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:tluxon wrote:
I agree with you Ron, but I believe it's clear that combining the "pendulum" characteristics of the HA with a TV-TT tension provides more straightening help than what you get with a conventional hitch. And we all know that a trailer can be straightened up pretty quick behind a conventional hitch by engaging the TT brakes with the brake controller.
Tim,
I agree 100% with the "more". But, our primary consideration should be, how much more.
All right!!!! We're making progress!! Finally, Ron does agree that there is 'more' added, by the way the Hensley forces the trailer forward when pivoting either way. Before, he refused to accept that. We're making progress at least. Now we just gotta agree on exactly HOW MUCH more is added. :)
I did read through all your numbers, Ron, and most of it did sound accurate. However, I think that given all the wind resistance a trailer has, tire friction, weight, etc., the 'pulling' affect we've described, MUST account for considerably more than a .07% or 1# increase/improvement. I don't pretend to be able to prove such, though, except to say the following:
Think about when you're pulling your trailer down the road, all the pulling/resistance it puts on the tow vehicle. Enough, to typically drop your mileage in half! Imagine how much force it'd take, for you to pull the trailer forward .5" closer to the truck (assuming there was enough 'slack' in your hitch to allow such). That would take a LOT of force, seems like a good bit more than any 1# or .07%.
I'm sure I'm missing some technical detail, though, which Ron will bring up. Soooo, have at it, Ron. :)
Will
