Is my TT too big for long trips?
We are at a crossroads with our current travel trailer. It’s a 2017 Flagstaff 831 BHDS measuring 34’9” total length & a dry weight of 7195, GVWR 8761. The tow vehicle is a 2015 F-350 with a 6.7 diesel...
Forum Discussion
IdaD wrote:BarneyS wrote:IdaD wrote:
Snip... At the end of the day the FW is still a lot heavier on the pin and the hitch point is over the axle versus 4' back, and no TT hitch is going to change those facts. Snip...
I will agree that the FW is a lot heavier on the pin but will dispute your statement that no hitch is going to change the fact that the hitch point is 4' behind the trucks axle. The Hensley hitch DOES change the results of that fact! Due to its' geometry, the pivot point of the hitch is projected to just a few inches behind the axle or in front of it. This fact allows the travel trailer to tow just about like a FW because the attachment point of the trailer is now felt by the truck right about at the trucks axle and cannot influence the direction of travel. The hitch also restores the lost weight from the front axle via the spring bars and jacks so the steering of the truck is like normal.
I have towed both 5th wheel trailers and regular trailers for many years and have used a Hensley for the past 10 or 15 years or so. I can testify that the Hensley hitch DOES make a trailer tow as well as or even possibly better than a 5th wheel. I say better because the TT is lower and has less leverage above the CG of the truck than a 5th wheel. It just feels more steady and stable.
Barney
I don't doubt they work well based on the reports I've read, but I think an actual pivot point over the rear axle is better than a "projected" pivot point, especially if things start to get jacked up in an emergency situation.
I towed an 11K GVW TT similar to Dodge Guys prior to getting a fiver.
My first thought is that the Hensley tows just as well as a
fiver.
My 2nd thought on projected pivot point vs.actually being on the axle. Is that the fiver is much taller and heavier than a TT.
What the fiver may gain by actually sitting on the axle it looses due to being so tall and having a higher center of gravity.
On paper maybe someone can determine that the projected pivot point is less effective, but from the driver's seat my experience is the Hensley does tow just as well as a 5'er.
