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
Okay, let me see if I've got this straight.
1. The HA does not reduce the magnitude of the lateral loads applied by the TT.
2. The HA does not move the point of application of lateral load closer to the TV's rear axle.
3. Therefore, the HA does not reduce the "steering moment" imposed by the TT on the TV.
4. The secret of the HA's ability to control sway lies in the fact that the 4-bar linkage locks up when the TT exerts a substantial tension/pulling force on the TV.
5. The HA unlocks when the TT is not pulling against the TV.
How am I doing so far, Milt?
So, when the "tension/pulling" force is removed from the linkage, the HA unlocks and looses its sway control capability. Let's say a TV/TT with a HA is descending a steep grade. Speed builds up and the driver applies the brakes only to realize that the TT brakes are not working properly. The substantial "tension/pulling" force which is required to make the HA "lock up" does not exist. Since the HA is not "locked up", it loses its sway control capability and the rig is now speeding downhill with no sway control.
Milt, is this a correct assessment of the HA's "lock up" feature? If not, can you please explain how it works. Perhaps there is a theory published somewhere that you could share with us.
Ron
1. The HA does not reduce the magnitude of the lateral loads applied by the TT.
2. The HA does not move the point of application of lateral load closer to the TV's rear axle.
3. Therefore, the HA does not reduce the "steering moment" imposed by the TT on the TV.
4. The secret of the HA's ability to control sway lies in the fact that the 4-bar linkage locks up when the TT exerts a substantial tension/pulling force on the TV.
5. The HA unlocks when the TT is not pulling against the TV.
How am I doing so far, Milt?
So, when the "tension/pulling" force is removed from the linkage, the HA unlocks and looses its sway control capability. Let's say a TV/TT with a HA is descending a steep grade. Speed builds up and the driver applies the brakes only to realize that the TT brakes are not working properly. The substantial "tension/pulling" force which is required to make the HA "lock up" does not exist. Since the HA is not "locked up", it loses its sway control capability and the rig is now speeding downhill with no sway control.
Milt, is this a correct assessment of the HA's "lock up" feature? If not, can you please explain how it works. Perhaps there is a theory published somewhere that you could share with us.
Ron
