4 Common Propride Hitch Problems (Troubleshooting)

propride hitch problems
propride hitch problems

Recreational vehicles come in different constructions and styles. Some are complete converts with their own engine and transmission (motorhomes, coaches, and campervans), while others are towable (travel trailers and fifth wheels). Unsurprisingly, most consumers prefer towable RVs, and it’s easy to understand why:

  • Less expensive – If you browse an RV manufacturer’s inventory, you’ll see that motorhomes and coaches are the most expensive products, while travel trailers and fifth wheels are less expensive. The reason is apparent—travel trailers and fifth wheels don’t have their own vehicle. When you purchase them, you’re only buying the home features, not the engine, transmission, and other vehicle features.
  • More spacious – Travel trailers don’t have a cab, engine, or control room, making their entire floor space exclusive for housing functions. Many large and luxurious travel trailers even have room for small vehicles, such as bicycles, motorcycles, and ATVs, and still have enough space to sleep ten people.
  • Separate transportation – One of the disadvantages of a motorhome is that once you park and level it, you can no longer use it as a transport. On the other hand, a travel trailer is independent of the tow vehicle, meaning you can have both a shelter and a service vehicle. You can drive to the nearest town in your tow vehicle whenever you need to buy new or additional supplies.
  • Multiple slide-out rooms – Because a travel trailer doesn’t have an engine room, it can have more slide-out rooms. However, this will depend on the trailer’s size and shape. Some have a slightly sharp end, which makes extending a slide-out impossible.

buy a motorhome

With all these benefits, you’d probably rethink your initial plan to buy a motorhome. After all, who wouldn’t want an option that offers more value for less amount? But, then again, you will have to buy a tow vehicle if you don’t have one already. Therefore, a travel trailer is only viable if you have a pickup truck or any compact vehicle to use as a tow vehicle.

But how do you tow a much bigger and heavier load than your car? And how do you secure the connection between your car and your trailer? You should ask yourself these questions while contemplating buying a travel trailer.

The answers are more complex than they sound, though. For instance, towing a 1- or 2-ton trailer takes more than just an improvised coupling. Instead, you need a tow hitch.

What is a tow hitch?

What is a tow hitch

A tow hitch connects your trailer to your tow vehicle. It’s not the same as the coupling you use to tow someone’s car. This specially designed assembly is attached to your vehicle’s chassis with a connector that comes as a ball, pin, hook, or loop. Below are the three most common types of tow hitches:

  • Weight-carrying hitches – These are designed to support the weight of your RV while in transit. They are typically cheaper and easier to install but not ideal for RVs weighing more than 3,500 lbs. or for towing over long distances.
  • Weight-distributing hitches – These are designed to evenly distribute the weight of your RV across your tow vehicle. This tow hitch helps improve stability and handling, making it a safer option for towing large RVs or for long-distance travel. However, weight-distributing hitches are more expensive and may require professional installation.
  • Fifth-wheel hitches (also known as gooseneck hitches) – These tow hitches are designed for larger RVs and are typically towed by pickup trucks. They offer a higher level of stability and security, making them a popular choice for serious RVers. However, fifth-wheel hitches are more expensive and require special installation in your truck’s bed.

When selecting a tow hitch for your RV, it’s essential to consider the weight of your RV, the distance you plan to travel, and the tow vehicle’s capacity. You must also consider the level of stability and handling you desire, as well as the cost and ease of installation.

Is Propride Hitch a good choice?

Propride Hitch is a tow hitch brand famous for its 3-point pivot system, which allows the tow hitch to move independently from the tow vehicle. This helps absorb shocks and vibrations from the road, significantly improving the overall towing experience, particularly for those who regularly travel long distances or encounter rough terrain.

One of Propride Hitch’s most prominent features is its self-centering design. As the trailer begins to sway, the tow hitch will automatically adjust to keep it centered behind the tow vehicle.

This helps reduce the risk of jackknifing and other dangerous towing situations, making it a safer option for those who frequently tow heavy loads.

In addition to its safety benefits, the Propride Hitch is also highly rated for its ease of use. It can be easily attached and detached from the tow vehicle. It also requires minimal maintenance. In addition, this device is compatible with a wide range of trailer types, including travel trailers, fifth wheels, and toy haulers.

How to troubleshoot common Propride Hitch problems

troubleshoot common Propride Hitch problems

Like any other mechanical assembly, the Propride Hitch can sometimes experience issues that can be frustrating for RV owners like you. Knowing how these issues happen and how to troubleshoot them can save you time and money on professional repair solutions. Plus, it helps ensure your travel won’t be delayed or cancelled.

Swaying or oscillating

Swaying or oscillating

If you notice your Propride Hitch swaying or oscillating unusually, any or a combination of the following factors is to blame:

  1. Incorrect weight distribution: Make sure your items are evenly distributed inside your trailer before hitting the road. The weight on the left side should be the same as on the right side.
  2. Incorrect tongue weight: The tongue weight is the downward force exerted on the hitch by the trailer. The hitch will sway if the tongue weight is too light or too heavy. The proper tongue weight for your Propride Hitch is 10 to 15 percent of the trailer’s total weight.
  3. Worn out or loose components: If you’ve checked the weight distribution and tongue weight, and they seem correct, it could be an issue with the hitch’s components. Make sure everything is tightened correctly, and replace any heavily deteriorated parts.

Strange noises

Strange noises

If your Propride Hitch is creating strange noises while you’re traveling, check for any of the following irregularities:

  1. Loose components: All components of the tow hitch must be adequately tightened. Loose connectors or plates will create noise and get tangled into other parts.
  2. Worn components: Certain hitch components can wear down, wobble, and rub against each other over time. It’s dangerous to keep worn parts for too long. Replace them before your trip to avoid an accident.
  3. Improper installation: Unless you’re a professional mechanic with considerable experience installing vehicle assemblies, think twice about installing the Propride Hitch. A slight mistake could lead to various problems, including strange noises.

Not engaging or disengaging properly

Not engaging or disengaging properly

Having trouble getting the hitch to engage or disengage? The following might be the culprit:

  1. Dirty or damaged hitch components: dirty or damaged components can prevent the hitch from functioning correctly. Clean the tow hitch thoroughly and check for damage before connecting it to the tow vehicle.
  2. Incorrect positioning: Failure to align the hitch with the trailer coupler can affect the hitch’s ability to engage or disengage. To accurately connect the coupler, watch the linkage through your monitor.
  3. Worn or damaged spring bars: The spring bars allow the hitch to pivot and absorb shock. The tow hitch could have trouble regulating the trailer’s movement and experience sway if these components are worn or damaged. If you suspect this is the case, consider replacing the spring bars.

Too loose or too tight

If you’re having trouble getting the hitch to the proper tension, here are the likely causes:

  1. Incorrect weight distribution: Proper weight distribution prevents the hitch from swaying. It’s okay to be cautious about the likelihood of swaying, especially when distributing interior loading, because your life depends on it.
  2. Incorrect tongue weight: Never exceed the tongue weight limit, which is no more than 15 percent of the trailer’s total weight of the trailer. Go beyond this, and you’re risking coupling damage, which could lead to an accident.
  3. Worn or damaged spring bars: If the spring bars are worn or damaged, it can affect the tension on the hitch. Replace them with new ones immediately to meet the required tensile strength.

Conclusion

RV traveling

These are only some common problems you may experience with your Propride Hitch. However, troubleshooting them won’t be a problem with the right tools and knowledge. Installing and using a hitch is among the things an RV owner should know from the get-go of RV traveling, especially if they own a trailer or fifth wheel.

Knowledge and experience can be your lifesaver in the great outdoors, where anything can happen. They are your only reliable companions in isolation.

Your trip won’t be as enjoyable as you want if it’s plagued with worries about mechanical failures that you don’t know how to fix. To learn more about your travel trailer and tow hitch, check out more articles from this website.

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