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
The theoretical pivot point of the Hensley isnt static, but the geometery is very similar to the upper and lower control arm geometry of your tow vehicle- the trapezoidal linkage pivot os the intersection of the angles of the lengthwise "V" formed by the links of the Hensley. Wherever the links would intersect ahead of the hitch is where the fulcrum is at that moment. On a front suspension its the same deal, and if you draw a line between the two points of intersection on each front wheel suspension, you get the roll center (imaginary point the front of the car rotates around in corners) which for many vehicles is actually below the ground level. The Hensley isnt optimized for any speific vehicle per se, but moving the pivot forwards by a significant distance, ideally just slightly ahead of the rear axle gives the tow vehicle dramatically greater leverage against the trailer and reduces similarly the effct the trailer can have on pushing the tow vehicle off course, by removing the leverage the trailer has and reducing or eliminating the horizontal articulation between the vehicle overhang and trailer tongue.
The mysteries of the Hensley are somewhat like how a differential works, its sometimes hard to understand at first but once you grasp it it looks very simple.
The Hensley will do pretty much what they claim it does, but many combinations of tow vehicle,standard hitch and trailer have more than adequate built in stability and dont get a really noticable difference. The more drastic the manuever or conditions or poorly matched the TV/TT are the more useful the extra cushion provided by the Hensley is.
Anyhow main thing is if you dont understand the geometry of the Hensley, dont sweat it, lots of people dont (like differentials) but the concept is soundly grounded in much the same way.
Hope thats some help,
Brent Covey
Vancouver BC
The mysteries of the Hensley are somewhat like how a differential works, its sometimes hard to understand at first but once you grasp it it looks very simple.
The Hensley will do pretty much what they claim it does, but many combinations of tow vehicle,standard hitch and trailer have more than adequate built in stability and dont get a really noticable difference. The more drastic the manuever or conditions or poorly matched the TV/TT are the more useful the extra cushion provided by the Hensley is.
Anyhow main thing is if you dont understand the geometry of the Hensley, dont sweat it, lots of people dont (like differentials) but the concept is soundly grounded in much the same way.
Hope thats some help,
Brent Covey
Vancouver BC
