Forum Discussion

ESDA's avatar
ESDA
Explorer
Mar 27, 2015

New Trailer Hitch

I have been researching new trailer hitches. I currently have the basic WD with friction control. This was from our original trailer, we went bigger and heavier with our new trailer and I don't think this is enough anymore. I have been looking at Blue Ox Sway Pro, Equal-I-zer, ProPride, and Hensley. Talking with a local mechanic who works on RVs and trailers, his opinion is that the Blue Ox and Equal-I-zer are not going to be much of an upgrade over what I have. He happens to know the Hensley people as they are local to where I live. The new Hensley is $3,300, they can do a factory rebuilt one for $2,200 installed. Even the rebuilt Hensley is almost triple the Blue Ox. Anyone have any thoughts or suggestions?

10 Replies

  • I have not heard anything bad about the blue ox, but based on the videos and everything I see, I cannot see how the sway control could be that much better than the basic that I have now. I think I am leaning towards the factory rebuilt Hensley. It's quite a bit more, but when you figure a $35k trailer, $50k truck, and the family, $2,000 really is not that much.
  • I have the same old round bar Draw-tite with one friction sway and 1000 lb bars. The holes the bars go into are getting a little egg shaped but have had no issues. I have a 250RDSW OutdoorsRV, 31 ft, and a Ram 2500 diesel. I am thinking about the Blue-ox but just cant see how the sway control really works and I have watched all the video's. Really not interested in the Hensley or PP. I have yet to hear anything bad about the Blue-ox.
  • Can't go wrong with a Hensley. Might seem expensive but you get what you pay for and you'll never need (or want) another hitch.

    Keep an eye out for used ones. Don't see them often but they are out there. I've bought 3. First was $1k, second $450, third $250. Didn't need them, just couldn't pass up a good deal. Cleaned them up and flipped them for $1k each :)

    See here for a few on craigslist.
  • Your setup might be similar to mine. Loaded I may be around the same weight & I have 1230lb of tongue weight. I also have a Chevy 2500HD. I purchased the Equal-I-zer 1400/14000 hitch. I have pulled this trailer for 3 years now & do several thousand miles/year. No problems what so ever. I do like how the anti-sway works, I have been in a few high wind situations and have had no issues.

    Good luck with your decision.
  • I really like my ProPride, the support is fantastic (also a local Michigan business). Both Hensley & PP offered a money back guarantee when I bought a couple of years ago (you may want to double check that).
  • We have the Blue Ox 1000 and are completely satisfied with it. Had an Eq for our HTT and while it did a fine job, it was noisy and dirty to set up. The bars were very heavy and I could not lift them in the event I had to hook up. The Blue Ox is quiet, clean and the bars/chains are much easier to use. If you haven't seen them, there are a couple of videos on the Blue Ox website. DH watched those and made the decision. We bought both the HTT and TT from RVW and they suggested the Blue Ox this time. There was about $50 difference in price, with the Blue Ox being the less expensive...they would have ordered an Eq if we'd wanted that. The Blue Ox was right at $600.

    I'm sure all of the WDH mentioned are very satisfactory and do a great job, but for us, spending a couple of thousand dollars more, just did not seem justified. We tow a Rockwood 2604, which actually is box size 26'4" and right at B to B 30'. Weight is dry 5585 and GVWR 6629.
  • From what I have read, the ProPride is better and less expensive. You can save a bunch buying used.
  • DwnSth wrote:
    It would help if we knew what your tow vehicle is and what size and weight trailer. Without that it's just opinions.


    Trailer is approx. 9,200 lbs loaded with a hitch weight of approx. 1,200 lbs. Tow vehicle is a Silverado 2500.
  • It would help if we knew what your tow vehicle is and what size and weight trailer. Without that it's just opinions.