Hensley arrow on eBay - Worth while upgrade?

[boosTT]

I see there an a Hensley arrow listed on eBay near me for $1040.00.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Hensley-Arrow-Trailer-Hitch-System-Weight-Distribution-Reese-Equal-i-zer-RV-/131148608192?pt=Motors_RV_Trailer_Camper_Parts_Accessories&hash=item1e8910f2c0&vxp=mtr

Is it a worthwhile upgrade over my standard (husky) weight distribution system? I can feel the semi's pass me and would like that push-pull feeling eliminated.

[93Cobra2771]

Passin Thru wrote:
I looked at Hensleys but decide they were too expensive, even at $800 as I bought a Reese Dual Cam for 250. Just don't know the advantage when my trailer never meanders. Most of the weaving on trailers is actually cause by tires and if one has a proper anti sway hitch. We changed to Michelin 16in tires from Hercules 15s and it felt like a new TT.

While I agree that the Reese DC is a good unit, I don't agree with your comment regarding sway. Loading, where the axles are on the trailer, how much tongue weight, hitch setup (to name a few) are a few of the many ways that can and do affect sway.

I used the DC setup for well over a year. IMO, a fair comparison for the HH vs the DC, is much like comparing the DC to a friction sway bar WDH. It is that much better.

YMMV.

[jspence1]

Passin Thru wrote:
I looked at Hensleys but decide they were too expensive, even at $800 as I bought a Reese Dual Cam for 250. Just don't know the advantage when my trailer never meanders. Most of the weaving on trailers is actually cause by tires and if one has a proper anti sway hitch. We changed to Michelin 16in tires from Hercules 15s and it felt like a new TT.

I looked at the dual cam but I heard too many complaints about it being hard to get set up correctly. I'm happy with the cost of my used Hensley at $800 I even opted for the $515 warranty. For under $1400 I have a Hensley with a full warranty.

[Passin_Thru]

I looked at Hensleys but decide they were too expensive, even at $800 as I bought a Reese Dual Cam for 250. Just don't know the advantage when my trailer never meanders. Most of the weaving on trailers is actually cause by tires and if one has a proper anti sway hitch. We changed to Michelin 16in tires from Hercules 15s and it felt like a new TT.

[ArticFox_676]

The HA stands out when you have an emergency stop. The trailer stays behind the TV and may mover slightly right and left but does not push the TV into a dangerous situation.

[93Cobra2771]

I love my Hensley.

I purchased my first Hensley for $450 used. I put $100 worth of pins, paint, etc in it. Golden.

Second one I purchased for my dad. $200. Not a typo. Different drop shank, plus $150 in parts. Golden.

Third one, found for a friend. $800. New shank. $40 in parts. Golden.

All were Craigslist finds in the past two years, all were no further than 75 miles from my house. I would say that the 800-1000 range is about right for a used one unless it is in exceptional condition.

[thewhitehat]

That's still a good deal - if you purchased a used one for around $900 - $1200 and buy the lifetime warranty, you get a crazy-good product that is backed by the manufacturer for life. That's only half the cost of a new Hensley Arrow. I paid full price, but got free shipping on a year-end deal, simply because I wanted a brand-spanking new one, but I did seriously consider a used one.

As far as the product itself, I feel very strongly, due to personal experiences with sway, and I would NEVER ever tow my trailer without a Hensley.:B

[camp-n-family]

Just saw this new post too

I called today about getting some replacement parts for the Hensley hitch I bought and they offered me the lifetime warranty for $515.

Ouch.

[camp-n-family]

Like I said, it must have changed recently. I haven't spoken with them directly in a while but the website and the current listed owners manual still shows this (cut and pasted direct);

The Lifetime Limited Warranty period begins upon receipt of signed Hensley ArrowTM warranty registration card.

The Lifetime Warranty is limited to the original purchaser of the Hensley ArrowTM advanced towing system. The Lifetime Warranty is non-transferrable.

the warranty can be purchased by a 2nd owner, depending on the serial number and age of the hitch,

That's not transferring. That's purchasing a "new" warranty through the manufacturer, kind of like buying an extended warranty on a used vehicle.

Either way, it's sold already. Hopefully somebody on here got a good deal.

[BarneyS]

camp-n-family wrote:
You'll be pleased with the upgrade however it will not rid you completely of drafts passed by big trucks, nothing will. The difference is the TV and TT will be more stable as they move as one.

Any warranty plan or free shank swap program is only available to the original owner as well, unless they changed it recently.

I agree with the first part of this post. The second half of it not quite true as the warranty can be purchased by a 2nd owner, depending on the serial number and age of the hitch, but the cost is considerable. I would not purchase a warranty on a used Hensley because the individual parts that wear out can be purchased for much less than the cost of the warranty. One can also purchase a different drop stinger for much less than that in most cases.

Since this one comes with two stingers the chances of having to get a different one is reduced. So yes, the warranty and shank swap program is available or transferable to other owners, but at a cost that probably makes it unwise to purchase.
Barney

[mhardin]

I bought my Hensley back when I was towing with a 2002 F-150. It made an unsafe setup very safe and stable. Today, I tow with a 2013 F-350 and still use the Hensley even though I don't really need it with this truck. Added safety is always a bonus. I highly recommend it.

[The_Texan]

camp-n-family wrote:
You'll be pleased with the upgrade however it will not rid you completely of drafts passed by big trucks, nothing will. The difference is the TV and TT will be more stable as they move as one.

Any warranty plan or free shank swap program is only available to the original owner as well, unless they changed it recently.

WRONG.......read the description in the ebay listing and then read the hitch company website. The lifetime warranty IS transferable to any new owner.

[camp-n-family]

You'll be pleased with the upgrade however it will not rid you completely of drafts passed by big trucks, nothing will. The difference is the TV and TT will be more stable as they move as one.

Any warranty plan or free shank swap program is only available to the original owner as well, unless they changed it recently.

[BarneyS]

It looks to be in excellent shape and probably is fairly new. That "buy it now" price of $1355 is great. If I already didn't have one I would jump on it. Looks like it also comes with two different drop stingers.

Both of my sons have purchased used Hensley hitches and have had excellent results from them. They purchased off of Craigs list however.
Barney

[Andy_F]

Make sure it's in pretty good condition at that price. Many on here have picked up used Hensley's for much less (-$700).


*edited to remove blatant advertising*