Hensley Arrow 1000 lb Spring Bars

I measured again in a better location and it looks like the front may have dropped almost a 1/8". Not much, but I can feel it. I am guessing the tongue weight is about 1100. My trucks suspension is very soft. I expected more from the bars, but am not surprised.

Did you get the front of the truck setup better with the 1400lb bars? You should've been able to transfer more weight.

*** Update***

So, I "sprung" for some new 1400 spring bars, bushings and zerks. Surprisingly the 400lbs of extra capacity has no effect on raising the rear of the truck when cranked all the way up as compared to my 1000lb bars. The one thing I did notice was that it handles bumps better and the ride is a bit stiffer.

I would not be satisfied with all that play in my setup. Looks like it is time for new bushings at least. As I said before, I would upgrade the bushing and bars along with new grease zerks.

Looks to me like the bushing is quite worn at the top of the video. Compare the thickness of the bushing there with the sides. All that movement is going to translate to quite a bit of slack at the ends of the bars. This will reduce the amount of weight transfer which will require jacking them up even higher.
Barney

So I took the spring bar busing out today and cleaned everything up to see if there was an obvious damage. There are some signs of wear, but nothing that seemed major. I did however notice some play which seems excessive. I made a YouTube video and would appreciate any feedback.

Click Here for a YouTube video of my spring bar play.

If you go to the 1400lb bars you will have to change out the bushing that the bars fit into. It probably needs replacing anyway since you said your old bars were drawn all the way up. That is what happens when the bushings wear out. The Hensley has no problem distributing heavier weights when the bushings are ok.

The cost is about $50 and is a very easy replacement. Just take out the old bars, remove one bolt holding the bushing in place and remove. Grease and put in new one. Replace bolt and put bars back in. :)
If I were you, I would get new bushings for 1400lb bars, get new bars and go from there. Your present bars are too small if your tongue weight is over 1000lbs. While you are at it, I would get new grease zerks/bar holders also.
Barney

I approached Hensley about doing that yesterday and they said install the hitch first and see what happens. They didn't seem to be concerned when I told them the weights I was dealing with and showed them the math. I figure before I push the issue of swapping out the bars, I would see what other experiences are with 1000 lb tongue weight. Perhaps I have a configuration issue on my other trailer? I highly doubt it though.

Why don't you just exchange them for the 1400 lb bars?

Ron