Hensley Arrow: How does it REALLY work?

tluxon wrote:
It contributes, but the real force that "locks up" the linkage is the fact that the solid connection of the rear linkage bar to the trailer via the two struts requires that the trailer would somehow rotate in the OPPOSITE direction of the moment that initiated any lateral movement in the first place.

To help illustrate my point, in this post, I included the following figure.................In application, a trailer would need a counterclockwise (CCW) moment in order to move the rear bar to the left as shown. However, the linkage will NOT move unless the trailer is angulated in a CLOCKwise direction. This makes trans-rotation impossible from a moment about the trailer's axles. Using this model, the only way trans-rotation could take place is if a moment initiates about the virtual pivot point, which really can't happen as long as the TT's tires have lateral friction.

I think we're on the same page using different terminology.

That could well be, Tim. And, I agree 100% with your diagram, and your points about how the rotation works.

However, I think the point we're trying to make (and your diagram illustrates it even more), is that IN ADDITION to the point about clockwise/counter-clockwise moment you mentioned, the Hensley also makes pivoting impossible (from the trailer side) because of the fact that in order to rotate, the trailer/Hensley has to move forward slightly. And, in order to move forward, it has to overcome a LOT of force, when being pulled on. Look at your diagram, and notice how when it shows a swing to the left, the bar has moved forward a good ways. This illustrates the point we've been trying to make. Thanks for providing this illustration, that proves what we were trying to say. :)

Like I said before - picture a pendulum, where as the pendulum swings to either side, a mechanical linkage also shortens the arm. Thats similar to what we have here.

BTW, we just got back from a GREAT camping trip, with some of our good camping friends ('JALCamper' here on the forum). Had a great time, weather was perfect, was one of the most fun trips we've had in a while. We were going down the interstate yesterday on the way home, doing a good 70mph and STILL had a semi blow by us going faster than that, we felt NOTHING. Just one more reminder of how well this hitch does exactly what it was designed to do. :)

Will