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
Let me see if I can make an attempt, to 'combine' the two different schools of thought here, into something we can all agree on:
Milt (Stressor) argues that the 4 bar linkage, in actual, practical use on the Hensley, basically prevents any pivoting AT ALL from the trailer's perspective, and from the trailer's standpoint, everything is locked in line, like a straight truck. Based on how us Hensley owners have observed our rigs behave, its very easy to believe this.
Tim (tluxon) argues (and has lots of fact to support such) that there IS indeed pivoting that can take place from both ends (tow vehicle or trailer), but it MUST pivot through the 'projected' virtual pivot point/elliptical path, that we have outlined/discussed in great (and fascinating!) detail.
Perhaps BOTH of you are right, to a certain extent:
I would submit, that Tim is right in that pivoting does take place from both ends. However, due to the way the pivot point is projected, it is VERY difficult (almost impossible) for the trailer to initiate much pivoting at all through that pivot point/elliptical path.
So in essence, from the trailer's perspective, it cannot pivot. Or, the pivoting it DOES do, since it pivots through the virtual pivot point/elliptical path we have outlined, is pivoting that does not affect the tow vehicle at all, so it basically eliminates all swaying as we know it.
How does this sound? Can we all agree on this? Or, am I over-simplifying it too much? :)
Will
Milt (Stressor) argues that the 4 bar linkage, in actual, practical use on the Hensley, basically prevents any pivoting AT ALL from the trailer's perspective, and from the trailer's standpoint, everything is locked in line, like a straight truck. Based on how us Hensley owners have observed our rigs behave, its very easy to believe this.
Tim (tluxon) argues (and has lots of fact to support such) that there IS indeed pivoting that can take place from both ends (tow vehicle or trailer), but it MUST pivot through the 'projected' virtual pivot point/elliptical path, that we have outlined/discussed in great (and fascinating!) detail.
Perhaps BOTH of you are right, to a certain extent:
I would submit, that Tim is right in that pivoting does take place from both ends. However, due to the way the pivot point is projected, it is VERY difficult (almost impossible) for the trailer to initiate much pivoting at all through that pivot point/elliptical path.
So in essence, from the trailer's perspective, it cannot pivot. Or, the pivoting it DOES do, since it pivots through the virtual pivot point/elliptical path we have outlined, is pivoting that does not affect the tow vehicle at all, so it basically eliminates all swaying as we know it.
How does this sound? Can we all agree on this? Or, am I over-simplifying it too much? :)
Will
