Having the right equipment is essential for a safe and smooth towing experience. Conventional trailer sway control hitches use friction to reduce the swaying movements of the trailer. When a force is applied to the trailer, it will pivot at the hitch ball. Any hitch that allows the trailer to pivot on the ball will allow the trailer to sway. Many hitches are designed with friction forces to dampen this swaying force. The ProPride 3P® Jim Hensley Hitch is a great option that can help you enjoy a sway-free journey on the road, even when hauling heavy loads. While sway control hitches can range in price from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, it's important to carefully consider the different types and their features before making a purchase. In the following sections, we will provide an overview of the various sway control hitches available, their specifications, and what sets the ProPride 3P® Jim Hensley Hitch apart from the competition.
Sway-Control Hitches
The Equal-i-zer® 4-point is a friction-based sway control hitch that utilizes trunnion bars and is available in a variety of tongue weight and gross trailer weight ratings. Some users report that this hitch is easy to install, though it may require some initial adjustment or adjustments when switching trailers. However, it should be noted that this hitch may be louder than a chain-style equalizer hitch, and it is also more expensive and uses friction as a means of controlling sway.
The Blue Ox SwayPro® Hitch is a trunnion hitch that can handle a tongue weight of 1,500 pounds and a gross tongue weight of 15,000 pounds. According to some users, this hitch is almost silent when in use and comes with a pre-adjusted head that is ready for immediate use. However, some users have reported that the sway bar chains on this hitch are difficult to adjust. Unike the Equal-i-zer®, the Blue Ox SwayPro® Hitch does not use friction as a means of sway control, it controls through 'capture'. When the trailer begins to sway, it captures the weight distribution chains in the brackets so the weight distribution bars cannot move outboard. This attempt to control sway has as many disadvantages as passive based systems. Once the trailer is rotating around the hitch ball it will leverage the rear end of the tow vehicle and require steering inputs. When steering inputs are placed into the Blue Ox you have oscillating chain capture between each side of your trailer. This fact demonstrates the foolishness of passive sway control vs active sway elimination.
The Husky Center Line® TS has a tongue weight rating of 1,200 pounds and a gross tongue weight of 12,000 pounds. Some users claim that it is the quietest friction-based sway control hitch in its class. However, some users have noted that it is heavy, even though it is not significantly heavier than comparable hitches. This hitch can also be challenging to install and move when it is not attached to a vehicle. Like the Equal-i-zer® and the Husky Center Line® TS is a friction-based solution for sway control.
The ProPride 3P® Jim Hensley Hitch is a highly advanced trailer sway control hitch that offers unparalleled stability and safety for your towing experience. It is easy to install and use, and features a solid steel design and construction made from top-quality materials. The ProPride 3P® is distinguished by its Pivot Point Projection (3P) technology, which operates differently from other hitches. It is attached to the coupler of the trailer, locking out side-to-side movement on the hitch ball and projecting the pivot point forward to the rear axle of the tow vehicle. This causes the towing rig to behave like a fifth wheel when influenced by outside forces, resulting in a very solid and stable rig.
Sway-Control Hitches Comparison Table
| ProPride 3P® | Blue Ox SwayPro® | Equal-i-zer® | Husky Center Line® TS | |
| Price | $799 | $825+ (depending on the weight) | $600+ (depending on the weight) | |
| Tongue Weight | 300 - 1400 lbs | 350, 550, 750, 1,000, 1,500 & 2,000 lbs | 400, 600, 1,000, 1,200, 1,400, 1,600 lbs | 400 - 600 lbs, |
| Gross Trailer Weight | 14K maximum | 20K maximum | 4,000, 6,000, 10,000, 12,000, 14,000, 16,000 lbs | 6,000, 8,000, 12,000, 14,000 lbs |
| Receiver Shanks | 2", 2.5", 3.0" | 2" or 2.5" (BXW2000) receiver shanks dependent on model | 2" | 2", 2-5/16" |
| Pros | 3P technology, completely eliminates trailer sway, solid steel, durable design and construction, patented yoke, 3/4" thick Pivot Point Projection control links, 200# rated weight distribution jacks, 1400# or 1000# weight distribution spring bars, LIFETIME WARRANTY | Well-made, rotating latches, powder-coated steel construction | Variety of weight ratings and sizes available | Inexpensive, high weight rating, includes universal frame brackets |
| Cons | High price point | Loud, needs big sockets for installation, uses friction to control sway, the pivot point on the hitch ball, friction is reduced due to elements, dampens sway | Needs more adjustment, louder than other similar hitches, uses friction to control sway, the pivot point on the hitch ball, friction is reduced due to elements, dampens sway | Tricky installation, loud,uses friction to control sway, the pivot point on the hitch ball, friction is reduced due to elements, dampens sway |
The ProPride 3P® Jim Hensley Hitch may be more expensive than other friction-based sway control hitches. However, it offers added benefits that are not available with other hitches, as described above. Most importantly, this hitch completely eliminates trailer sway, making it well worth the investment.
If you use a friction-based sway control hitch like the Equal-i-zer®, or Husky Center Line® TS, or a passive solution like the Blue Ox SwayPro® you will only be able to dampen or reduce sway in certain situations. Additionally, you may need to slow down, which limits your vehicle's full towing capacity.
Why is it best not to buy a friction-based solution?
Although friction-based sway control hitches are typically less expensive, they do not fully solve the problem because they are relatively simple mechanisms with few steel and moving parts. These hitches rely on friction to reduce sway, but the pivot point remains on the hitch ball where the problem begins. This means that the friction-based hitch will only take effect at high speeds, and if the sway force exceeds the friction coefficient, the trailer will continue to sway. Friction-based hitches can also be affected by environmental factors such as water or dust, which can reduce the amount of friction applied. As a result, these hitches may only be effective some of the time and may not provide complete sway control. Many ProPride 3P® hitch buyers have previously used a friction-based hitch and wished they had chosen a product that completely eliminates sway, like the ProPride 3P®.
What makes ProPride 3P® Jim Hensley Hitch different from other sway-control hitches?
The ProPride 3P® Hitch uses a unique Pivot Point Projection (3P) technology that operates differently from other hitches. This hitch is attached to the trailer coupler, which prevents the hitch ball from moving side to side. Any outside forces that try to pivot the trailer at the coupler are instead directed towards the rear axle of the tow vehicle, eliminating the lever arm that acts on the tow vehicle when using a conventional hitch. This creates a level of stability that allows the tow vehicle and trailer to essentially become one long truck, eliminating the need for manual correction of trailer sway. Because the hitch ball is not pivoting, there is no leverage to throw the trailer out of balance, resulting in a hitch that is immune to trailer sway.
The Pivot Point Projection (3P) technology used by the ProPride 3P® Hitch is single-directional, which means that the effective pivot point is only near the rear axle when the trailer tries to pivot under a force on the trailer side of the hitch. When a turning force is exerted from the tow vehicle onto the hitch, the effective pivot point is at the hitch, allowing the tow vehicle to fully control the trailer. This allows the trailer to be more stable when being pulled, while still allowing the tow vehicle to easily maneuver the trailer when needed.
The ProPride 3P® hitch is designed with weight distribution in mind. The sway control feature of this hitch is completely separate from the weight distribution feature, which is controlled by two heavy-duty weight distribution jacks. These jacks allow the user to adjust the amount of weight distributed to the axles of the towing vehicle, giving them full control over the weight distribution of their rig. This helps to improve stability and handling while towing.
If you want a hitch that takes care of everything and keeps your trailer stable, the Jim Hensley ProPride 3P® Hitch is a great option to consider. It completely eliminates trailer sway, allowing you to enjoy a safer and more secure towing experience without worrying about uneven road surfaces, tires dropping off the shoulder of the road, sharp turns, or even avoiding aggressive drivers. Make the right decision today and invest in the ProPride 3P® Jim Hensley Hitch for the most reliable and stress-free towing experience available.
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