When you tow a trailer, keeping it stable and safe on the road is essential. Trailer sway can make driving dangerous and stressful, especially with bigger rigs or in windy conditions.
The key to preventing this swaying lies in using a weight distribution hitch combined with a quality sway control system designed to balance your trailer’s weight and control movement.
The ProPride 3P® Hitch offers advanced technology with its Pivot Point Projection™ system. Unlike friction anti-sway hitches, it eliminates sway by directly controlling how your trailer moves.
This means you get a safer and smoother towing experience. The setup is also simpler because you don’t need to drill or use outdated parts.
With features like an adjustable hitch bar and a one-piece yoke, the ProPride 3P® fits your trailer now and for future needs. If you want real sway control, understanding this technology can make your journey safer.
Weight distribution is key to safe towing. It helps keep your trailer and tow vehicle balanced, preventing sway and improving control.
The system spreads the trailer's tongue weight across your vehicle's axles. This keeps the trailer level and your drive steady.
Weight distribution hitches use spring bars or adjustable arms to transfer the trailer’s tongue weight from the rear of your tow vehicle to both axles. This prevents the rear of your truck from sagging and the front from lifting.
By balancing weight, the trailer stays level and is less likely to sway. The ProPride 3P® hitch uses Pivot Point Projection™ to allow your trailer to move naturally without causing sway.
It’s a big improvement over friction-based hitches that only resist sway.
Weight distribution systems include:
The ProPride 3P® hitch adds an adjustable offset bar, making setup easier and more precise.
If your weight distribution hitch is off or missing, you may notice:
Without proper balance, towing becomes unsafe. Many hitches claim to fix sway with friction, but these only delay the problem.
When towing, managing trailer sway and weight distribution is essential for safety and smooth travel. Different sway control devices work in various ways to keep your trailer stable.
Knowing how these devices prevent accidents and their limits helps you choose the right solution.
There are two main types of sway control devices: friction-based hitches and anti-sway hitches.
Other devices include spring bars and control links, which work best with specific hitch designs. Choosing the right kind depends on your trailer type and sway control needs.
Trailer sway causes the trailer to rock side to side, creating unsafe forces on your vehicle. This can make steering difficult and increase the risk of losing control.
Sway control devices stabilize the trailer’s pivot point to reduce or eliminate these movements. The ProPride 3P® hitch uses a one-piece yoke and frame bracket to secure the trailer, offering better stability.
By improving weight distribution and controlling sway early, these hitches reduce driver stress and improve handling. This allows safer lane changes, smoother braking, and less risk of fishtailing.
Sway control devices help, but they don’t fix every problem. Sway can still happen if your trailer is overloaded or weight isn’t balanced.
Some friction-based hitches lose effectiveness over time due to wear. They also need frequent adjustments.
Anti-sway hitches like the ProPride 3P® are more reliable but cost more. Installation may be more involved, and vehicle compatibility matters.
No sway control device replaces cautious driving. Always drive at safe speeds and check your hitch setup before each trip.
Choosing the right weight distribution hitch means matching it to your trailer's weight, picking the best brand and model, and deciding whether to install it yourself or hire a professional.
Each step affects safety, towing comfort, and sway control.
Your trailer’s tongue weight is the key factor for selecting a weight distribution hitch. Choose a hitch rated to handle that tongue weight safely.
Check your trailer’s loaded tongue weight, not just the empty weight. It’s often 10-15% of the total trailer weight.
For example, if your trailer weighs 7,000 lbs fully loaded, your tongue weight might be 700-1,050 lbs. Choose a hitch with a capacity slightly above your highest expected tongue weight.
The ProPride 3P® Hitch stands out for its advanced sway control using Pivot Point Projection™ technology. It’s made by Jim Hensley, the inventor of the original Hensley Eliminator.
Many users prefer ProPride because it eliminates sway rather than just reducing it. Its adjustable offset hitch bar keeps your trailer level and improves weight distribution.
Look for models that don’t require drilling and include one-piece yokes. Other popular brands include Equalizer® and Blue Ox®, but ProPride often outperforms these in anti-sway control.
You can install a weight distribution hitch yourself if you’re comfortable with tools and instructions. Many hitches like the ProPride 3P® include features that simplify setup.
Professional installation ensures proper setup and adjustment for your specific trailer and tow vehicle. It reduces the risk of incorrect hitch settings.
If you’re new to towing or have a complex setup, hiring a pro might save you time and trouble. Proper installation supports towing safety and helps avoid issues.
Installing a trailer hitch with weight distribution and sway control requires careful setup. You’ll need to prepare your vehicle and trailer, fit the hitch, and attach and adjust sway control components.
Park your vehicle and trailer on a level surface. Make sure your trailer is fully unloaded to avoid uneven weight.
Check the height of your tow vehicle's rear and the trailer's tongue. These measurements help set the hitch correctly.
Clear the area around the hitch receiver and inspect for damage or rust. Make sure your hitch ball size matches your trailer coupler.
Read the ProPride 3P® hitch instructions before starting. Have tools ready, like a wrench set and a torque wrench.
Check your trailer jack, as you’ll need to raise and lower the trailer during setup. Keep safety chains and electrical connections unplugged until the hitch is secure.
Insert the ProPride 3P® hitch head into your vehicle’s receiver tube. Align the hitch so the adjustable offset hitch bar is set at the right length.
Attach the spring bars to the hitch head. These bars transfer tongue weight to the axles of both the tow vehicle and trailer.
Use the supplied frame brackets to secure the spring bars to your trailer frame. Tighten all bolts to the torque specified in the manual.
Check that the one-piece yoke fits snugly around the hitch head. Ensure all parts are level and centered before moving on to sway control.
The ProPride 3P® hitch uses Pivot Point Projection™ technology, so you don’t rely on friction for sway control. Attach the control links to the yoke and trailer frame brackets as instructed.
Adjust the sway control by tightening or loosening the control link bolts. The goal is to stop side-to-side trailer movement without making the ride stiff.
Test the sway control by gently pushing your trailer side to side after installation. Recheck all bolts, pins, and safety clips.
Raise the trailer with the jack slightly, then lower it back to confirm weight is transferred evenly across all axles. Connect your safety chains and electrical hookups, then test drive slowly to feel the improved towing stability.
Proper adjustment of your trailer hitch and weight distribution system is critical for safe, smooth towing. Balance the trailer load, set the spring bars correctly, and fine-tune your sway controls for the best ride.
Distribute the trailer’s weight evenly. Place about 60% of the load toward the front half of the trailer to reduce sway.
Check your trailer’s tongue weight, which should be 10-15% of the total trailer weight. Too little weight can cause sway, while too much can overload your hitch and vehicle.
Use your ProPride 3P® hitch’s weight distribution with top-mounted jacks to spread the load better. Balanced loading helps your hitch work efficiently and improves safety.
Spring bars are key to effective weight distribution. The ProPride 3P® hitch uses strong, flexible spring bars that connect through a one-piece yoke to your trailer frame bracket.
Adjust the tension on these bars depending on your load. Tightening them shifts more weight onto your truck’s front axle, while loosening reduces it.
Begin with moderate tension and make small changes, checking for sway or tugging during test drives. The goal is to maintain steering control and prevent nose lifting without extra sway.
Avoid over-tightening, which can make your ride harsh.
Your hitch’s sway control works best when properly fine-tuned. The ProPride 3P® suppresses sway by creating a virtual pivot point near your tow vehicle’s rear axle.
Set the pivot point projection correctly. Check the adjustable offset hitch bar to align the hitch box for your trailer.
If you notice sway or instability, make small adjustments to control links or reposition the hitch head until the trailer tracks smoothly. Regularly check for wear and secure all bolts and pins.
Keeping your trailer hitch in good shape means safer towing and less chance of sway or failures on the road. Regular checks and maintenance will keep your ProPride 3P® hitch performing its best.
Before every trip, visually inspect your hitch and connections. Check the frame bracket, hitch head, and one-piece yoke for cracks, bends, or unusual wear.
Make sure all bolts and pins are tight. Look for any signs of rust or corrosion, especially on the pivot links and control arms.
Verify that the hitch’s adjustable offset bar is secure and properly positioned. Confirm the trailer is properly seated on the hitch ball with no excessive play.
Check that safety chains and electrical connections are secure and undamaged. A quick inspection will catch small issues before they become dangerous on the road.
Regular maintenance keeps your ProPride 3P® hitch working smoothly for a longer time. Lubricate the pivot points as the manufacturer instructs, usually every few thousand miles.
If you tow frequently, lubricate more often. Use a quality grease for the best results.
Inspect spring bars and control links for stretch or fatigue. Replace any parts that show cracks or weakening to maintain proper weight distribution and sway control.
Keep the hitch box clean and clear of debris. Dirt can cause wear and reduce performance.
Every 6 months or at least once a year, check the frame bracket welds and hardware torque. This helps prevent loosening or damage.
If your trailer sways or feels unstable, check the hitch bar alignment. Make sure the adjustable offset is set correctly.
Incorrect setup can reduce the effectiveness of the Pivot Point Projection™ technology. Uneven or excessive tongue weight can also cause sway.
Use a scale to check the tongue weight. Adjust your load to match ProPride 3P® specs if needed.
Listen for creaking or clunking sounds during towing. These noises may mean worn bushings, loose bolts, or damaged spring bars.
Tighten or replace parts to fix noises and restore stability. If sway continues after these checks, contact ProPride customer support for help.
When towing, follow legal rules and safe driving habits to stay in control and avoid fines or accidents. Learn the laws for your area and understand how to tow safely with weight distribution and sway control equipment.
Each state has its own trailer towing rules. These rules include weight limits, hitch types, and brake requirements.
You must know these laws before you travel. Many states set limits on how much weight you can tow and where you can place that weight.
Some states require a weight distribution hitch or anti-sway system if your trailer exceeds a certain weight. States may also require trailer brakes above certain trailer weights.
If your trailer is heavy, make sure your brakes meet local standards. Some states restrict the types of hitches or require safety chains.
Check your state’s DMV website or towing guides for exact rules. Following these rules keeps you legal and safer on the road.
Proper setup and careful driving control trailer sway and weight distribution.
A well-adjusted weight distribution and ProPride 3P® anti-sway hitch help reduce sway. Safe driving habits are just as important as your equipment.
Learning how to improve towing stability and control makes your towing experience safer and more comfortable. Focus on managing trailer sway, balancing weight, and choosing the right hitch parts for your setup.
A weight distribution hitch shifts trailer tongue weight across the tow vehicle’s axles. This keeps your truck or SUV level when towing.
By balancing the load, it improves steering and braking. It also reduces sway caused by uneven weight on the rear axle.
Weight distribution hitches balance the trailer’s weight to improve stability. Sway control hitches stop the trailer from moving side to side.
ProPride 3P® uses Pivot Point Projection™ technology to eliminate sway. Traditional friction-based systems only dampen sway.
Equalizer hitches use spring bars to transfer tongue weight forward. They help your tow vehicle stay level and reduce trailer bounce.
The ProPride 3P® eliminates sway more effectively with its one-piece yoke and virtual pivot point design.
Check your trailer’s gross tongue weight and gross trailer weight. Your hitch must match or exceed the highest of these weights.
Always use a hitch rating that covers your maximum towing load. This ensures stability and safety.
A typical system includes spring bars, a hitch head, frame brackets, and a hitch box. The ProPride 3P® uses a one-piece yoke and adjustable offset hitch bar for better performance.
Top-mounted jacks and control links help distribute weight evenly. This improves towing control without extra friction.
Choose a hitch that matches your trailer’s weight. Make sure it fits your tow vehicle properly.
Check if the hitch is easy to install. Look for adjustability if you plan to use it with different trailers in the future.
The ProPride 3P® requires no drilling. It offers a smoother ride and better sway control than other hitches.
This hitch is built to last and comes with several upgrades.