Pullrite, Hensley, and Propride hitch questions

[tberkhouse]

I have read the pros and cons of Pullrite, Hensley, and Propride hitches. However, I can't find anything regarding the following questions I would like answered before I make the plunge in the next year. I will be getting a truck and trailer combination that I plan on keeping at 80-90% maximum of the GCVWR. The largest trailer I am considering would be about 8,000-8,500 pounds fully loaded and be 26' long. The lightest trailer I am considering is a 25.5' Bigfoot that would weigh about 6,200 fully loaded.

I often camp in remote sites (not campgrounds) where the roads (if there are any) can be rough and uneven. I often drive 15-20 miles on a gravel forest road, and then have to creep and twist at 5mph for 1/2 mile over rocks and a shallow ditch or two to get away from it all. Based on this type of camping, here are my questions.

1. Please compare toughness/durability of these hitches.
2. Please compare ground clearance issues (if any) of these hitches while towing.
3. Please compare ground clearance issues (if any) of these hitches while unhitched and traveling (4-wheeling) without a trailer.

[88beast]

you need to get an interchangabel mount for each and use a pintle hitch for that imo

but a anti sway hitch will not flex as much as a normal hitch then even less than a pintle

add a siginature so we can see what truck you have thatll deterimine ground clearence but... the hitch should not be lower than the axle but... offroad thats irrelevant

[DonWarkentin]

There are four models of Equalizer sway control weight distributing hitches for 6K, 10K, 12K, or 14K lb trailers. Equal-i-zer® Hitch - Product Info - Specifications

I use it with my 11,500 lb toyhauler, and I am very happy with it. I have never had any sway.

Ground clearance is not a problem either with or without a trailer.

[Hensley Ron]

We have a lot of customers who take the Hensley off road. I do as well. You'll find it plenty flexible enough for your needs. I recommend that you buy the emergency kit with extra pins and, most importantly, extra shear bolts. The hitch is designed so that the frame brackets will shear the bolts and slip if you over extend the turn (82 degrees). It's nothing that would stop you and easy to re-position. Just drop in the replacement bolts and go.

Pull-Rite should also do the job. It's biggest downfall is that you can't take it with you when you buy a new vehicle. The Hensley stays with you for life, through every truck and trailer you'll ever own.

If safety is important in your decisioin, the Hensley's reputation is unbeatable.

[bugman]

I have a friend with quite a bit of towing experience over the rutted back roads of our forest. What he does is once he gets to where the trailer and truck are torquing in opposite directions and he is going quite slow he'll get out and disconnect the bars and tow his trailer in on the ball hitch only. While he is doing this he goes slow and easy and it works for him

Jim

[ABrown134]

I currently have the Hensley, and have been around the PullRite. (friend had it on his trailer). As far as towing, I don't think you can go wrong with any of them. Let me take a stab at your questions...

1. Please compare toughness/durability of these hitches.

Both the Hensley and the Pro-Pride are designed by the same person, Jim Hensley. The only "repairs" I've had to do to mine are to replace the grease zerks, and give it a coat of paint. If his latest design is as good as the previous one, it would be pretty hard to bash either one in the durability category.
The PullRite has a reputation for durability also. Don't know if you could rate any of them better in this category.

2. Please compare ground clearance issues (if any) of these hitches while towing.

Again, the Hensley and the Pro-Pride will be very similar in this category. Mine doesn't hang any lower than the Dual Cam system which it replaced, and may actually ride a touch higher. Have never drug it out of a parking lot like I did the Dual Cam.
The PullRite mounts under the back of the truck, and may cause some minor clearance issues.

3. Please compare ground clearance issues (if any) of these hitches while unhitched and traveling (4-wheeling) without a trailer.

Hensley and Pro-Pride win this hands down. They stay with the trailer when unhooked. No hitch assembly hanging down under the truck to get hung up on stumps.

I suppose my replies show my bias away from the PullRite. I just don't like the thought of spending all that money, and then maybe not having it fit my next truck. I know this won't be a problem now as any vehicle with a standard hitch is capable of towing my trailer with the Hensley. The other issue that turned me away from it was the price, and the possibility of having to relocate the exhaust or move the spare tire. If your going off road, a spare tire is kind of nice to have.
All things considered, choose the one that gives you the most hitch for your money, and has the best customer service to back it up after the sale. Good luck!!

Aaron