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:TnAnFLA wrote:
Ron, I think you've got it backwards.
Andy,
I'll accept that. That's why I said, "I think (but cannot prove)". This just demonstrates Milt's point that a person who does not own a HA should not comment about a HA.
Whether the struts are in tension or compression will not change the fact that simply snugging up the struts does not result in any net forces acting on the HA's side links and front link.And if my recollection of physics is accurate (not a sure bet at all) the net force on the coupler/ball should be zero if both struts are of equal length. Both struts are "pushing" with equal force on opposite sides of the ball coupler.
The struts are at an angle to the TT's longitudinal axis. If the right strut is in compression, it will exert a force to the rear and to the right on the right side of the A-frame. The left strut would exert a force to the rear and to the left on the left A-frame. The net lateral force between coupler and ball is zero. However, since both struts exert a rearward force on the A-frame, the coupler must exert a rearward force on the ball.
Ron
Ron,
I meant to tell you, the struts can only be in compression, either less or more compression. There is absolutely no way to put one in tension, as it is a two part assembly, and simply falls apart.
When they are installed and correctly adjusted, they are in considerable compression.
They could be welded in place and it would make no difference in the operation of the hitch.
Once again, an entity has been multiplied.
