUV sits lower than the trailer so in order to get a 2in raise, I reversed the hitch bar. The way the adjustable hitch bar is setup, I have bottom part at only 4in off the ground. Currently inquiring on either cutting off the excess or on maybe getting a stinger made by Hensley, if its compatible.

All in all, great product that does do what it promises: NO SWAY. But its still needs some improvement before I can tag this as the "perfect" hitch system... I also have some concerns on their customer service. A lot of emails have gone unanswered (ignored).

If I had to redo this, I would most probably go the Hensley route instead, especially now that I know I need a 2" offset. I guess I just expected more for the money I dished out...

[lbrjet]

That's a lot of money to spend and not be happy with it. Call Sean daily until he sends you the shims. You bought it to be safe and currently it doesn't sound safe at all.


2010 F250 5.4L 3.73
2011 Flagstaff 831FKBSS
Equal-i-zer 4pt 12K

[klarowe]

I am fairly certain I have the same 2" frame rails. With mine, I just tightened the U-bolt as it said (ended up going a little too tight and bend the U-bolt just slightly), and then tightened the lock bolt from the back and I have no issues at all as far as I've seen...

I also had to reverse the hitch bar on mine, but I don't have any clearance issues. Might just be the TV clearance though. I would definitely give Sean a call. I had a couple emails go unanswered, but one call and he was right on it with helping me (was just looking for some install help at the time).

[MIKE44460]

Please don't take offence to this, but pal, you ain't got enough truck. Empty TT 4,314, max towing weight for TV 4,600.

[dannyabear]

Originally Posted by MIKE44460

Please don't take offence to this, but pal, you ain't got enough truck. Empty TV 4,314, max towing weight for TV 4,600.

This would be the correct answer; TV wheelbase is way to short for a 30' trailer;plus it is probably unibody and will bend TV with a WD hitch.

[dustman_stx]

I built some brackets for the WD jacks on mine after having the issue with them bending outward. Also, I suspect that IF it is properly setup and you are having some issues with the bars dragging it could possibly be because the TV is squatting or porpoising when hitting dips or bumps. Basically the suspension may be too "squishy" to stay at its set height allowing the tongue of the trailer to dip and make contact.

[dustman_stx]

After looking at the pic, I have to agree that your SUV is a little outmatched with that trailer. When you said SUV I'm thinking suburban or Tahoe or expedition. Your TV looks to be some type of compact SUV.

[BobBaron]

Some precisions to comments above:

1- No offense taken. I know I'm stretching the limits but I'm trying to do it the safest way possible We have no ambition to go with a bigger trailer in the near future. If anything, we will downsize a few feet when the teens stop tagging along.

2- The TV (a Merc ML) is rated to tow 7,200# not the 4,600# that was wrongfully stated. The TT sits at 5,700# once packed. Tongue weight is just under 700# including the Propride 3P hitch system attached with stinger. I have also reinforced the TV receiver as its tongue weight is originally rated at 600# by Merc.

3- The bottom of the Hitch bar touches the ground because the PP3P adjustable stinger is too long and not because of suspension issues. (see pict below of a similar setup to mine). And it does not hit the pavement because of TV bounce but because of road being uneven: Speed bumps higher than 4" for example.
I am thinking of having the "excess" bar sawed off, which would give me an extra 2" of clearance, solving most scaping issues.

So in short, the hardware is the issue here (WD jacks + adjustable stinger length) not the ride! Stay focussed guys... But I do appreciate all of your comments (and I understand your concerns)

[jlgail4309]

CALL Sean on the phone. I believe he will help you though your problems.

[uhduh camping]

Tongue weight rating is not solely based on receiver strength, it also takes into account the frame mounting points and suspension components. Your car has to "catch" that 700lbs. each time you hit a bump and the inertia that is generated. Highly recommend you check the receiver and frame often. Do not tie break away switch cable to any part of your receiver only to frame components for the safety of others. Not saying it's going to fail but... Hensley hitch bar is not compatible with PP3P they very similar but the PP3P is larger where it wedges into main hitch assembly.

[fonzie]

Could you reverse your stinger mounting as shown below and adjust?

[BobBaron]

Fonzie,
Reversing the stinger won't do it because the trailer sits 3 inches higher. I would lose strength in the attachment as the bottom part would be empty.

I went ahead and cut off the extra 2" from the bar. That should get me over those higher speed bumps they sometimes use in the campgrounds.


I also have confirmation from Sean that he has finally shipped out 3/8" shim plates for my trailer. That should fix the WD issue and prevent them from bending outwards again. I will post an update once received and installed.

[BobBaron]

Uhduh,
You are right, the Hensley hitch bar will not fit (confirmed by Hensley).

And yes, the breakaway cable is attached directy to frame, not to the receiver or related parts. That one was obvious!

And finally, the 700lbs on the tongue is within my payload as all cargo travels in the trailer. Only have wife and kids in the car (total of 550lbs including myself). The ride comfort has not been an issue this far. No excess bounce and never bottomed out.

[dustman_stx]

Sounds like you are on the right track!

[slow]

Originally Posted by jlgail4309

CALL Sean on the phone. I believe he will help you though your problems.

I believe Sean's email program blocks some Canadian email addresses. Had same issue. A phone call took care of it.


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