Ignoring the price, if I were towing something large, I would like to
have all the edge I could get, wheelbase, overhang, power, etc.  These
three hitches are edge-givers, and not just gimmicks.

However, $2-3K is a bit more edge than I would pay for unless it was a
solution to two almost-matched rigs that I didn't want to trade.  Saw
a Pull-Rite in a scrap bin in Seattle one time; that's not a bad
price.

BTW, I had my little Scamp yank my Dodge half-ton all over the road on
wet gravel highway once, so edge can be important.

Pete

I see where Jim Redelfs <jim.redelfs@NOSPAMredelfs.com> contributed:

Pete:

Hehehehe!

Jim:

You make some good points, Jim, but in an era of $40,000 (+) trucks
and $60,000 (+) trailers, that $2500 is pocket change.   Unlike pretty
wheels, this type of hitch has a tangible and beneficial effect on
handling stability.  It is a lot more than a bandaid.  Just one
emergency maneuver successfully completed will convince you.

As you correctly point out, I've repeatedly urged trailerists get the
balance stuff right because: "A trailer can sway for MANY reasons.
Hensley, PullRite and 5th-wheel hitches are vastly superior to
conventional hitches but address ONLY the level and direction of
stresses the swaying trailer applies to the tow vehicle, and better
minimize the effects on the tow vehicle. Trailerists concerned about
stability would do well to use a "good" hitch.  But you must STILL
pay attention to proper weight balance, tire pressures, driving
habits, and suspension conditions.  You CAN wreck your rig due to
sway, no matter what hitch you use.. . ."

However, IMO you're mistaken to think of the Hensley-style hitch as a
"bandaid" or as a "sway control gadget".  I've referred to that issue
as follows:

=====================
"SWAY CONTROL" gadgets are little more than bandaids, with minimal
effectiveness. If everything else is right they are unnecessary.   At
best they introduce some small resistance to sway, and at worst they
can cause you a crisis under slippery conditions.  I do NOT recommend
them. Instead, of you are serious about towing, check all the other
stuff and get a good hitch.
======================

That paragraph was directed at the whole family of devices such as
cams and friction mechanisms that do nothing more than somewhat resist
trailer hitch turning.  It is NOT directed at the few hitches that
have the very beneficial effect of moving the pivot point close to the
tow vehicle's axle.

Bottom line: despite the admittedly salty price tag, I'll continue to
recommend those Good Hitches to those intending to tow a TT many
miles.  They'll be more comfortable and safer.

Will Sill
The self-appointed Curmudgeon of Sill Hill