If you’ve ever struggled with hitching your trailer or dreaded the moment you have to unhitch after a long haul, you’re not alone. Even seasoned towers can feel a little anxious when it comes to lining things up, setting weight distribution, and getting all the components just right.
That’s why the ProPride 3P Hitch isn’t just about eliminating sway—it’s about empowering you to tow with total confidence. But to unlock its full potential, you need to master the art of proper hitching and unhitching.
In this blog, you’ll learn:
Let’s walk through the process together and make smooth, secure towing your new standard.
Getting hitched might sound romantic—but in the towing world, it’s all about safety, precision, and peace of mind. Hitching your ProPride 3P isn’t difficult, but it does require the right technique. Let’s break it down.
Before anything else, position your towing vehicle and trailer on a flat, level surface. This ensures a safe setup and prevents rolling or misalignment.
Pro Tip: If you’re hitching solo, consider using a hitch alignment system or magnetic guide poles.
Once your alignment looks good:
You should feel the trailer settle snugly onto the hitch—if not, realign slightly and try again.
The hitch uses weight distribution jacks and bars to stabilize your tow and reduce sag.
Here’s how to engage it:
This setup redistributes weight between your trailer and tow vehicle axles, reducing sway and improving steering control.
Your anti-sway system is what sets ProPride apart. Follow these key steps:
Safety Note: Never tow without both sway bars connected. They’re essential for full 3P functionality.
It’s tempting to slap on your chains and move on—but there’s a method that matters.
This creates a cradle that will catch the trailer tongue if it ever becomes unhitched.
Your lights and brakes are just as important as your hitch.
Never skip this test—visibility and braking are non-negotiables for road safety.
Even with experience, little hiccups can happen. Here’s a quick reference table to help you identify and solve common issues.
|
Problem |
Possible Cause |
Quick Fix |
|
Coupler won’t lower onto ball |
Misalignment or uneven ground |
Re-align vehicle or reposition trailer |
|
Bars too tight or too loose |
Incorrect angle or bar placement |
Adjust bar tension per manual |
|
Trailer feels nose-high or low |
Improper hitch head height |
Raise or lower hitch ball assembly |
|
Chains are dragging |
Too much slack or wrong hooks |
Shorten chain or switch hook point |
|
Lights not working |
Loose harness connection or blown fuse |
Reconnect securely and check tow vehicle |
Unhitching your trailer might seem like a simple reversal of the hitching process—but there are specific steps that ensure safety, prevent equipment strain, and make your post-trip experience smooth.
Let’s walk through it.
Start by finding a level parking spot. Engage your tow vehicle’s parking brake, and use wheel chocks on both sides of the trailer tires to prevent rolling.
Pro Tip: Never skip chocking—even on level ground. Safety starts here.
Unplug the trailer’s wiring harness from the tow vehicle’s connector. Be gentle—pulling forcefully can damage the plug pins or wiring insulation.
Follow this order:
Safety Reminder: Always relieve any tension in the sway bars before removing them.
Using your trailer jack:
Avoid jerky movements, especially if you're on uneven terrain or loose gravel.
Want to make unhitching smoother every time? Keep these tips in mind:
Learning how to properly hitch and unhitch your ProPride 3P Hitch is one of the smartest things you can do as a trailer owner. It’s not just about mechanics—it’s about building a routine you can rely on, trip after trip.
By mastering each step, you’re ensuring maximum sway control, safer hauls, and fewer surprises along the way. Whether you’re loading up for a weekend getaway or wrapping up a long haul, the right technique makes every mile more enjoyable.
Practice leads to confidence. And with ProPride, you’ve already got the right equipment—now you’ve got the know-how, too.
Hitching and unhitching might seem straightforward, but the finer details can make or break your experience. Here are some important questions trailer owners often ask once they’ve started using the ProPride 3P.
Yes, but it’s not ideal. Always aim for level ground to ensure your hitch components align properly. If unavoidable, use leveling blocks under tires or jack stands to create a stable base before proceeding.
If the sway bars feel jammed, your trailer might be on an angle or under tension. Try raising the tongue slightly to release pressure, then gently wiggle the bars free. Never force them—they should slide out smoothly.
Only basic tools are needed—typically, a wrench for initial setup adjustments. Day-to-day hitching and unhitching require no tools unless you’re reconfiguring your setup or adjusting bar tension for a different trailer load.
It’s recommended to remove them. Leaving sway bars under tension while parked can strain the brackets and increase wear. For overnight stops or uneven parking, always remove the bars and secure them safely.
Give it a visual check every time you tow. Look for signs of rust, pin wear, loose bolts, or frayed chains. A more thorough inspection—lubrication and bolt torquing—should be done monthly or before long-distance trips.