Re: [A/S] Re: Hensley locking up

["Carol and Oliver Filippi" <ofilippi@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I have never used or even seen a Hensley in the flesh, though I have seen
their brochure and video. However, I am familiar with the principle it works
on with the two hinge links.

I think it might (though very unlikely) be possible for the same mechanism
which "locks" it side to side in a towing configuration to "lock up" i.e.
become rigid under some other conditions in an undesirable way.

The linkage is designed so that it only flexes (pivots) when the tow vehicle
(portion of the hitch) changes direction.  Thus the tow vehicle can "steer"
the hitch but not the other way around.

In order to "lock up" the hitch would have to get into an ungainly situation
where the links are working backward.  This might happen if there is a brake
failure on the trailer and the driver tries to make a panic stop without
adequate braking from the trailer.  I think the hitch could put an off
balance or off directional load on the tow vehicle if the trailer was at a
significant angle to the tow vehicle. (Which had just made a sharp turn
prior to applying the brakes.  The turn could have been induced by skidding)
This would cause a sideways (or angular) push onto the rear of the tow
vehicle in a direction in line with the centerline of the trailer.  This
could not happen if the tow vehicle is PULLING on the trailer, or the
trailer brakes are grabbing more than the tow vehicle's brakes.

I suggest you ask the folks at Hensley for their input.

Oliver Filippi