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
Ed,
Mr. Gratz does not understand the linkage. I have read his remarks for some time, and his understanding of the hitch is imperfect. Some of it he has down very well, but he is unable to visualize the operation in use. He still thinks the hitch pivots on the ball.
Here is a quote from him:
,..." The rear link, which actually is the upper (rear) housing, does move side to side and the ball is securely attached to it. When the rear link moves, the ball also must move. It makes no difference whether the ball moves about 5" to one side or moves precisely 4.768" to one side. The point is – the ball does move side to side. The figure of 4.768" derives from the assumption that the front pins are 7.125" center to center, the rear pins are 7.875" center to center, and it is 5.000" center to center from a front pin to a rear pin. If you prefer to use different numbers and different tolerances, I can provide the corresponding maximum side to side movement.
This statement can only be true if the rear struts are very, very loose.
As for my students, to their credit several of them are in doctor school at this time, so my understanding could not have hurt them appreciably.
I believe that the correct expression is "head up and locked."
Now, Ed, would you kindly add to the discussion rather than poke holes? Do you own a Hensley? How do you think it works?
You have not addressed the lack of translation in the hitch picture. The application of a very large off center rotational force from the travel trailer end of the linkage has not resulted in any rotation, translation, or what have you. What is your explanation for this? You say it is not locked up, can you explain the lack of movement?
Mr. Gratz does not understand the linkage. I have read his remarks for some time, and his understanding of the hitch is imperfect. Some of it he has down very well, but he is unable to visualize the operation in use. He still thinks the hitch pivots on the ball.
Here is a quote from him:
,..." The rear link, which actually is the upper (rear) housing, does move side to side and the ball is securely attached to it. When the rear link moves, the ball also must move. It makes no difference whether the ball moves about 5" to one side or moves precisely 4.768" to one side. The point is – the ball does move side to side. The figure of 4.768" derives from the assumption that the front pins are 7.125" center to center, the rear pins are 7.875" center to center, and it is 5.000" center to center from a front pin to a rear pin. If you prefer to use different numbers and different tolerances, I can provide the corresponding maximum side to side movement.
This statement can only be true if the rear struts are very, very loose.
As for my students, to their credit several of them are in doctor school at this time, so my understanding could not have hurt them appreciably.
I believe that the correct expression is "head up and locked."
Now, Ed, would you kindly add to the discussion rather than poke holes? Do you own a Hensley? How do you think it works?
You have not addressed the lack of translation in the hitch picture. The application of a very large off center rotational force from the travel trailer end of the linkage has not resulted in any rotation, translation, or what have you. What is your explanation for this? You say it is not locked up, can you explain the lack of movement?
