Gen-Y torsion Receiver Hitch...
Hi Team, To improve ride in the TV over our busted up interstates, I have been toying with the idea of purchasing an airsafe hitch. However, the cost $1K+ has been an issue. So last night I was...
Forum Discussion
Definitely will post picts....
Reason for my interest is to improve ride int TV. We are retired and travel with an F250 towing a 37 foot 12K pound toyhauler. Last year we towed over 20K miles. WE have no problems with sway however on our nations busted up interstates the ride in the F250 can get pretty rough. Numerous folks have found that providing some flex between TV and trailer has been shown to improve ride in TV....in many cases significantly.
As far as WD, I am retired as the Chief engineer of a large aircraft prototyping organization. A simple vector force diagram shows that WD should work fine on hitches like this (Torsion flex, Airsafe, etc.). Many have used WD on similar hitches with predictable results (just search this forum).
However, looking at the force vector diagram, it appears to me the use of WD MAY reduce the tendency for the hitch to flex as designed. WD will place the upper flex joint in compression and the lower flex joint in tension. So, IMHO, the jury is still out (at least in my mind),on whether the use of WD reduces the flex in the torsion joints and limits the benefit of having a torsion hitch (flex between TV and trailer).
Now I am still thinking about this, so don't take it as a hard conclusion. The design of the hitch may actually increase the effectiveness of WD. Let me see if I can explain. WD will place the upper torsion joint in compression and the lower in tension. This gives one a leverage effect (the few inches of spacing between the joint in compression and the one in tension) in twisting the vehicle suspension and placing more load on the front wheels. ....I will have to have another cup of coffee and think about this thought....
Reason for my interest is to improve ride int TV. We are retired and travel with an F250 towing a 37 foot 12K pound toyhauler. Last year we towed over 20K miles. WE have no problems with sway however on our nations busted up interstates the ride in the F250 can get pretty rough. Numerous folks have found that providing some flex between TV and trailer has been shown to improve ride in TV....in many cases significantly.
As far as WD, I am retired as the Chief engineer of a large aircraft prototyping organization. A simple vector force diagram shows that WD should work fine on hitches like this (Torsion flex, Airsafe, etc.). Many have used WD on similar hitches with predictable results (just search this forum).
However, looking at the force vector diagram, it appears to me the use of WD MAY reduce the tendency for the hitch to flex as designed. WD will place the upper flex joint in compression and the lower flex joint in tension. So, IMHO, the jury is still out (at least in my mind),on whether the use of WD reduces the flex in the torsion joints and limits the benefit of having a torsion hitch (flex between TV and trailer).
Now I am still thinking about this, so don't take it as a hard conclusion. The design of the hitch may actually increase the effectiveness of WD. Let me see if I can explain. WD will place the upper torsion joint in compression and the lower in tension. This gives one a leverage effect (the few inches of spacing between the joint in compression and the one in tension) in twisting the vehicle suspension and placing more load on the front wheels. ....I will have to have another cup of coffee and think about this thought....
