Arrow vs. 3P: which one is better at distributing weight?

Yes, extremely satisfied with my set up, but my choice was easy because ProPride wasn't around in 2002....

I could be wrong but I thought the enhancements were just general usability items and not necessarily geared toward towing lighter trailers. Having an adjustable stinger to me is no big deal because my rig doesn't change. On the other hand if you had multiple vehicles that towed the same trailer, and adjustable stinger is probably handy. I don't think making it adjustable reduces the weight rating, just about every other WD has an adjustable head and they are rated for heavy trailers.

BurbMan wrote:

rangerbait wrote:
Additionally, is there any merit to the claim that the Arrow is the better choice when towing a heavier trailer, whereas the 3P was designed for lighter trailers with surge brakes?

I have never heard this before, and don't think there is any merit to this statement. Both come with up to 1400 lb spring bars and will handle heavy trailers, both do the same job at distributing weight.

From what I gather, the context of the statement pertained to the adjustable stinger in particular, and maybe a couple other design aspects of the 3P that Hensley thought would be good options for lighter duty applications. It's hard to sift through the hyperbole from loyalists on both sides to determine what the actual differences really are.

You've been pretty satisfied with your setup, I take it?

rangerbait wrote:
Additionally, is there any merit to the claim that the Arrow is the better choice when towing a heavier trailer, whereas the 3P was designed for lighter trailers with surge brakes?

I have never heard this before, and don't think there is any merit to this statement. Both come with up to 1400 lb spring bars and will handle heavy trailers, both do the same job at distributing weight.

Jim Hensley was the original designer of the Arrow, he sold the production rights early on to some investors who established Hensley Mfg. When his non-compete expired he teamed up with Sean Woodruff, a former Hensley Mfg employee, to form Pro-Pride. The 3P is the same basic design, but adds some things that Jim thought would make the Arrow better, like the adjustable stinger. You might call the 3P the Arrow 2.0.

I have never towed with the 3P but from what I have read and from others here who have them, it is every bit as capable as the Arrow. Since the Arrow has been around a lot longer, there are more used units available. Hensley had (maybe they still do?) a program where they would pay $500 for any Arrow, sight unseen, as part of their owner buyback program. The then do a reman on the unit and resell it.

Cost is the major issue with these hitches...if you are shopping used then buy the best deal you can find, either will do a great job for you.

There's an Arrow for sale on Hitch Trader, located in Naples FL....not sure if that is close to you.

They are nearly identicle hitches. They will both tow similarly.

I personally would go Hensley...for me, it's not even close. I really like the solid stinger on the Hensley, I like the chain and snap up bracket option, I like the Hensley Cub option.
For Lighter trailers, I like their refurb program, I like I can buy a used Hensley and transfer the lifetime warrenty on my used hitch for a price.

In the end, both hitches are great. You really can't go wrong with either.

Thanks!

Jeremiah