Pro Pride 3P Hitch

[hohenwald48]

OK, here’s all the numbers. Ratings are from vehicle stickers or manufacturers literature.

Tow vehicle is a 2013 2WD Nissan Armada. Ratings are-GAWR Frt=3399, GAWR RR=4299, GVWR=7150, Tow rating=9100. Wheelbase of 123”

CAT Scale actuals are Front axle=2640, Rear axle=4140"

Trailer is 2023 Grand Design Imagine 2600RB. Unhitched tongue weight is 850-900 depending on loading using a Sherline scale. Ratings are-GAWR Frt=4400, GAWR RR=4400, GVWR=7850. 29’8” in length.

CAT Scale actuals are-Both axles combined=6780. I don’t have separate front and rear axle weights.

Trailer tires are Goodyear Endurance LRE ST225/75R15 rated for 2540 at 65PSI which is what I maintain in them.

All of the CAT Scale weights above are fully loaded for travel (empty holding tanks and minimal travel water) with all normal passengers in their normal seats and all clothing, food and bicycles and other junk we usually carry with us.

This is the 2nd TT I’ve towed with this tow vehicle. Previous one was a 2016 Open Range LT216RBS at 26’1” in length. I towed the Open Range all over the country including Colorado 24/285 from I-70, south thru Leadville to Salida with no problems at all. Based on that I figured the Grand Design would not be a problem since I knew I would be in good shape with all the numbers.

I was wrong. I had twin friction sway control devices https://www.etrailer.com/Accessories...RoCA8MQAvD_BwE
and a Eaz-Lift WDH with 1000 pound spring bars. The Grand Design/Armada combination just got really squirrelly with any side wind and anytime an 18-wheeler went by. It was a really out of control feel and I had to keep it around 55 to feel any amount of driving comfort.

It didn’t take much figuring to determine that the problem was likely due to the extra 3.5’ of length with the Grand Design. The Armadas 123’ wheelbase just wasn’t enough. Faced with the purchase of a new $75,000 truck I started looking for alternatives.

I’ve read a ton about the ProPride P3 hitch. Most of it sounded too good to be true and I figured there was a certain amount of “I spent nearly $4K on a hitch so I can’t talk bad about it” going on with the owners. I eventually found a nearly new ProPride P3 at a price that seemed reasonable and decided to give it a shot. A whole lot better than $75K on a truck if you can even find one.

Installation is more complex than you might think and not for the non-technical minded owners in the RV community. However, with a little technical ability, some good tools and a strong helper or a floor jack, install can be done by any good shade tree mechanic. Probably took me 8 hours over a 2-day period to get it done.

Over the last 25 years, I’ve owned 9 motorhomes (from a 22’B+ to a 38’ DP) and the GD makes our 5th TT. I can truthfully say that the current driving experience is one of the most stable RV’s I’ve ever owned. Of course, I’ve never owned a 5th wheel so I can’t comment on that.

I highly recommend the Pro Pride 3P.

[ggrimm01]

Hello

I was going to mention to you that the TT is to much trailer for the armada. May still be with touge weight. However with the Propride that would be the only way to do it as safe as possible. Night and day difference. I usually use to be WDH are all the same until I got a Hensley. Active vs Passive sway control makes all the difference. No more white knuckle driving. I can barely feel semi's going by. I am like you and have many years pulling a trailer. I pull a Rockwood 2606ws with a Ram 2500 gasser. Happy trails and good luck

[Dave Pelletier]

I'll assume this is a typo;

CAT Scale actuals are Front axle=2640, Rear axle=6680

....otherwise you're 2,170 lbs over payload and worse than that on GAWR


I'll also agree that the Armada isn't a good match for this trailer, primarily due to the short wheelbase.....should be 150" or so for a trailer that long.

Good to hear the PP was such an improvement.

Dave

[oldenavy]

2640 + 6680 = 9320 actual weight on the Armada? Please tell us that’s a typo. If not, you’re on borrowed time.

[Cumminsfan]

Glad it works. I've also used a Hensley Arrow (PP style) and it's every bit as good as they say. I also have towed a 5th wheel and the F150 and 31' 7200 lb TT we towed was every bit as stable as that 5er and 2500 CTD we used.

But, I would want to know your tongue weight with the PP installed. You say the TW is 850-900 lbs. Is that with the PP installed? Usually vehicle manufactures rate the reciever at 10% of gross tow rating.

Anyways enjoy that PP they are nice.

[hohenwald48]

Originally Posted by Dave Pelletier

I'll assume this is a typo;



CAT Scale actuals are Front axle=2640, Rear axle=6680



....otherwise you're 2,170 lbs over payload and worse than that on GAWR





I'll also agree that the Armada isn't a good match for this trailer, primarily due to the short wheelbase.....should be 150" or so for a trailer that long.



Good to hear the PP was such an improvement.



Dave

You are correct. I tried to get all the numbers right but I messed up. Armada actual rear axle weight is 4140.

Sorry about that.

Sent from my SM-S127DL using iRV2 - RV Forum mobile app

[hohenwald48]

Originally Posted by oldenavy

2640 + 6680 = 9320 actual weight on the Armada? Please tell us that’s a typo. If not, you’re on borrowed time.

My fat fingers did it again. Armada actual rear axle weight is 4140. Sorry.

Sent from my SM-S127DL using iRV2 - RV Forum mobile app

[hohenwald48]

Originally Posted by ggrimm01

Hello

I was going to mention to you that the TT is to much trailer for the armada.

Why is that? Is there a particular weight that you think is a problem?

The rear axle weight on the Armada is actually 4140 and not the 6680 I quoted. I transposed some numbers.

[hohenwald48]

Originally Posted by Cumminsfan

Glad it works. I've also used a Hensley Arrow (PP style) and it's every bit as good as they say. I also have towed a 5th wheel and the F150 and 31' 7200 lb TT we towed was every bit as stable as that 5er and 2500 CTD we used.

But, I would want to know your tongue weight with the PP installed. You say the TW is 850-900 lbs. Is that with the PP installed? Usually vehicle manufactures rate the reciever at 10% of gross tow rating.

Anyways enjoy that PP they are nice.

Receiver is rated at 10,000 pounds so tongue weight is fine.

[hohenwald48]

Thanks to the mods for fixing my erroneous rear axle weight posting.

[Cumminsfan]

Originally Posted by hohenwald48

Receiver is rated at 10,000 pounds so tongue weight is fine.