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
bettered wrote:
Interesting observation. With my hitch, I don't get that "initial" wave at all. Zip. The only push I feel is when the bow wave hits the front of my TV as the big guy passes me. Even then it's less of a blip when I'm towing than when I'm not. The whole rig seems more stable towing with the Hensley than not towing at all. Go figure.
RonGratz wrote:
Ed,
When a bow wave exerts a right-directed force on the rear of your TT, the TT responds by exerting a left-directed force on the TV. With a conventional hitch, the force is applied at the ball. The force will push the rear of the TV to the left and the relatively large resulting steering moment will cause the TV to yaw CW. It is primarily the yaw which is sensed by the driver.
With the HA, the lateral force from the TT is applied to the TV at a point closer to the TV's rear axle. The steering moment is considerably reduced and the yaw of the TV also is considerably reduced. The yaw might be reduced enough that the driver does not notice it.
As for the TV seeming to be more stable when towing, this could be due to the TT acting as a "yaw damper" for the TV. In order for the rear of the TV to be pushed to the right, the TT must undergo a CW yaw. The TT's yaw moment of inertia will resist the lateral push from the TV. This resistance will counter some of the bow wave force on the TV. Therefore, the response of the TV should be less when towing. At least, that's how I figure it.
Ron
I completely agree.
