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
TnAnFLA wrote:
--- One thing I don't recall seeing in this Odessey of a thread is that the strut bars are actually adjusted by placing them under a compressive stress. And when the TT trys to yaw, that places yet more compressive stress on that side of the hitch assembly.
Andy,
I think (but, cannot prove) that the strut bars are designed to be under compression. If the rear of the TT swings to the right, then the compression in the right strut decreases. However, a decrease of compression has an effect similar to an increase of tension.
All that prattle aside, I do think that Milt's obsequious (sp?) photo of the hitch with the come-a;ong has it backwards. The TT doesn't "pull" on the linkage when it trys to sway, it actually "pushes " on it (I think).
When the TT tries to yaw, it exerts a moment on the HA's rear (upper) unit. Assuming that both of the HA's side links are in tension due to "drag" from the TT, the imposed moment will reduce the tension in one link and increase the tension in the other. Due to the converging angles of the links, the increased tension on one side and decreased tension on the other will result in a net lateral force on the hitch.
Ron
On edit: Made changes in red to correct confusion between tension and compression
