Changing trailers. Question about Hensley torsion bars

[Procrastinator]

For years I have been towing with HD trucks. The smallest truck I have had since 2002 was a V10 and later a 7.3 Excursion.

I am currently towing my Outback tow hauler which can get to 10,000 lbs and 1,000 hitch weight with an F350 dually with 4:10 rear end.

When I switched from 5th wheel to travel trailers, I picked up a used Hensley Arrow at a great price and use it now on my current set up. It currently has the 1200 lbs bars ( I believe.)

I currently want to go smaller, much smaller. I am heavily eyeing 1/2 tons. I love the 2019 Ram 1500 interior, but the payload is getting to be a deal killer. Therefore, I am seriously looking into F150 Ecoboost 3.5 max tow and maybe even HDPP.

The trailers we are looking at are going to be around 5,000-5,300 lbs unloaded and around 6,500-7,000 lbs loaded. So theoretically tongue weights between 500-800 lbs.

What would happen if I use the same bars? Damage to the trailer? truck? unsafe? Either way, I am guessing that I will have to buy new weight transfer bars for the new trailer. I don't really plan on buying anything directly from Hensley due to stupidly high markup. Does anyone remember what the brand of spring bar that Hensley uses?

Thank you all in advance,

[carringb]

trail-explorer wrote:

Procrastinator wrote:
even HDPP.

What the heck is an HDPP?

Heavy Duty Payload Package

[trail-explorer]

Procrastinator wrote:
even HDPP.

What the heck is an HDPP?

[BarneyS]

I would use the bars you have and just not pull them up so much. You could tow with the bars at zero tension and still have the sway control if you wished. The Hensley does not depend on the WD bars for its control features. They are there strictly to transfer weight. Just make sure that the spring loaded bar hold nipples on the inner ends of the grease zerk assembly are not worn out. They are what hold the bars in place in the head - especially with little or no tension on them.

By the way, those are probably either 1000lb or 1400lb bars. I don't think Hensley came with 1200lb bars.
Barney

[DutchmenSport]

Use what you have. Why change? Tow with it, see how it performs first. If it doesn't feel 4ight, then get something different.

[TenOC]

I have use a Hensley Arrow with a number of different TTs and for more than 20 years with a number of different 1/2 ton trucks including vans and large SUV. No problems at all. I have not noticed any difference in the light or heavier torsion bars.