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
Hi all. I had followed an earlier topic on "How does a HA work?" I liked the analysis so I shopped for a HA on eBay, but always got outbid in the last seconds. So I went ahead and ordered a new HA. I have it installed on the TT but have yet to take an extended trip. I have not read all 51 pages of this thread but hope that you will find my experience of interest.
As I was installing the HA for the first time I concluded that my driveway was too narrow and at a slope, so I decided to partially install the unit and drive down to a local school parking lot that was open and flat.
I mounted the frame brackets with u-bolts, installed the spring bars and installed the strut assemblies. I did not install the two 5/16" shear bolts into the frame brackets. The trip to the school consisted of driving down our street which is a moderate slope with a 90 degree turn at the end, before getting to an intersection with stop sign.
I approached the 90 degree turn and had no problem, but when I approached the stop sign at the intersection I heard a clunk coming from the hitch. I pulled over and found that the frame brackets had shifted rearward about a 1/2" on both sides.
I concluded the following:
The strut assemblies are in compression. Actually it is a very cleaver design, requiring no external tools.
When I applied the brakes going into the 90 degree turn, the instability of main hitch assembly under braking and turning conditions was enough to overload the struts, causing them to shift on the frame.
The clunking sound was the hitch assembly flopping around because of the loose struts.
My experience seems to substantiate what Ron and others have been saying.
There are a bunch of questions.
Instructions say to tighten u-bolt fasteners to 45 ft. lbs. What force on the struts would cause the brackets to slide on the frame?
What is the shear strength of the (2) shear bolts, resulting in a total resisting force to prevent the sliding to occur?
Finally, what event could occur that would cause the shear bolts to shear and the bracket to slide?
Question: is there any evidence that Hensley-Arrow monitors these treads and responds to them? I would hope they would be actively involved as I believe it would help their sales efforts.
Posting to follow on brake controllers with HA.
Lastly, as I wanted to install the HA myself, I knew that I was not going to lift up the 100# Main Hitch Assembly. I devised a hoist consisting of a collapsible saw horse on which I mounted a small boat winch. Not only did it work well, it is possible to take it with me on trips in case I have to or want to remove the main assembly. If you are interested, I can e:mail you photos.
Don
As I was installing the HA for the first time I concluded that my driveway was too narrow and at a slope, so I decided to partially install the unit and drive down to a local school parking lot that was open and flat.
I mounted the frame brackets with u-bolts, installed the spring bars and installed the strut assemblies. I did not install the two 5/16" shear bolts into the frame brackets. The trip to the school consisted of driving down our street which is a moderate slope with a 90 degree turn at the end, before getting to an intersection with stop sign.
I approached the 90 degree turn and had no problem, but when I approached the stop sign at the intersection I heard a clunk coming from the hitch. I pulled over and found that the frame brackets had shifted rearward about a 1/2" on both sides.
I concluded the following:
The strut assemblies are in compression. Actually it is a very cleaver design, requiring no external tools.
When I applied the brakes going into the 90 degree turn, the instability of main hitch assembly under braking and turning conditions was enough to overload the struts, causing them to shift on the frame.
The clunking sound was the hitch assembly flopping around because of the loose struts.
My experience seems to substantiate what Ron and others have been saying.
There are a bunch of questions.
Instructions say to tighten u-bolt fasteners to 45 ft. lbs. What force on the struts would cause the brackets to slide on the frame?
What is the shear strength of the (2) shear bolts, resulting in a total resisting force to prevent the sliding to occur?
Finally, what event could occur that would cause the shear bolts to shear and the bracket to slide?
Question: is there any evidence that Hensley-Arrow monitors these treads and responds to them? I would hope they would be actively involved as I believe it would help their sales efforts.
Posting to follow on brake controllers with HA.
Lastly, as I wanted to install the HA myself, I knew that I was not going to lift up the 100# Main Hitch Assembly. I devised a hoist consisting of a collapsible saw horse on which I mounted a small boat winch. Not only did it work well, it is possible to take it with me on trips in case I have to or want to remove the main assembly. If you are interested, I can e:mail you photos.
Don
