Setup - ProPride hitch and Jayco Eagle

BurbMan wrote:

Gazzer wrote:
The PP makes the TT track like it's on rails.

Exactly! Same with the Hensley. Many poo-poo this hitch design as excessively expensive or a "band-aid" for sway issues, but you really can't appreciate how good it works until you tow with it.

Towing is believing!!! It feels like its on rails. You feel nothing (I mean NOTHING) when a bus or tractor trailer passes! My DW commented on the smooth ride not 5 miles down the interstate. She has never volunteered to drive, but is now willing to spell me on open road.

Joe

Sorry to take so long to get back...

First of all I must say "I love my ProPride hitch"

The initial setup was tense. I took every tool I could think id need... And needed almost all of them.

Arrived at the dealer at 11:45. The salesman took us to lunch because the the guy that was to give us the walk thru left a minute before we arrived. Couldn't do the paper work or work on the hitch until the walkthru was complete. Walkthru started at 1- nothing found. 90 minutes later... Paperwork... No issues, started working on hitch setup at 3... They closed at 5.

20 degrees and wind howling outside. But, they allowed me to work in the warm bays. I could not have asked for better accommodations.

The DW assisted with reading the instructions as I worked - the only hang ups were having to cut battery box framing to allow the ubolts to hang properly. I did have to change the stinger's height... Takes a few minutes. I had already torqued the first setup.

The salesperson and shop foreman started hovering about 15 minutes before 5...

Finished and pulled out about 5:10. WHEW!

I Needed a saws all and a discgrinder to cut the battery box angle iron. Glad I brought them!

One complaint about the hitch... The welding on the plates on the weight distribution things was a little sloppy. Plenty strong, but some spatter that I had to clean with drill bits to get the ubolts thru.

Joe

How did the install go this weekend?

Bought and installed the pp last spring and towed with it all last year. Made an astounding difference over the old EZ Lift and friction sway.

Just a thought but if you can get the ball socket height of the trailer from the dealer you can pre-assemble and set for height the stinger assembly before you go for the trailer. Probably save you an hour or so at the dealers lot.

Gazzer wrote:
The PP makes the TT track like it's on rails.

Exactly! Same with the Hensley. Many poo-poo this hitch design as excessively expensive or a "band-aid" for sway issues, but you really can't appreciate how good it works until you tow with it.

FYI, not sure where you are going to pick up the TT, but check the weather. You'll have a heckuva time if it's raining and it takes you even 3 hours for teh install....consider bringing a canopy like this if you have one:



If you are using cordless tools, bring the extra battery and the charger along too. Also consider some plywood scraps so you have something to kneel on in case the dealer's lot is dirt or gravel.

Google in advance the nearest home center or hardware store to the dealer, so in case you need to make a hardware or tool run you'll have an idea of how far it is.

Good luck and congrats on the new rig!

Well the hitch arrived. I've opened all of the boxes and thoroughly read the instructions while inspecting the parts. I have an understanding of how this thing goes together. I've gathered my tools and we'll be off to pick up the trailer Saturday.

Thanks for the advice sofar.

Wish me luck. Wow! This hitch is heavy.

Joe

I forgot about that part, I too had to move my propane tray forward an inch in order for the jack mounts to fit. Not a big deal, had to remove the tanks, then the 4 self tapping screws that held it in place and re drill them. Just added more time to the install.

I installed my ProPride 1400 and it took me about five-six hours total with a couple of phone calls to Sean. I had to remove the propane bottle tray and shim it up about 3/8 inch to allow the jacks to be mounted in the correct spot, otherwise I just took my time getting the measurements correct as in the instructions and it went pretty smooth. You will really notice the difference with the PP hitch if you have ever trailered with a standard WD hitch. The PP makes the TT track like it's on rails.

I had to swap my Hensley from my old tt to the new one in the dealers lot when I picked it up. It's a bit time consuming but not too hard if you have a bit of an idea to start. Take the time to review the instruction manual before hand and make sure you have all the necessary tools. Expect to have to make several adjustments as well. It can take a bit to get it dialed in right. You'll have to readjust when you get it home and loaded too.

The only drilling required is a couple of bolts in the snap up brackets (or jack mounts) to stop them from sliding on the A frame. You can use self tapping bolts with a cordless drill.

Don't expect much help from the dealer, it's quite likely they've never seen a Pro-Pride before.