ProPride Blog | Expert Trailer Sway Control & Towing Tips

Jim Hensley hitch benefits and features for safe towing

Written by ProPride | Oct 1, 2025 5:00:03 AM

If you've ever worried about losing control of your trailer or RV due to sway on the highway, you are not alone. The Jim Hensley hitch, featuring Pivot Point Projection™ technology, is a true anti-sway hitch that eliminates trailer sway rather than just reducing it. Designed for towing safety, it creates a virtual pivot point like a fifth wheel, delivering a smoother, more stable experience for you and your family.

With ProPride 3P®, you get built-in weight distribution, a one-piece yoke, and an adjustable hitch bar. You avoid the hassle and danger of friction-based sway control. There is no need for drilling or strut bars, and the frame bracket system is strong enough for serious towing setups.

You want the best trailer sway control when you tow heavy loads, especially with your RV or Airstream. This hitch is engineered for those who value towing safety and demand premium performance on the road.

What Is a Jim Hensley Hitch?

A Jim Hensley hitch uses a unique anti-sway design to keep your trailer steady and safe. Strong engineering and proven technology help prevent dangerous sway and give you more confidence on the road.

History and Background

Jim Hensley introduced his sway control system to solve a real problem for RV owners—how to tow safely and eliminate sway on the highway. Friction-based hitches fail in wind gusts or sudden swerves. Hensley’s engineering changed the industry with the patented Pivot Point Projection™ system, shifting the trailer’s pivot point closer to your tow vehicle’s rear axle and mimicking a fifth wheel.

ProPride continues this legacy with the ProPride 3P® Hitch, the only anti-sway hitch designed by Hensley that remains in active development. The system uses precise geometry and mechanical links instead of friction pads. You won’t need unreliable add-ons or extra strut bars.

Core Functionality

The Jim Hensley hitch stabilizes your setup using its Pivot Point Projection™ technology. Unlike traditional friction hitches, the system creates a virtual pivot point at the rear axle of your tow vehicle. This moves the effective turning point forward to eliminate trailer sway, even at highway speeds or in crosswinds.

You attach your hitch to the trailer frame using a strong, bolted bracket. The setup uses a one-piece yoke and control links that connect the hitch head and hitch box directly to the trailer’s frame bracket, so control forces transmit quickly and evenly. Spring bars balance your load with top-mounted jacks, providing better weight distribution. Every element is designed for durability and consistent control—no drilling required.

Applications and Use Cases

If you tow travel trailers, own an Airstream, or take your RV out on highways, you’ll notice immediate benefits. The ProPride 3P® Hitch offers a smoother, fifth wheel-like driving experience because it prevents sway, which friction hitches cannot do. You avoid the anxiety of sudden sway during wind gusts or when passing trucks.

Typical users include serious campers, families who must prioritize RV towing safety, and anyone who’s had a dangerous encounter with a basic weight distribution hitch. The adjustable offset hitch bar fits future tow vehicles without extra parts. Installation is straightforward, and no dealer visit is needed—quality and pricing come direct from us to you.

Key Features of the Jim Hensley Hitch

If you want a trailer hitch engineered for stability, safety, and ease of use, the Jim Hensley hitch stands out. Its patented design eliminates trailer sway and delivers a smoother towing experience without the guesswork or complications found in traditional hitches.

Sway Elimination Technology

The Jim Hensley hitch uses Pivot Point Projection™ technology to virtually move the pivot point from the hitch ball to a point near the rear axle of your tow vehicle. This stops trailer sway before it starts by changing the geometry of how your trailer and tow vehicle interact, acting almost like a fifth wheel connection.

Unlike friction hitches, which only try to resist sway after it happens, this anti sway hitch prevents sway from developing even in strong crosswinds or sudden lane changes. The one-piece yoke design eliminates the need for strut bars, reducing failure points and maintenance.

This approach gives you confidence that trailer sway can be managed passively, so you don’t have to fight your steering wheel or worry about overcorrecting. This technology makes towing safer and less stressful for you and your passengers.

Weight Distribution

Proper weight distribution is important for safe towing. The Jim Hensley hitch uses top-mounted jacks and spring bars to move a portion of your trailer’s weight forward onto the front axle of your tow vehicle. This helps maintain balanced handling and more effective braking.

Traditional weight distribution hitches can require constant adjustment to keep the trailer level. Here, you get consistent and predictable control, which improves overall towing dynamics. The top-mounted design also offers better ground clearance so you’re less likely to scrape your hitch on uneven roads or driveways.

This advanced approach to weight management leads to less trailer sag and bounce, especially over bumps or rough pavement. Your trailer stays level, improving tire wear and braking.

Ease of Installation

Installation can be a major headache with many hitches, but the ProPride 3P® Hitch is direct bolt-on and does not require drilling into your vehicle’s frame. You attach the one-piece yoke and main frame bracket without custom fabrication. Most users can complete installation at home using standard tools.

No special dealership trips or hard-to-find parts are required. The universal fit components and clear instructions make it straightforward, even for first-time hitch users or DIYers. You won’t need to make repeated adjustments after the initial setup.

The adjustable offset hitch bar makes it simple to dial in your setup for different tow vehicles or trailers. This feature helps you future-proof your investment and reduce hassle if you change vehicles later.

Compatibility With Tow Vehicles

Whether you tow a heavy fifth wheel, a large travel trailer, or lightweight RV, compatibility matters. The Jim Hensley hitch accommodates a wide range of trailer tongue weights and frame widths thanks to its unique hitch head, spring bar configuration, and flexible frame brackets.

You can move the adjustable hitch bar to work with lifted trucks or stock SUVs. There’s no need for custom welds or brackets. Even if you upgrade to a longer trailer or change tow vehicles, the hitch keeps its high level of performance and sway control.

ProPride engineered the 3P® system to handle the demands of Airstreams, large campers, and high-end RVs without modification. This ensures safe, stable towing regardless of your trailer’s size or your preferred tow vehicle type. For more details on compatibility and features, visit the ProPride 3P® trailer sway control hitch product page at https://www.propridehitch.com/propride-3p-trailer-sway-control-hitch.

Benefits of Using a Jim Hensley Hitch

A Jim Hensley hitch changes the way you tow by removing sway, increasing safety, and giving you more control on the road. The improved design, quality materials, and attention to engineering detail mean you get real performance.

Enhanced Towing Safety

When you use a Jim Hensley hitch, you notice the difference in trailer sway control right away. The ProPride 3P® Hitch uses Pivot Point Projection™ technology to move the pivot point to your rear axle, just like a fifth wheel setup. This eliminates sway, making it safer to tow, especially in high wind or when passing large vehicles.

Unlike friction-based hitches, which try to fight sway after it starts, this anti-sway hitch prevents sway before it even begins. You do not face sudden “push and pull” motions because the hitch keeps your trailer steady.

Features like the one-piece yoke and frame bracket act together to lock out side-to-side movement. No need for unreliable strut bars or constant adjustments. You drive with confidence, knowing you have advanced control links and spring bars engineered for true stability.

Improved Driving Experience

With sway eliminated at the source, you feel less stress behind the wheel. The ProPride 3P® creates a virtual pivot point, keeping your trailer directly behind your tow vehicle. Wind gusts, tractor-trailers, or sudden steering do not knock your trailer off line.

You notice smoother lane changes, easier merging onto highways, and no annoying “wiggle” from your trailer on rough roads. Your steering feels lighter and more responsive. The hitch's adjustable offset hitch bar allows you to fine-tune your setup for different vehicles.

Backing up is easy, too. The design provides up to 87 degrees of turn radius, so you can maneuver your trailer in tight spaces with less worry about jackknifing.

Longevity and Durability

Durability matters when you invest in a hitch. The Jim Hensley hitch is built for long-term use. Premium steel, corrosion-resistant finishes, and robust components mean fewer worries about breakdowns or worn parts.

The strong hitch head and hitch box are engineered to handle years of heavy towing. The top-mounted jacks allow for better weight distribution and less stress on your trailer frame. This helps extend the life of your trailer’s suspension and tires.

ProPride’s design reduces wear points. You get consistent sway control and towing stability every trip. This tough build quality means your hitch is ready for years of safe travels, whether you tow an Airstream or a heavy camper. For more information about specifications and technology, you can visit the official ProPride resources page.

Comparison With Other Trailer Hitches

When towing a trailer, the choice of hitch will directly affect your safety, stability, and confidence on the road. Each type of hitch handles trailer sway and weight distribution differently, leading to performance differences that matter in real-world situations.

Traditional Sway Control Hitches

Traditional sway control hitches use friction pads or slide bars to resist side-to-side movement. They aim to reduce trailer sway by applying physical resistance between the trailer and the tow vehicle.

Most friction-based sway control systems require you to adjust the tightness based on road conditions and wind. In wet or icy weather, their effectiveness drops dramatically. They also increase wear on parts and can create noisy, jerky motion in turns.

You will likely need to disconnect or loosen the system when backing up, which can be inconvenient. These hitches are not suited for larger trailers, high speeds, or when you want true confidence in gusty winds or while passing trucks.

Standard Weight Distribution Hitches

Standard weight distribution hitches use spring bars to level the load across the tow vehicle and trailer. This helps prevent sagging at the rear of your vehicle and can improve steering control. Some models offer basic sway control, but this is usually limited to friction-based add-ons.

If your trailer is heavy, top-heavy, or long, standard models do not fully eliminate trailer sway—they only manage weight balance. Sudden wind gusts or rapid steering maneuvers can still cause your trailer to swing or fishtail.

You may need to adjust chains or tension frequently, and installation usually means drilling into the trailer frame. These systems can be a good entry-level step, but most experienced RV owners quickly realize their limits in real-world windy or highway situations.

Unique Selling Points of the Jim Hensley Hitch

The Jim Hensley hitch stands apart because it uses Pivot Point Projection™ technology to create a virtual pivot point at the rear axle of the tow vehicle. This engineering approach eliminates trailer sway instead of simply masking it. You do not need to worry about friction pads, add-ons, or extra adjustments.

With the ProPride 3P® hitch, you get fifth wheel-like towing stability for bumper pull trailers. The adjustable hitch bar makes it compatible with different trailer heights, so you can switch trailers without buying a new hitch.

This hitch features a one-piece yoke design and mounts on top of your trailer’s frame with robust brackets. No drilling is required, and installation is straightforward. The system also uses top-mounted jacks for superior weight distribution and future upgrades.

If you are seeking the best hitch for Airstream or any premium RV, the ProPride 3P® remains the only anti sway hitch actively improved by Jim Hensley. This hitch is built specifically for towing safety-conscious families who expect true trailer sway control with no compromises. For a detailed look at the technology and benefits, see the ProPride 3P® sway control hitch.

Installation and Setup Process

The ProPride 3P® Hitch is engineered for serious towing safety and user-focused design. You can install it without drilling into your trailer frame, and all key parts are built for maximum reliability and performance.

Preparation and Tools Needed

Before starting, check that your tow vehicle and trailer meet all compatibility requirements for the Jim Hensley hitch design. Measure your trailer frame height and width to confirm fit. Review the included manual for any special notes about your setup.

Prepare the following tools:

  • Torque wrench (with appropriate socket sizes)
  • Box or open-end wrenches
  • Socket set
  • Tape measure and marker
  • Level
  • Safety glasses and gloves

Lay out all hitch components: hitch head, frame bracket, spring bars, control links, and the one-piece yoke. Inspect the adjustable offset hitch bar and confirm you have the latest hardware. Ask a helper to assist with lifting heavy parts and alignment.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

  1. Position the Frame Bracket: Secure the frame bracket onto your trailer frame. No drilling is needed, so you preserve frame integrity. Align the bracket parallel to the ground using your level. Tighten bolts to the specified torque.

  2. Attach the One-Piece Yoke: Lift the yoke into place and secure it to the frame bracket. This ProPride design gives better control than hitches with strut bars.

  3. Install the Hitch Head: Connect the hitch head to the adjustable hitch bar. Set the bar height for a level tow, using your measurement notes.

  4. Mount Spring Bars and Control Links: Slide spring bars into position and attach control links. Check that the Pivot Point Projection™ system aligns properly.

  5. Final Inspection: Double-check all bolts for tightness and confirm clearances between moving parts. Connect the trailer to your tow vehicle and adjust as needed for smooth, stable towing.

Common Installation Mistakes

Skipping frame measurements or using the wrong bracket can result in poor weight distribution and reduced towing stability. Not leveling the hitch head causes improper sway control and uneven tire wear. Over-tightening or under-tightening bolts weakens joints or allows shifting during travel.

Using friction-based methods instead of the 3P® system reduces trailer sway control. Ignoring the adjustable hitch bar may make your setup incompatible with new tow vehicles or different trailers. Refer to the manufacturer’s installation FAQ for details about tools, process, or troubleshooting questions specific to the ProPride 3P® Hitch.

Maintenance and Troubleshooting

The ProPride 3P® Hitch eliminates trailer sway and delivers stable towing. Keeping your hitch in top condition ensures safer trips and protects your investment.

Routine Maintenance Tips

Check the hitch head, spring bars, and control links before every trip for wear or loose fasteners. Make sure the frame brackets and one-piece yoke are tight and properly aligned on both your tow vehicle and trailer.

Lubricate the Pivot Point Projection™ components as recommended in your owner's manual. Apply grease to moving joints, especially the hitch box and virtual pivot point areas, to prevent corrosion and keep motion smooth.

Inspect the weight distribution jacks for damage or rust. Wipe down any exposed metal parts, and tighten the adjustable offset hitch bar if needed. Clean your hitch by removing dirt, road salt, and debris after towing. Store your hitch in a dry location when not in use.

Addressing Common Issues

If you notice increased resistance when turning or hear unfamiliar noises from the hitch area, check the alignment of all parts. Misaligned control links or loose spring bars can reduce sway control and affect stability.

If trailer sway occurs, inspect for improper weight distribution or a damaged virtual pivot point. Unevenly loaded trailers, over-tightened spring bars, or missing grease often cause performance issues. Refer to the troubleshooting chart in your manual for solutions.

Difficulty coupling or uncoupling usually means the adjustable hitch bar or hitch head is not at the correct height. Relevel and readjust as needed to avoid stressful hookups. Most issues resolve with routine checks and minor adjustments.

When to Seek Professional Help

Contact ProPride if you find severe wear on critical parts such as the one-piece yoke, frame bracket, or hitch head. Bent components, cracked welds, or damaged jacks require expert repair or replacement.

If repeated adjustments or regular maintenance do not solve recurring sway or hitch instability, stop towing until a technician inspects the hitch. Attempting major repairs without the right training or parts can compromise safety.

For hardware upgrades, new fitments, or pivot point recalibration, use official support to maintain performance and warranty protection. Your safety depends on a properly maintained and functioning anti sway hitch.

Choosing the Right Jim Hensley Hitch Model

Selecting the right hitch is essential for safety and confidence on the road. Compare key features, match the model to your trailer weight, and understand how sway control technology can improve your trip.

Understanding Model Differences

The ProPride 3P® Jim Hensley hitch provides advanced trailer sway control. This hitch uses Pivot Point Projection™ to create a virtual pivot point at the rear axle of your tow vehicle, eliminating sway instead of just reducing it.

Unlike friction-based hitches, the ProPride 3P® uses a one-piece yoke, so you do not have to depend on strut bars. The frame bracket system distributes weight more evenly, giving you stability similar to a fifth wheel setup.

Choose from 600, 800, 1000, or 1400 lb models. These differ mainly by tongue weight capacities and matching spring bars. All models include adjustable offset hitch bars for future trailer upgrades. The top-mounted jacks and heavy-duty hitch head come standard.

Quick Feature Table

Model

Max Tongue Weight

Common Trailer Use

600 lb

600 lbs

Small travel trailers

800 lb

800 lbs

Mid-sized campers

1000 lb

1000 lbs

Large RVs, some Airstream

1400 lb

1400 lbs

Heavy trailers

Assessing Your Towing Needs

First, check your trailer’s tongue weight and gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). Selecting a hitch with the right weight capacity is critical for performance and safety. Using an undersized hitch leads to poor sway control and increases risk during windy or high-traffic drives.

Next, consider your future needs. ProPride hitches feature adjustable hitch bars, so you can adapt if you upgrade to a heavier trailer later.

Review your towing environment. Frequent highway driving or windy routes make anti-sway features more valuable. If you tow an Airstream or high-profile RV, advanced sway control prevents dangerous instability.

Consider ease of installation. The ProPride 3P® requires no drilling, making the process simpler and preserving your trailer’s frame. The spring bar and control link system improve weight distribution over typical dual-cam or friction hitches.

If you have struggled with friction-based hitches, a Pivot Point Projection™ system can give you more confidence and a smoother, safer trip. For details, explore the most advanced trailer sway control hitch options available.

Customer Reviews and Real-World Experiences

Many RV owners report immediate improvements after switching to the Jim Hensley hitch design. They notice a difference on highways where wind and passing trucks used to push their trailers.

“Made a night-and-day change. No more white-knuckle driving on windy days.”
“Easy to install and adjust. My trailer feels like it’s glued to the road.”

Users highlight the Pivot Point Projection™ technology. They say this feature sets the ProPride 3P® apart from friction-based hitches. You get steady towing without constantly adjusting a friction bar.

Common Pros Noted by Users:

Feature

User Feedback

Trailer sway control

No sway, even on busy interstates

One-piece yoke

Feels strong, adds to confidence

Adjustable offset hitch bar

Keeps the hitch usable year after year

Weight distribution

Even ride, less bounce and dip

Families who tow large Airstreams and campers across the country mention that the anti-sway hitch gives a feeling similar to a fifth wheel, with more control.

Others say ProPride customer support was easy to access and helpful with installation questions.

Experienced drivers find their trips less tiring because they do not have to fight the steering wheel, especially on long trips or mountain roads.

Where to Buy a Jim Hensley Hitch

Buy the Jim Hensley-designed ProPride 3P® hitch directly from the official ProPride website. This direct-to-consumer approach avoids dealer markups and connects you with experienced engineers for support.

What makes the ProPride 3P® unique?

  • Pivot Point Projection™ technology eliminates trailer sway, even in strong crosswinds.
  • Creates a virtual pivot point, giving you fifth wheel-like stability with a bumper-pull trailer.
  • No drilling needed on most trailers. Installation is easier and does not weaken your frame.

Key Features Table

Feature

How It Helps You

One-piece yoke

No unreliable strut bars

Adjustable hitch bar

Matches changing tow vehicles

Top-mounted jacks

Simple, effective weight distribution

Frame bracket + hitch box

Ensures strength and stability

Choose from 600, 800, 1000, or 1400 lb tongue weight models. Select the right ProPride 3P® for your towing setup, whether you have a small trailer or a large Airstream.

If you value towing safety and want a true anti sway hitch—not a friction hitch—ordering direct ensures you get help and support from the team who knows this technology best.

Buying online gives you all the details on fitment, tech specs, and installation straight from the hitch experts.

Warranty and Support Information

When you invest in the ProPride 3P® Hitch, you get a lifetime warranty. This coverage applies to the original owner and protects against defects in materials and workmanship.

If you need to adjust your system for a new tow vehicle, ProPride offers a hitch bar exchange program. You only pay the shipping fee. The adjustable offset hitch bar allows you to upgrade your setup without buying a new hitch.

Support Features:

  • Phone support: (800) 960-4767
  • Email assistance: info@propridehitch.com
  • Mailing address: 10350 North Holly Road, Holly, MI 48442

ProPride provides direct-to-consumer service, so you work with the team that engineers and supports your anti sway hitch. This keeps quality high and avoids confusion from third-party dealers.

Common questions about warranty and support include:

  • Pivot Point Projection™ system adjustments
  • Maintenance of spring bars and hitch head
  • Replacing worn parts on the one-piece yoke or frame bracket

If you need service, contact ProPride by phone or email for fast help. For more details, see the official ProPride warranty and support information.

You do not need to drill your frame for installation, and most issues can be fixed without sending the entire product back. This saves time and stress when maintaining your trailer sway control setup.

Frequently Asked Questions

A Jim Hensley hitch changes how you control trailer sway by moving the pivot point forward. It uses engineering and design features that set it apart from standard friction-based hitches.

What are the key differences between the Hensley Arrow hitch and the ProPride hitch?

Both hitches use Jim Hensley's Pivot Point Projection™ technology to eliminate trailer sway. The ProPride 3P® Hitch is an advanced version that continues to receive improvements and updates.

The ProPride 3P® offers a one-piece yoke, top-mounted jacks for weight distribution, and an adjustable offset hitch bar for better towing stability and fitment for future vehicles. You do not need strut bars, and the setup is direct-to-consumer for consistent quality and pricing. For more details, visit this ProPride comparison page.

How does backing up with a Hensley hitch compare to other trailer hitches?

You can back up with a Jim Hensley hitch the same way you do with other weight distribution hitches. There are no restrictions on reversing, unlike many friction-based sway control hitches.

The hitch's virtual pivot point keeps the trailer stable, so you avoid unexpected movement when backing up or maneuvering in tight spaces.

Where can one find Hensley hitch parts and accessories for maintenance?

You can find official parts and maintenance accessories for Jim Hensley’s design at ProPride’s resources page. The page offers spring bars, frame brackets, hitch heads, and other components needed for routine service and upgrades.

Use official parts to ensure correct fit and long-term safety.

What is the average installation cost for a Hensley Arrow hitch on a trailer?

Installing a Jim Hensley hitch usually costs between $400 and $800, depending on your trailer type and the shop. This price covers labor only. Most installations do not require drilling, which can save you money and make the process easier.

What should one look for when buying a used Hensley hitch?

Check for wear or damage on the hitch head, hitch box, and pivot parts.

Make sure the one-piece yoke is not cracked or bent. Confirm all frame brackets and spring bars are present and in good condition. Ask for original documentation if possible.

How do user reviews rate the performance of the Hensley Arrow hitch?

Owners often say the Hensley Arrow hitch gives them more towing stability and less sway compared to friction-based hitches.

Most reviews note that the hitch controls trailer sway effectively, even in wind or when passing large trucks. Some users feel less anxious and more confident when towing in different conditions. Many consider it a premium investment for safety.