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How Does a Hensley Hitch Compare to Other Hitches?
An Ultimate Arrow Hensley hitch is fundamentally different from most other travel trailer hitches because it is designed to eliminate trailer sway, not just reduce it. Compared to friction-based sway-control hitches and other premium systems like the ProPride 3P®, the Ultimate Hensley hitch uses a patented design that locks out ball-coupler rotation and counteracts side forces with a heavy-duty strut system, eliminating sway.
To understand how it compares, it helps to break hitch options into three categories. Hensley hitch overview
The Ultimate Hensley Arrow uses a mechanical linkage system that changes the trailer’s effective pivot point forward, closer to the tow vehicle. This design removes the ability for the trailer to pivot independently and initiate sway.
Key characteristics:
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Prevents trailer sway from starting
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Does not rely on friction
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Includes weight distribution and sway elimination in one system
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Consistent performance in wind and passing traffic
Hensley vs. friction-based sway control hitches
Friction-based sway control hitches are the most common and least expensive option.
Friction-based sway control hitches
Examples include Equal-i-zer, Blue Ox, and similar systems.
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Use friction or resistance to reduce sway after it begins
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Allow the trailer to pivot freely behind the tow vehicle
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Effectiveness depends on adjustment, surface conditions, and wear
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Typically costs less upfront
These hitches can improve stability but are designed to manage sway, not eliminate it. Read more about the dangers of friction-based hitches here.
How Hensley differs
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Prevents sway before it starts
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Uses geometry and mechanical linkage instead of friction
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Maintains consistent behavior regardless of wind, rain, or road conditions
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Reduces steering correction and driver fatigue
Bottom line:
Friction hitches reduce sway. A Hensley hitch removes the root cause of sway.
Ultimate Hensley Arrow® vs. ProPride 3P®
The ProPride 3P is the most frequently compared alternative because it also uses a pivot-point-projection design. Read the full article here.
What they have in common
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Both are true sway-elimination hitches
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Both use mechanical linkage, not friction
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Both include weight distribution
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Both are designed for travel trailers
Key differences buyers often consider
Price difference between Ultimate Hensley Arrow Hitch vs Pro Pride 3P
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Ultimate Hensley Arrow is typically priced lower
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ProPride 3P carries a higher upfront cost
Capacity rating differences between Ultimate Hensley Arrow Hitch vs Pro Pride 3P
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Ultimate Hensley Hensley Arrow is rated for higher towing and tongue weight capacity at 16,000lb towing capacity and a 1,600 lb tongue weight.
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ProPride 3P is rated lower
Installation differences between Ultimate Hensley Arrow Hitch vs Pro Pride 3P
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Hensley uses no-drill frame brackets and can be installed in 90 minutes or less
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ProPride installation is more complex and time-consuming
Sway Elimination differences between Ultimate Hensley Arrow Hitch vs Pro Pride 3P
Design
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The Ultimate Hensley Arrow uses a strut assembly that is easily adjustable and achieves perfect stability – see how they work
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ProPride uses a Yoke Sytem
Value comparison
While both eliminate sway, many buyers consider the Ultimate Hensley hitch the better value due to:
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Lower purchase price
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Higher rated capacity
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No-drill installation
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Strut Design
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Risk-free trial period
How towing feels compared to other hitches
Many owners describe towing with a Hensley hitch as feeling closer to towing a fifth wheel than a traditional bumper-pull trailer.
Common differences reported:
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Less push from passing trucks
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Reduced steering input
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More stable tracking in crosswinds
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Less driver fatigue on long trips
These differences are primarily due to eliminating the trailer pivot rather than resisting it.
A Hensley hitch stands apart from most other hitches because it is engineered to prevent trailer sway, not manage it. Compared with friction-based sway-control hitches, it offers greater stability and predictability. Compared to the ProPride 3P, it delivers similar sway-elimination performance with lower cost, higher capacity, and lower ownership risk for many travel-trailer owners.
Hensley Anti-Sway Hitches
Ultimate Hensley Arrow® Anti-Sway Trailer Hitch - Rated For 3,000 - 16,000lbs
Original price
$3,145.00
Original price
$3,145.00
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Original price
$3,145.00
Original price
$3,145.00
Current price
$2,845.00
$2,845.00
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$2,845.00
Current price
$2,845.00
Safety and Confidence when you travelWhen your family, truck, and trailer are on the line, Hensley is a name people have known and trusted for 30 ...
View full details
Original price
$3,145.00
Original price
$3,145.00
-
Original price
$3,145.00
Original price
$3,145.00
Current price
$2,845.00
$2,845.00
-
$2,845.00
Current price
$2,845.00
Sale
Hensley Cub Anti-Sway Trailer Hitch - Rated for 6,000 lbs
Original price
$1,995.00
Original price
$1,995.00
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Original price
$1,995.00
Original price
$1,995.00
Current price
$1,499.00
$1,499.00
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$1,499.00
Current price
$1,499.00
This is the original Hensley Cub®, the only hitch 100% Guaranteed to eliminate trailer sway. Get all the same great features of the Arrow, just in ...
View full details
Original price
$1,995.00
Original price
$1,995.00
-
Original price
$1,995.00
Original price
$1,995.00
Current price
$1,499.00
$1,499.00
-
$1,499.00
Current price
$1,499.00
Sale
