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
Well Hello fellows, and here we go again. We should be grateful to Dave Whittaker and to Andy for their inciteful observations. I'd like to take Dave up on his theory if we can find some dollys. that suggestion would put all this model speculation to rest and offer indisputable proof that there is no lock. None whatever.
Facts are stubborn, particularly in view of highly charged opinions, which may or may not be correct. Facts cannot be accused of being incorrect, but sometimes we confuse facts with results because we've not made all the appropriate observations. That's an observational problem, not a factual problem.
Andy's explanation is exactly correct, and although he called it prattle, I must agree the explanation is a bit difficult to envision. Let me try it another way. The beauty of this linkage is that the side link connections on the TT side are wider than those on the TV side. Neither link can be collapsed, permitting a turn (or sway) until some translation of the front or rear link occurs.
The front link translates when the TV is turned. As long as the TT/TV combination is generally straight AND THE TT WHEELS ARE ON THE GROUND, no realistic side force imparted to the TT can be great enough to translate the rear link of the HA. Put the wheels on dollys and push the TT sideways. The rear link will translate easily and as you can push the TT as far as the linkage can turn - what is it 190* lock to lock?
The fact that the TT/TV combination when aligned (as in towing) will not permit the TT to initate any side to side movement makes the HA ACT AS THOUGH IT WERE LOCKED. Call it a virtual lock, because sideways friction of the TT tires and wheels prevents translation. Remove that friction and the TT is free to rotate behind the TV because the intial motion of the rear link will be translational.
Thank you Dave and Andy.
Ed B
Facts are stubborn, particularly in view of highly charged opinions, which may or may not be correct. Facts cannot be accused of being incorrect, but sometimes we confuse facts with results because we've not made all the appropriate observations. That's an observational problem, not a factual problem.
Andy's explanation is exactly correct, and although he called it prattle, I must agree the explanation is a bit difficult to envision. Let me try it another way. The beauty of this linkage is that the side link connections on the TT side are wider than those on the TV side. Neither link can be collapsed, permitting a turn (or sway) until some translation of the front or rear link occurs.
The front link translates when the TV is turned. As long as the TT/TV combination is generally straight AND THE TT WHEELS ARE ON THE GROUND, no realistic side force imparted to the TT can be great enough to translate the rear link of the HA. Put the wheels on dollys and push the TT sideways. The rear link will translate easily and as you can push the TT as far as the linkage can turn - what is it 190* lock to lock?
The fact that the TT/TV combination when aligned (as in towing) will not permit the TT to initate any side to side movement makes the HA ACT AS THOUGH IT WERE LOCKED. Call it a virtual lock, because sideways friction of the TT tires and wheels prevents translation. Remove that friction and the TT is free to rotate behind the TV because the intial motion of the rear link will be translational.
Thank you Dave and Andy.
Ed B
