RV Accident US 131 in Michigan

Ron Gratz wrote:

E&J push'n wind wrote:

opnspaces wrote:

hddecker wrote:
I let up on the throttle a bit next thing I see in the mirror, backend of the trailer about three feet to the left of center.

Trucks going straight, a little tap to the brake controller switch and the trailer gets back where it belongs.

Sure was happy I had the Hensley Hitch that day.

Did anybody catch this post by hddecker? Not picking on you at all hd, just caught the part that your Hensley let the trailer get out of shape. I thought that supposedly wasn't possible?

I tow with a Hensley too, yeah.., I did catch that but let it go. No, it is not possible unless something is bending or the shear bolts have let go in which case you'll have a mess on your hands. I'd like to hear how that is possible.

I think we should not imply that "hddecker" was seeing things.
It's entirely possible -- especially in a low traction condition as might have happened if you're driving in Canada at Christmas time.

It the trailer tires lose their ability to generate lateral force, there is nothing to prevent the trailer from swinging to the side -- makes no difference whether towing with a HA/PP hitch or a conventional hitch.

When "hddecker" let up on the throttle, the 4-bar linkage might have produced a "bump" event which resulted in the trailer swinging to the side.
Even with no "bump", the trailer still can swing if the tire/pavement friction cannot generate sufficient lateral force.

Ron

Ron, I've read many of your posts and I conceed to you as one who is very knowledgeable on the "workings" of these HA's and PP hitches. My appologies to hddecker as my statement kind'a "called him out" on this one. Even with your explanation Ron I'm still kind'a.., baffeled? In the demonstration Hensley gives in their video, it shows that the Hensley at the trailer end cannot move. However, as an owner of a Hensley, I too am familiar with the "bump" and as I've seen it explained, I do understand that. Hensley will have to perhaps explain that one. Anyway, I do see your point on this.