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
Ron Gratz wrote:
I've not read of any sway issues either. That's because the HA does not rely on any "lockage" of its 4-bar linkage to achieve its sway control characteristics.
Ron
The HA does not "lock up".
The HA does not prevent the trailer from swinging.
Lateral forces on the TT's tires control the swinging.
The HA works by reducing the magnitude of lateral force and by moving the effective point of application closer to the TV's rear axle. This significantly reduces the ability of the TT to "steer" the TV.
This, alone, is sufficient to explain the HA's anti-sway capabilities.
I think a more accurate summarization would be more like this:
1. The HA does not "lock up", but due to the arc/path through which the linkage pivots, it has the effect of essentially locking out movement from the trailer's perspective, when being pulled.
2. The HA does not prevent the trailer from swinging, when the tension/pulling on the Hensley is not present.
3. Lateral forces on the TT's tires control the swinging.
4. The HA works by reducing the magnitude of lateral force and by moving the effective point of application closer to the TV's rear axle. This significantly reduces the ability of the TT to "steer" the TV.
This summarizes the HA's anti-sway capabilities.
However, I don't think Ron is going to accept this, until one of us builds the model we talked about earlier, where we mount a Hensley vertically, and hang a heavy weight below it, to simluate the 'pull' on the Hensley.
Now, Ron, if you and Tim DO agree with what I just summarized, then I think we can finally put this thread to rest, and find something else to discuss for 300 more posts. :B
Will
