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sportsman_500's avatar
sportsman_500
Explorer
May 10, 2015

Struggling with Hensley Set-up

I am pulling a Raptor 3018 with a 2008 Ram/Cummins. I picked up a nice used Hensley Arrow off Craigs List. After the initial installation and test drive the combination towed perfect. It still does. The problem I am seeing is under braking. My trailer brakes have been inspected and properly adjusted. I am running an Activator II controller. Under medium to hard braking at speeds mostly over 40 I can watch the trailer shift to the right which pushes the truck to the right as well. In my Hensley manual under FAQ's the first issue addressed is this very problem. Hensley say's to turn up the gain on the controller to try and get the trailer brakes to activate as fast as possible. They say what is happening is the trailer is acting (pushing) on the hitch under braking since the trailer is moving faster then the truck. I did try turning up the settings on my controller which did seem to help but the issue is still present. I guess I am looking to other Hensley owners that may have experienced the same thing and how they solved it.

6 Replies

  • Procrastinator's avatar
    Procrastinator
    Explorer
    May 14, 2015
    I tow a pretty heavy trailer with my excursion and a Hensley. Everyonce in awhile I get a "Hensley bump" and everytime I look down and see that I have turned to boost down on my prodigy P3 because my brakes are pretty jerky around the campground. Once I turn the boost back up no bump. Highly recommend the P3.
  • TXiceman's avatar
    TXiceman
    Explorer II
    May 12, 2015
    Ditch the brake controller. Since MaxBrake is gone, you are pretty much stuck with the Prodigy. It is the best you can get short of the manufacturers integrated brake controllers.

    Ken
  • BarneyS's avatar
    BarneyS
    Nomad
    May 10, 2015
    The problem is your brake controller. The Activator II is a timed controller and cannot be set to "lead" the truck brakes like the Tenkonsha "Prodigy" line of controllers. I would ditch that controller and pick up one of the Tekonsha Prodigy line. The "boost" feature will let you set the trailer brakes to come on with an adjustable amount of pressure before the truck brakes begin to function. This initial amount of braking pressure will last for a few seconds and then revert to whatever amount is dictated by the trucks deceleration.

    This feature works extremely well with the Hensley hitch and will eliminate the bump problem you are experiencing in most cases. I have been using one of their early models for quite a few years and it has worked flawlessly for me.
    Edit: I see you ordered a P3 controller. You will be pleased with the result. :)
    Barney
  • goducks10's avatar
    goducks10
    Explorer
    May 10, 2015
    Had the same exact "bump" you're talking about with my 12 Ram 2500 CTD. I however didn't have it with my 2010 F150. I attribute the non bump with the F150 to the superior OEM brake controller. The one in my Ram hasn't worked right form day one. Original was replaced under warranty and the replacement is no better. I'm now us a Primus IQ brake controller. I mostly got the bump from not braking right away since the trucks exhaust brake is being used when slowing down. Then when I did step on the brakes I'd get the bump. I could never dial in a quicker TT brake action. Loved the HA but hated the bump.
    Most of the bump was from the combo of EB and then applying the brakes. Hardly had it when no EB was used.
    Not sure if you are using an EB or have a gasser. Just thought I'd toss out my situation.
  • mbutts's avatar
    mbutts
    Explorer
    May 10, 2015
    Check YouTube for "Hensley Bump" for possible solutions

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