When you're gearing up for your next RV adventure, the last thing you want to deal with is the stress of trailer sway, especially on crowded highways or during unpredictable crosswinds. 

You’ve likely experienced that heart-racing moment when your trailer starts swaying out of control, and it feels like you’re just a second away from disaster. So, what’s the solution?

The right anti-sway hitch is the answer—and it’s crucial for a smoother, safer towing experience.

Now, if you’ve been looking at hitches, you’ve probably come across the Hensley Arrow®—a popular choice for many.

But here’s the thing: It’s not just about choosing any hitch. It’s about finding the one that truly eliminates sway—not just reduces it. That’s where the ProPride 3P® Hitch comes in. By using Jim Hensley’s Pivot Point Projection™ technology, it turns your travel trailer into a towing experience that feels more like driving a fifth wheel.

No more second-guessing your setup or constantly adjusting for sway that just won’t go away.

For serious RV owners, Airstream enthusiasts, and anyone who values peace of mind, this isn’t just about choosing a hitch—it’s about making the best choice for every mile you tow. So, let’s dive into what makes ProPride the go-to option and why it continues to be engineered to perfection for your towing safety.

In this blog, we’ll explore:

• The key differences between the Hensley Arrow® and other hitches like the ProPride 3P®
• Why ProPride’s unique design eliminates sway and gives you a smooth, fifth-wheel-like experience
• How choosing the right hitch impacts the safety and efficiency of your RV travels

Let’s get started!

Overview Of The Hensley Arrow

The Hensley Arrow is an anti-sway hitch that gives you real confidence for towing. It uses technology that moves the pivot point forward, making towing safer and more stable, especially with larger RVs and travel trailers.

How The Hensley Arrow Works

The Hensley Arrow controls trailer sway by creating a “virtual pivot point” at your tow vehicle’s rear axle through its Pivot Point Projection™ design. Unlike traditional hitches that use friction to fight sway after it starts, this system blocks the sideways movement that causes sway in the first place.

Control links connect a one-piece yoke to the trailer frame bracket, creating a rigid geometry that keeps your trailer directly behind your vehicle. Swift maneuvers, crosswinds, or passing trucks won’t cause the side-to-side whip common with friction-based anti sway hitches.

The Arrow makes your bumper-pull trailer feel like it’s riding on rails, similar to a fifth wheel. It delivers towing stability that most hitches can’t match. It does not use friction pads or add-on devices that need readjusting or wear down over time.

Key Features And Design

Key features that set the Hensley Arrow apart from other weight distribution hitches:

• One-piece yoke: Increases strength and reliability by removing the need for strut bars.
• Top-mounted jacks: Distribute weight more evenly and provide better clearance than bottom-mounted setups.
• Adjustable hitch bar: Lets you fine-tune offset for different trailers, increasing compatibility.
• Easy installation: No drilling required; clamps onto existing frames.

Critical components include the hitch box, spring bars, and robust frame brackets.

Thanks to its rigid geometry and unique pivot mechanism, the Arrow eliminates sway rather than just reducing it. This results in less wear, fewer maintenance needs, and a much better towing experience than traditional anti-sway hitches.

Compatibility With Different Trailers

The Hensley Arrow fits a wide range of bumper pull travel trailers, including heavier RVs and Airstreams. Its design works with most standard frames and does not require permanent modifications, making it suitable for owners who may change vehicles or trailers in the future.

The Arrow fits trailers with various tongue weights and configurations, as the adjustable hitch bar and top-mount jacks offer flexibility for unique setups. Users towing longer, high-profile campers will see the biggest stability improvement, especially in crosswinds or when passing large trucks.

ProPride 3P®, which builds on the Arrow’s design, extends compatibility even further with updated mounting hardware and easier offset adjustments. For towing safety and a smoother road experience, the Arrow and its successors stand out among anti sway hitch options. For technical specifications and fitment details, visit the ProPride resource page.

Comparing The Hensley Arrow To Other Weight Distribution Hitches

When choosing a weight distribution hitch, look closely at how each option manages trailer sway, installation, and overall towing stability. The technology, design, and towing experience can feel very different from one hitch to another.

Hensley Arrow vs Equal-i-zer

• The Hensley Arrow uses a virtual pivot point design, moving the pivot forward and away from the ball. This method gives you control that resembles a fifth wheel, almost eliminating sway from crosswinds and passing trucks.
• The Equal-i-zer relies on friction-based sway control, creating resistance between pads and bars to limit trailer sway but not eliminate it. When towing in heavy winds or with longer trailers, some sway still occurs.

Installation differs as well.

The Hensley Arrow attaches using frame brackets and an integrated yoke, so there’s less wear or need for adjustment. You also avoid issues like noisy movement under load, which some friction hitches develop.

With the Arrow, you don’t have to worry about grease or pad replacement as with friction hitches. The virtual pivot point offers superior comfort and safety if you tow frequently or in harsh conditions.

Hensley Arrow vs ProPride 3P

The Hensley Arrow and the ProPride 3P® use Jim Hensley’s Pivot Point Projection™ technology, creating a virtual pivot point far forward of your tow vehicle’s bumper and making trailer sway nearly impossible.

ProPride 3P® stands out for its ongoing engineering improvements. ProPride uses a one-piece yoke for better strength, eliminates the need for strut bars, and has top-mounted jacks that improve weight distribution across the hitch head. Those design choices address issues owners have faced with the Arrow, like strut bar reliability and limited bar adjustment.

You also get an adjustable offset hitch bar on the ProPride 3P®, helping with compatibility as your towing needs change. If you want the only anti-sway hitch designed by Jim Hensley that's still being upgraded based on real-world feedback, ProPride is that solution.

Hensley Arrow vs Blue Ox SwayPro

• The Blue Ox SwayPro is another common weight distribution hitch. It uses friction-based sway control, with rotating spring bars and brackets attached to the trailer frame. This friction controls motion but cannot fully stop trailer sway, especially in poor weather or with heavier trailers.
• The Hensley Arrow, with its virtual pivot point and anti-sway hitch box, directly stops lateral movement at the source. The difference becomes clear during emergency maneuvers. If you have worried about trailer sway on mountain highways or in sudden gusts, this matters a lot for towing safety.

Setup also differs: the Arrow does not require drilling or regular pad adjustments. The SwayPro’s spring bars and frame brackets may need more frequent inspection and can be sensitive to wear or improper setup.

For peace of mind and true sway control, the virtual pivot design outperforms friction-based hitches in both comfort and handling.

Performance Differences In Sway Control

How your hitch controls sway can mean the difference between a confident drive and a stressful trip. Design choices in advanced anti-sway hitches can change how you feel behind the wheel and how safe your family is when conditions get rough.

Active Sway Elimination

The ProPride 3P® Hitch uses Pivot Point Projection™ technology to create a virtual pivot point near your tow vehicle’s rear axle. This replaces the trailer’s natural hinge point. By controlling where pivoting starts, the system removes side-to-side sway from crosswinds, passing trucks, or sudden steering.

Unlike friction-based hitches, this approach doesn’t just reduce sway: it eliminates it before it can start. Friction hitches only fight sway after movement begins, so you still feel side pushes and corrections. With the ProPride design, you get a towing experience closer to a fifth wheel system—smoother, straighter, and much less tiring for long drives.

The adjustable hitch bar also makes the system compatible with most modern towing setups.

Handling In Windy Conditions

Windy days highlight the difference between passive sway control and true sway elimination. High crosswinds cause many hitches to struggle keeping the trailer in line. You may find yourself steering against every gust, and trailer movement can unsettle both driver and passengers.

By projecting the pivot point forward, ProPride technology prevents side loads from moving the trailer sideways. When wind hits, you feel almost no change in trailer alignment, even on uneven roads.

The one-piece yoke and solid frame bracket connections add to towing stability, resisting sudden movements that less advanced hitches can’t fully control. This means steadier handling when wind or traffic would typically overwhelm standard anti-sway setups. For families and RV owners who dislike tension at the wheel, this stability makes travel less stressful.

Towing Stability And Safety Benefits

A safe and stable tow is crucial for protecting your family and trailer investment. The ProPride 3P® Hitch stands out for those seeking advanced sway control and handling on the road.

Control At Highway Speeds

Maintaining control at highway speeds is essential for long trips or busy interstates.

When using a friction-based anti sway hitch, you may still feel minor shifts from passing trucks and side winds. The ProPride 3P® Hitch, however, uses Pivot Point Projection™ to move the virtual pivot point to your rear axle. This design eliminates trailer sway before it starts.

You experience fifth-wheel-like stability, meaning your trailer tracks behind your vehicle without unpredictable movements. Because of the one-piece yoke and robust frame bracket, no strut bars or extra gadgets are needed. Weight distribution improves through top-mounted jacks, keeping your trailer balanced under heavy loads.

This makes travel smoother and less stressful, especially for those towing large RVs or Airstreams.

Emergency Maneuver Performance

In an emergency, quick steering can lead to dangerous trailer sway with standard or friction hitches. The ProPride 3P® system lets you steer confidently by keeping the trailer locked in line with the tow vehicle during sudden lane changes or evasive maneuvers.

The design separates sway control from weight distribution, so you maintain full stability if you need to brake or swerve. This reduces the risk of fishtailing after sharp moves, a common fear for RV owners and families.

No drilling or hard-to-fit add-ons are required, making it easier to equip your setup for maximum safety. The adjustable offset hitch bar allows for upgrades and changes to your tow vehicle without buying a whole new system.

Ease Of Installation And Setup

ProPride 3P® delivers a premium towing solution without complex steps or unreliable components. From attaching the main elements to making routine adjustments, each part of the process focuses on safety, long-term reliability, and a clear user experience.

Initial Installation Process

When you start the installation, you'll see that the ProPride 3P® anti-sway hitch arrives with all the main parts needed for secure mounting. Thanks to its one-piece yoke, there are no strut bars or extra pieces to assemble. This means fewer alignment mistakes and better long-term durability.

Attaching the frame bracket is straightforward. For most frames, no drilling is required. You position the yoke and attach it to your trailer’s A-frame using included hardware. The hitch head and hitch box connect cleanly to your tow vehicle, and top-mounted jacks provide better ground clearance for weight distribution.

You can often finish installation in a few hours with normal shop tools. Each step is detailed in the included manual. For most RVs and Airstreams, you won’t need adapters or extra fabrication.

Adjusting The Hitch

After the main installation, adjust the hitch for the best sway control and towing stability.

The adjustable offset hitch bar fits many vehicle heights and trailer profiles, so you won’t need complicated modifications if you change tow vehicles.

Align the virtual pivot point of the hitch to match your trailer’s turning radius—this gives you fifth wheel-like stability. Fine-tune the spring bars by matching them to your trailer’s weight for effective weight distribution. Clear markings and adjustment points on the hitch make this step easy.

Check your initial setup after a test drive. If you notice uneven ride height or slight sway, adjust by one increment at a time. ProPride customer support is available for guidance if needed.

Routine Maintenance Checks

Maintaining your ProPride 3P® hitch takes little time and is essential for safe towing. The robust control links and bushings reduce wear compared to friction-based hitches.

Check the tightness of frame brackets and all visible bolts once a month. Look for loosened hardware or visible wear on the yoke and spring bars. Lubricate moving pivot points with the recommended grease to prevent sticking or rust.

Inspect the weight distribution jacks to ensure smooth movement and watch for unusual noise or signs of uneven stress.

A few minutes each month can help you avoid problems and keep your towing experience safe.

Cost And Value Considerations

When choosing a premium anti-sway hitch, consider both the initial price and long-term performance. The real investment includes the hitch and what you save and avoid over time.

Upfront Investment

Buying a top-tier hitch like the ProPride 3P® costs more upfront than many friction-based hitches. Expect a starting price above $3,000. ProPride uses advanced engineering, including a one-piece yoke and Pivot Point Projection™ technology, to ensure excellent trailer sway control.

The hitch includes all necessary frame brackets and upgraded hardware. Installation usually requires no drilling. For many RV owners, this means less time and hassle setting up and a direct fit to their rig.

Price-conscious shoppers might hesitate, but the lifetime value often outweighs the sticker price. You get engineering advancements not found in standard anti-sway or weight distribution hitches.

Long-Term Durability

ProPride 3P® hitches use top-grade steel and powder-coated finishes for years of reliable towing. All moving parts—from the hitch head to the spring bars—are designed for long-term use. Maintenance involves basic checks and lubrication, with no friction pads to replace.

Over time, this reliability saves money and prevents dangerous road interruptions. The adjustable offset hitch bar lets you transfer your investment to future tow vehicles, maintaining compatibility as your needs change.

You get fifth wheel-like towing stability without losing flexibility or resale value.

User Experiences And Reviews

Many users say switching to a Jim Hensley-designed anti-sway hitch gives them more confidence towing in windy conditions or when passing trucks.

Common Benefits Noted in Reviews:

• Trailer sway is eliminated, even with longer travel trailers
• Easy installation with no drilling required
• Noticeable improvement in towing stability and smoothness

One reviewer described the towing experience as "fifth wheel-like control" compared to their old friction-based hitch. Campers report less anxiety about highway merges and crosswinds after investing in a true trailer sway control solution.

The one-piece yoke removes the need for unreliable strut bars and results in a cleaner installation on your trailer frame bracket.

Several experienced RV owners have switched to a Jim Hensley hitch after frustration with friction hitches. They highlight the solid engineering, especially the Pivot Point Projection™ technology and frame bracket design, for turning stressful towing into a predictable experience.

Customer feedback often mentions satisfaction with ProPride support and the direct-to-consumer model, which keeps the buying process simple and transparent.

Final Thoughts On The Hensley Arrow Comparison

When comparing anti-sway hitches, look beyond simple features. Consider how each hitch handles trailer sway, safety, and long-term value.

Key Differences To Keep In Mind:

• Virtual pivot point vs friction sway control
• Engineering of the hitch head, hitch box, and frame bracket
• Weight distribution through top-mounted jacks
• Adjustability with features like the adjustable offset hitch bar

The ProPride 3P® uses Pivot Point Projection™ to project the pivot point forward, closer to your tow vehicle’s rear axle. This creates a true anti-sway hitch system, similar to the stability of a fifth wheel. You don’t need friction pads or strut bars.

RV owners, especially those with Airstream trailers, appreciate this system's towing stability, weight distribution, and true sway control. If you take towing safety seriously or want to avoid trailer sway for good, compare these core differences for peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

Users often want to know how the Hensley Arrow compares to other anti-sway hitches in real-life situations. This section answers the most common concerns, covering performance, dealer options, value, and technical limitations.

What are the common issues reported with Hensley hitches?

Some owners mention difficulties with the initial hitch setup, such as aligning the hitch head and adjusting spring bars for their specific trailer. Connecting and disconnecting may be a learning curve, especially if you haven’t used a premium anti-sway hitch before. Noise can be a concern during tight maneuvers. Regular lubrication and proper adjustment usually resolve these issues.

How do Hensley Arrow hitches compare to other anti-sway hitches in terms of performance?

The Arrow’s key difference is its use of Pivot Point Projection™ technology, which creates a virtual pivot point far forward of the trailer coupler. This system eliminates trailer sway instead of just controlling it like a friction-based hitch. You can expect towing dynamics similar to a fifth wheel instead of a conventional bumper-pull. Competing friction hitches offer sway control but don’t deliver the same level of towing stability or confidence at highway speeds.

Where can one find a reputable Hensley hitch dealer?

Most Hensley-style hitches aren’t available through traditional dealer networks. ProPride sells directly to consumers, which helps maintain consistent quality and fair pricing. Buy through the official site to get authentic components, full support, and warranty coverage.

Are there distinct advantages of using a Hensley Arrow hitch for travel trailers?

The Arrow gives you superior trailer sway control compared to friction-based systems. Its virtual pivot point and one-piece yoke design provide a steadier ride and better handling even in strong winds or while passing trucks. You also benefit from top-mounted jacks for easier weight distribution adjustments and an adjustable offset hitch bar for different trailer frame heights.

Can you feasibly operate a vehicle in reverse when using a Hensley hitch?

Yes, you can back up your trailer using a Hensley Arrow or ProPride 3P® hitch. The design allows for full reverse operation without disconnecting any sway control components, a major advantage over some friction hitches, which may need disassembly before backing up.

How does the cost of a Hensley Hitch reflect its value compared to other towing systems?

The initial price of a Hensley-style hitch is higher than most friction-based models, but the difference in technology is substantial. You pay for advanced safety engineering, complete sway elimination, and long-term durability. When you buy directly from the manufacturer, you avoid markups and dealer commissions.