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ZION National Park -

Michigan

crispyboy:
How do you like that hitch?
I just learned about them and I like the idea. Having never used a weight distributing hitch before, they all look complicated, but that one looks even more so.
But, after watching all of the videos, it doesn't seem so bad.
 
Almost three years later, here's the camper pic I mentioned on page 5 or so.



truck.jpg


truck.jpg
 
JHumphries,
The hitch is a Hensley Arrow, it works as advertised and I really like it. For me the hitch isn't all that complicated but there is a bit of a learning curve, mostly in the hook up procedure but now I am as quick as anyone else around me. I have used it on three different trailers and tow vehicles and when you take the time to dial in the weight distribution and brakes properly the truck rides/handles well and it makes crosswinds a thing of the past.
As with any type of hitch there are pros and cons.
Pros: anti-sway - little or no effect from crosswinds or passing trucks, tight turning radius between the truck/trailer, infinitely variable weight distribution using the jacks on each side of the tongue, easily serviced by the end user, easy to hook up (for me).
Cons: this hitch is heavy! - lots of steel, the only thing I don't like about the hitch is what is called the "Hensley bump". This is when you come to a stop the trailer will swing to one side and you feel a bump from the trailer. The remedy for this is to have the brake controller dialed in so the trailer leads the tow vehicle brakes (which it should anyway) or it is from the trailer brakes not being adjusted properly so that both sides grab evenly - sort of a maintenance reminder. Some folks struggle to get it hooked up, not sure why as it is really simple but these are probably folks that are not mechanically minded or are very new to towing/hitching/rigging. The hitches are expensive.

I bought my hitch used and I have ~$650 tied up but I also did some refurbishment of: repacking the bearings, sandblast/paint and new bushing socket. I also modified the original stinger and made it adjustable. The used ones are out there but you have to look for them. New these hitches are ~$3000, too much for most people but anyone you ask who has towed with one - 99% of the time they would not hesitate to spend the money again.

If I were buying a new hitch I would buy the ProPride 3P hitch. The original inventor went and started his own company, made some improvements to the hitch and it is priced several hundred dollars cheaper.
http://www.propridehitch.com/products/ProPride-3P-Trailer-Sway-Control-Hitch-.html

There is an RV dealer in Canada by the name of Can-Am - andy thompson. They use only the Hensley Arrow hitch and it is amazing the tow combinations that they make up using this hitch. They quite often pair up a 34' tri-axle Airstream with mini-vans, suv's, crossovers and big sedans like the Chrysler 300. I met a guy over the summer who pulled a 34' Airstream with a Ford Edge. Do a search on Youtube.
 
What extension did you use (if any) for the short bed? As I zoom in, the center of the Pin would appear to be behind the rear axle.
 
BruteForce:

Nice set-up, have you weighed it yet?

Yes, I've owned the 5'er for 2 years now. My first time out, I decided to max it out with water, fuel, food, 3x full sized ATV's in the garage, 4x 5gal fuel cans (full), etc. I had the wife load the interior (always a bad idea). I never exceeded axle weights and came in around 28k GVW.
 
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Well, we're full timing now. Your wants/needs change when going from weekends/vacations to full timing.

Newt
 
2005 International CXT 001.jpg
International.jpg
PeterCar 001.jpg
Trux 001.jpg


I have the best job I have ever had. I get to ride around the country spending money(OPM) like there was no end in sight. Here are just a few pieces I have bought lately for one of my dealers. The Dodge is mine.

Here are the rest of the pix http://www.dhmco.com/trucks-for-sale/

Tomorrow morning I am heading to South Florida to pick up a one owner 98 FL 70 with a Western Flyer Conversion, one owner and 71,000 original miles. But the best part is she has a big block 8. 3 Cummins 12V. Super rare in that vintage. Most all the baby FLs I buy have Cats... ... ... .

2005 International CXT 001.jpg


International.jpg


PeterCar 001.jpg


Trux 001.jpg
 
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