Hensley Arrow: How does it REALLY work?
There have been several discussions on this hitch that have become somewhat 'controversial'. I am NOT trying to stir this controversy/bashing back up. Instead, I'd like to see a good, intelligent di...
Forum Discussion
Tim,
If it can be demonstrated empirically, the theory needs to accomodate what is actually happening to be a valid theory. That is what theories do.
The point of fixity when towing is point C, representing your tow vehicle with all of its mass and resistance to changing direction. Holding DE and AB to a fixed length makes them rockers in 4-bar parlance, and while C does not exist physically, except as the entire mass of the TV as it is attached at the hitch receiver, the linkage acts as if it is a rigid connection. That the legs are fixed, rigid entities to a pulling force was demonstrated by a come-a-long and a willow tree.
In operation, if a force is applied to the travel trailer sufficient to move C, the entire rig moves to the side. This is something no Hensley owner will argue.
That the links pivot as demonstrated if point C is moved, by turning a steering wheel for example, is what you are all calling translation. The links move to the side.
At approximately 30 degrees angular difference between the TV and the TT, the links are fully extended, translated if you will, and continued turning beyond that causes the links to rotate until they run into themselves at about 75 degrees TV/TV angular difference in the real world.
There ain't no magic.
If it can be demonstrated empirically, the theory needs to accomodate what is actually happening to be a valid theory. That is what theories do.
The point of fixity when towing is point C, representing your tow vehicle with all of its mass and resistance to changing direction. Holding DE and AB to a fixed length makes them rockers in 4-bar parlance, and while C does not exist physically, except as the entire mass of the TV as it is attached at the hitch receiver, the linkage acts as if it is a rigid connection. That the legs are fixed, rigid entities to a pulling force was demonstrated by a come-a-long and a willow tree.
In operation, if a force is applied to the travel trailer sufficient to move C, the entire rig moves to the side. This is something no Hensley owner will argue.
That the links pivot as demonstrated if point C is moved, by turning a steering wheel for example, is what you are all calling translation. The links move to the side.
At approximately 30 degrees angular difference between the TV and the TT, the links are fully extended, translated if you will, and continued turning beyond that causes the links to rotate until they run into themselves at about 75 degrees TV/TV angular difference in the real world.
There ain't no magic.
