ProPride Blog | Expert Trailer Sway Control & Towing Tips

Hensley Trailer Hitch Made Easy for Every Adventure

Written by ProPride | Sep 23, 2025 4:45:00 AM

If you tow a trailer, you know how dangerous and frustrating trailer sway can be. The Hensley trailer hitch, especially the ProPride 3P® designed by Jim Hensley, offers a real solution.

This hitch uses patented Pivot Point Projection™ technology to eliminate trailer sway, giving you a safer and smoother towing experience.

Unlike traditional friction-based hitches, the ProPride 3P® is engineered for stability with features like a one-piece yoke and adjustable offset hitch bar. It also provides better weight distribution, making it a premium choice for serious RV owners, Airstream users, and families focused on towing safety.

You don’t need to worry about complicated installations. The ProPride hitch fits easily without drilling and supports future towing setups with its adjustable design.

If you want confidence on the road, understanding what sets the Hensley hitch apart is a smart first step.

What Is a Hensley Trailer Hitch?

The Hensley trailer hitch is a premium towing device designed to stop trailer sway and provide safer, smoother towing. It uses a special system that controls movement between your vehicle and trailer.

This hitch offers features that make hitching easier and improve stability on the road.

Overview of Hensley Trailer Hitch

The Hensley trailer hitch, especially the ProPride 3P®, is built to reduce or eliminate trailer sway. Unlike friction-based hitches, it uses a patented system called Pivot Point Projection™.

This creates a virtual pivot point near your vehicle’s rear axle, stopping the side-to-side sway common with other hitches. Designed by Jim Hensley, the ProPride 3P® is a top choice for RV owners and serious campers who want a safer tow.

It fits many trailers and is easily adjustable for different vehicles without drilling or complicated setups. It’s known for making towing easier and more stable.

Unique Design Elements

The ProPride 3P® hitch stands out because of its one-piece yoke and adjustable offset hitch bar. The yoke replaces strut bars found in other systems, providing a stronger, more reliable connection between your truck and trailer.

The adjustable hitch bar lets you set the perfect tow height, which means better weight distribution and easier adjustment if you change vehicles or trailers later. The hitch head stays level because of a built-in tilt feature, which means your trailer stays steady and balanced during your drive.

These design choices improve weight control and create a fifth wheel-like stability.

How It Works

The ProPride 3P® creates a virtual pivot point close to your truck’s rear axle. This stops the trailer’s natural side-to-side sway by using the hitch box and frame bracket to control movement.

Spring bars and control links built into the hitch work together to absorb and limit sway forces. The hitch doesn’t rely on friction, so it reacts faster and more smoothly to trailer movements.

Installing this hitch is easier, too. No drilling is required, and the hitch’s design reduces setup challenges.

Benefits of Using a Hensley Trailer Hitch

When you tow with a Hensley trailer hitch, you get better control, less trailer sway, safer driving, and a more comfortable towing experience. It uses smart engineering to make towing easier and more stable, especially for serious campers and RV owners.

Enhanced Towing Stability

The ProPride 3P® hitch improves towing stability by using Pivot Point Projection™ technology. This creates a virtual pivot point that controls trailer movement more like a fifth wheel hitch does.

You get less sideways motion, making your rig feel more solid on the road. The one-piece yoke design removes the weak spots found in hitches with strut bars or separate control links.

You’ll notice improved alignment between your tow vehicle and trailer. This reduces wear and tear and keeps your setup steady even on bumpy roads.

You also benefit from the adjustable hitch bar. It helps match the trailer height to your vehicle for proper weight distribution.

That means better handling and less bouncing, especially during turns and lane changes.

Sway Elimination

Trailer sway is a major safety problem, but the Hensley hitch is built to eliminate it — not just reduce it like friction-based systems. Instead of using friction to fight sway, the ProPride 3P® uses a patented design that controls trailer movement exactly where it happens.

This active control system reacts immediately to wind, passing vehicles, and uneven surfaces. You won't feel the trailer pushing or pulling unexpectedly, which cuts down on anxiety and dangerous situations on highways or mountain roads.

Because it keeps the hitch head perfectly level with the adjustable tilt feature, the weight remains balanced. This stops the trailer from swinging side to side so you can focus on driving.

Safety Advantages

Your safety on the road improves with a Hensley trailer hitch because it prevents sudden sway, which is a leading cause of accidents in towing. The strong frame bracket and the one-piece yoke give you a stable connection that won’t loosen or fail under stress.

Unlike other systems, the ProPride 3P® does not need drilling or complicated installation. You can install it yourself or with minimal help.

The design also better distributes weight between your vehicle and trailer. That means less strain on your truck’s suspension and brakes, making stops smoother and lowering the risk of rollovers.

Comfort and Ease of Use

Using a Hensley hitch makes your towing experience more comfortable. The ProPride 3P® hitch reduces jerkiness and sway, so you don’t have to constantly correct steering.

The adjustable offset hitch bar means you can quickly adapt your hitch if you change vehicles or trailers. This saves you money and hassle since no new parts or expensive returns are needed.

Installation is straightforward — no drilling into your frame is required. The design is durable but simple, so you spend less time on maintenance and more time on the road.

Popular Hensley Trailer Hitch Models

When choosing a Hensley trailer hitch, you’ll find options designed to reduce trailer sway and improve towing safety. These hitches use smart engineering to offer better weight distribution, adjustable features, and smoother towing.

Two main models stand out, each with unique features to fit your towing needs.

Hensley Arrow

The Hensley Arrow is the original design by Jim Hensley. It uses his patented Pivot Point Projection™ technology to reduce trailer sway by creating a virtual pivot point near the rear axle of your tow vehicle.

This makes your towing feel more like driving a fifth wheel, helping keep the trailer stable on the road. The hitch bar on the Arrow is welded, which means it is fixed with set offsets.

This model offers solid sway control and safer towing, but if you change vehicles or trailers, you might need a different hitch bar.

Hensley Cub

The Hensley Cub is a smaller, lighter version of Hensley hitches meant for lighter trailers. It still uses the same core technology to manage sway but weighs less and is easier to handle.

The Cub is perfect if you tow shorter trailers or want a hitch with similar stability benefits but in a more compact form. It is designed for vehicles with less towing capacity, giving you an option that doesn’t sacrifice safety despite being smaller.

Like other Hensley hitches, it avoids using friction bars or complex strut bars that can break or wear out.

Key Differences Between Models

Feature

Hensley Arrow

Hensley Cub

Weight Capacity

Heavier trailers, large loads

Lighter trailers, smaller loads

Hitch Bar

Fixed, welded offset

Smaller, lighter design

Size & Weight

Larger, heavier

Compact, lightweight

Towing Stability

Premium sway control

Same core tech, less weight

Best For

Heavy RVs, long trips

Small trailers, casual towing

Both models focus on eliminating trailer sway using Pivot Point Projection™. Your choice depends on trailer size and towing needs.

The Cub is easier for lighter loads, while the Arrow handles heavier trailers with strong, stable control.

Installation Process

Installing the ProPride 3P® hitch requires careful preparation, the right tools, and following clear steps to ensure your trailer sway control system works as it should. You’ll want to check your vehicle and hitch parts beforehand, gather essential tools, and follow step-by-step instructions to set everything up smoothly and safely.

Pre-Installation Checklist

Before you begin, make sure you have the ProPride 3P® hitch kit with all parts included: hitch box, one-piece yoke, adjustable offset hitch bar, frame bracket, and hardware.

Check your tow vehicle’s receiver size and attachment points. The ProPride 3P® fits standard 2-inch receivers but verify compatibility with your truck or SUV.

Clear a level, flat workspace for your installation. Confirm you have enough room to work behind your vehicle and access the undercarriage safely.

Review your trailer tongue height and tow height to adjust the hitch bar for level towing. The adjustable offset hitch bar helps match your different tow vehicle or trailer setup without needing extra parts.

Inspect your trailer and tow vehicle for any pre-existing damage or issues that might affect installation or towing.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Start by removing any existing hitch or sway control system from your receiver. Slide the ProPride 3P® hitch box into the receiver and secure it using the provided hitch pin and clip.

Attach the adjustable offset hitch bar next. Use the holes to set the correct height and position that matches your tow vehicle and trailer height.

Mount the frame bracket under your truck frame as instructed, securing it with bolts. This bracket is essential for the hitch’s patented Pivot Point Projection™ technology to work.

Attach the one-piece yoke to the hitch box and connect the spring bars between the hitch head and frame bracket. Double-check all bolts and pins are tightened to manufacturer specs.

Adjust the spring bars for proper tension so the system controls trailer sway effectively.

Tools Required

You will need a few common tools to install your ProPride 3P® hitch:

  • Torque wrench: to tighten bolts to the correct specifications.
  • Socket set: typically including ½ inch and 9/16 inch wrenches or sockets.
  • Adjustable wrench: for securing nuts or bolts during assembly.
  • Level: to ensure your hitch and trailer tongue are aligned during setup.
  • Ratchet or breaker bar: to apply leverage on tight bolts.
  • Safety glasses and gloves: protect yourself while working under your vehicle.

Having these tools ready will speed up installation and reduce frustration. The ProPride hitch is designed for ease of install, requiring no drilling or modifications to your truck frame.

Maintenance and Care for Hensley Trailer Hitches

Keeping your Hensley trailer hitch in good shape means regularly checking key parts, keeping moving pieces well-lubricated, and knowing how to fix common problems. This helps maintain smooth towing, safety, and the long life of your ProPride 3P® Hitch.

Routine Inspections

Inspect your hitch before every trip. Look closely at the hitch head, frame bracket, and one-piece yoke for cracks, rust, or damage.

Make sure all bolts are tight and none are missing. Check the adjustable hitch bar for bending or wear, especially if you’ve switched tow vehicles or trailers.

Pay extra attention to the spring bars and control links since these parts absorb sway forces. Verify that the top-mounted jacks keep the hitch level.

A tilted hitch means uneven weight distribution, which can cause trailer sway. Write down your findings to track wear over time.

Early detection of small issues stops bigger problems and keeps your hitch working like new.

Lubrication Tips

Lubrication is key to keeping your ProPride 3P® hitch working smoothly. Focus on the pivot points where the hitch moves to maintain the patented Pivot Point Projection™ technology.

Use a high-quality grease recommended by ProPride or a similar heavy-duty lubricant. Apply it to the pivot points and any sliding parts.

Avoid over-greasing, which can attract dirt and cause buildup. Check lubrication every 1,000 miles or after driving in wet or dusty conditions to prevent corrosion and wear.

Clean off old grease before applying new lubricant. Inspect rubber bushings around the hitch bar area.

While these don’t need grease, keeping them free of grime helps them last longer and maintain smooth towing stability.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you notice trailer sway returning, rattling, or more resistance than usual when turning, check the hitch’s level position and tightness. Improperly adjusted offset hitch bars are a common issue.

Make sure it matches your tow vehicle and trailer height. Using the adjustable offset bar correctly keeps your trailer towing level and stable.

Listen for unusual noises. Clicking or popping sounds often point to worn bushings or loose bolts.

If the hitch feels stiff or doesn’t pivot smoothly, check lubrication first. A lack of grease around pivot points causes stiffness and affects sway control.

For persistent problems, ProPride offers replacement parts and a free exchange for adjustable hitch bars.

Choosing the Right Hensley Trailer Hitch for Your Needs

Picking the right Hensley trailer hitch depends on several key factors. You need to consider your vehicle’s setup, the weight you plan to tow, and how well the hitch matches your trailer’s design.

Getting these details right helps you tow safely and smoothly.

Vehicle Compatibility

Your towing vehicle’s make and model affect which Hensley hitch fits best. The ProPride 3P® hitch has an adjustable offset hitch bar, so it can work with various tow heights without drilling or major modifications.

This helps if you plan to use different vehicles or trailers in the future. Check your vehicle’s frame for a suitable bracket spot.

The hitch’s one-piece yoke connects here and provides more stability than systems with strut bars. Make sure the hitch model matches your vehicle’s frame type for proper installation and added safety.

Weight Capacity Considerations

You need to know your trailer’s loaded weight when choosing the right Hensley hitch. ProPride 3P® options cover weight capacities from 600 to 1400 pounds, so you have flexibility based on your towing needs.

Selecting a hitch with the correct weight rating avoids stress on your vehicle and reduces sway risks. If you often tow heavier fifth wheels or Airstreams, choose higher capacity models.

A properly rated hitch distributes weight better through its top-mounted jacks. This reduces strain and improves towing stability.

Matching With Your Trailer

Your trailer type and tongue height also affect your hitch choice. The ProPride 3P® hitch matches many fifth wheel and travel trailers, especially for Airstream users seeking sway elimination.

Adjusting the hitch bar offset lets you line up the trailer and tow vehicle perfectly. This setup reduces sway before it starts.

The newer ProPride design lets you swap bars for future trailers or vehicles, saving you money and hassle.

Real-World Performance and User Experiences

You want a hitch that handles trailer sway and stays reliable over time. Many users share feedback about how the ProPride 3P® hitch performs on the road, its ease of use, and its durability.

Customer Testimonials

Users appreciate the ProPride 3P® for cutting down sway and making towing safer. Many owners mention how easy it is to install without drilling or complicated setups.

One highlight is the smooth towing experience even in windy or hilly conditions, which builds confidence behind the wheel. RV owners, especially those with Airstream trailers, often point out how much better stability feels compared to older friction hitches or competitors like Equalizer®.

Some reviews praise the adjustable hitch bar, which saves money when switching tow vehicles since you don’t need to buy a whole new hitch.

On-Road Performance Insights

The ProPride 3P® uses patented Pivot Point Projection™ technology to control trailer sway differently than friction hitches. This system creates a virtual pivot point that reduces sway before it starts.

On the road, drivers make fewer corrections and notice less trailer movement. They report less stress during lane changes and easier handling on curves and rough surfaces.

The one-piece yoke design helps eliminate common sway causes. It also improves weight distribution, making the tow setup feel more like a fifth wheel.

This adds to overall stability and reduces trailer nose-diving or fishtailing.

Long-Term Reliability

People who use the ProPride 3P® for years say it holds up well under regular towing. The quality of materials and engineering means fewer issues with wear or failure.

The frame bracket and hitch head resist rust and damage, even with heavy use. The adjustable offset bar system extends the hitch’s life by adapting to new rigs.

You can expect consistent sway control for thousands of miles without rebuilding or replacing major parts.

Comparison: Hensley Trailer Hitch vs. Other Sway Control Hitches

When choosing a trailer hitch, you want one that truly controls sway, offers easy adjustments, and fits your towing needs without extra hassle. The Hensley hitch stands out with innovative design and better weight distribution.

Traditional Sway Bars

Traditional sway bars rely on friction to control trailer sway. These systems use spring bars and control links that resist side-to-side movement.

They often require frequent adjustments and can wear out over time. You might feel more sway on rough roads or at higher speeds because friction hitches don’t eliminate the root cause of sway.

Installation usually involves drilling and extra hardware, making the process complicated. These bars can transfer more stress to your trailer and tow vehicle frame.

If you want a simpler, more stable setup, friction-based sway bars might leave you frustrated.

ProPride 3P Hitch

The ProPride 3P® Hitch uses Jim Hensley’s patented Pivot Point Projection™ technology to eliminate trailer sway. It creates a pivot point near the nose of the trailer, giving you fifth wheel-like stability without drilling on your truck.

This design lets your trailer move smoothly up and down, while side-to-side sway is controlled. Its one-piece yoke and adjustable hitch bar help you balance weight and match different tow vehicle heights.

The tilt feature keeps the hitch head level, improving towing safety. The ProPride is easier to use, with no unreliable strut bars to adjust or wear out.

Pricing Differences

The Hensley ProPride 3P® Hitch is a premium product because of its advanced engineering and direct-to-consumer sales model. You might pay more upfront compared to traditional sway bars, but this reflects its quality and long-term safety benefits.

Traditional friction-based hitches often cost less, but you may spend more over time on maintenance and replacements. Some competitors charge extra for shipping or require dealers, increasing costs and reducing support.

With ProPride, an adjustable hitch bar included saves you money if your towing setup changes. There are no hidden fees, and the company offers direct customer support.

Where to Buy Genuine Hensley Trailer Hitches

Finding a real Jim Hensley-designed ProPride 3P® hitch means looking for trusted sources that guarantee quality and authenticity. Focus on places that offer expert guidance and clear information to ensure you get the right fit and full warranty benefits.

Authorized Dealers

Buying from authorized dealers is a smart move if you want expert help with selecting, installing, or maintaining your ProPride 3P® hitch. These dealers are trained by ProPride to understand features like Pivot Point Projection™ technology and the adjustable offset hitch bar.

Authorized dealers also provide service support and help you avoid fake or subpar hitches. You can find them through ProPride’s official website or by contacting ProPride directly.

They often serve RV dealerships or specialty towing shops that cater to Airstream owners and serious campers. Buying from authorized dealers ensures your hitch maintains its full warranty coverage and product support.

Online Purchasing Tips

If you consider buying online, focus on official ProPride channels or reputable retailers who sell genuine ProPride 3P® hitches. Avoid third-party marketplaces without clear seller history, as counterfeit or outdated models can appear.

Look for sellers that clearly state the hitch model, include the adjustable hitch bar feature, and provide installation support or instructions. Prices might be higher through authorized online sellers but reflect the premium engineering and safety ProPride guarantees.

You can verify a seller’s authenticity by checking customer reviews, warranty terms, and return policies before you buy. Stick to sites with strong customer service to ensure you get product updates and technical support when needed.

Warranty and Support for Hensley Trailer Hitches

When you invest in a Hensley trailer hitch, you get more than just advanced sway control technology. You also receive warranty protection and company support to keep your hitch working smoothly and your towing safe.

Warranty Coverage Details

Your ProPride 3P® hitch comes with a solid warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. If any part of your hitch fails under normal use, ProPride will repair or replace it.

The warranty length typically lasts several years, depending on the specific model you buy. The warranty does not cover damage from accidents, misuse, or improper installation.

Follow the installation instructions carefully. The adjustable hitch bar helps you match tow heights without extra costs, and if you upgrade your tow vehicle, you can get a free exchange of this part to keep your warranty valid.

Customer Service Options

ProPride offers direct support. You can reach their customer service team through phone or email for questions about installation, adjustments, or warranty claims.

They also provide a free towing analysis to help you make the most of your hitch. The company focuses only on their own hitches, so you get clear advice without pressure to buy extra parts.

If you need to swap parts like the adjustable offset hitch bar, ProPride makes it simple and cost-effective.

Frequently Asked Questions

Many users want to know how a Hensley hitch can improve towing safety and stability. Questions often focus on where to buy, how specific models work, parts availability, and what to watch for when shopping used.

What are the benefits of using a Hensley hitch for my trailer?

A Hensley hitch helps eliminate trailer sway with patented Pivot Point Projection™ technology. It improves towing stability without relying on friction parts that wear out.

You get safer towing, better weight distribution, and easier installation because no drilling is needed. Its design also allows for future adjustments if your towing setup changes.

Where can I find a Hensley hitch dealer near me?

ProPride sells the ProPride 3P® hitch directly to customers instead of through many dealers. You can find authorized sellers on the official ProPride website.

This approach helps maintain consistent product quality and pricing.

How does the Hensley Cub anti-sway hitch improve towing stability?

The Hensley Cub uses the same core anti-sway technology but is designed for lighter setups. It creates a virtual pivot point between your vehicle and trailer to reduce sway.

This results in smoother handling and safer towing, especially for smaller trailers.

Can I purchase individual parts for my Hensley hitch, and where?

Yes, ProPride offers replacement parts such as adjustable hitch bars and control links for the ProPride 3P® and older Hensley models.

Ordering through ProPride ensures parts fit properly and maintain the hitch’s sway control performance.

What should I consider when looking at a used Hensley hitch for sale?

Check if the hitch has a welded or adjustable hitch bar, as this affects compatibility with your towing vehicle. Inspect for wear, especially on any friction parts if it’s an older model.

Make sure it matches your trailer weight and towing setup. Availability of parts and support can vary for older designs like the Hensley Arrow®.

How do the reviews for the Hensley Arrow hitch reflect on its performance?

The Hensley Arrow was a breakthrough in trailer sway control. Many users appreciated its solid towing stability compared to friction hitches.

Some users found its welded hitch bar less flexible than the adjustable bar on the newer ProPride 3P® model.