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
willald wrote:
I agree, that it does not 'lock up'. However, I think we can agree, that from the trailer standpoint it is somewhat 'virtually locked', in that the direction the trailer is forced to pivot is such that the trailer almost cannot pivot that way.
Can you agree, Ron, with the summary I provided in the last post?
Will
Will, the HA linkage does not lock -- either actually or virtually. The rear unit is free to simultaneously translate and rotate. The TT is rigidly attached to the rear unit via the struts and ball coupler, so the TT also is free to translate and rotate. Of course, the TT's tires will control the amplitude of the swing.
Consider a PullRite hitch. One end of the PR's drawbar is attached to a physical pivot. The hitch head at the other end is free to translate and rotate. In fact, the rear end of the drawbar is supported on a circular track to accommodate the swinging. So, the PR's hitch is free to translate and rotate (pivot about the real pivot point). The TT is rigidly attached to the hitch head and the TT must swing as the drawbar swings. Of course, the TT's tires will control the amplitude of the swing.
The HA and the PR operate on the same principle -- reduce the lateral force and move it closer to the TV's rear axle. The difference is that the HA's virtual (effective) pivot point moves while the PR's remains fixed. There is nothing about either hitch which will prevent the TT from swinging about its respective pivot point. The hitch controls the "steering moment" on the TV and the TT's tires control the swinging of the TT.
Ron
