Re: [A/S] Hensley Mounting

["Mr. Joy H. Hansen" <joytbrew@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi Chas,

I do have both a '69 Safari 23 and a '74 Argosy 22.  The construction
material of the "A" frames are substantially different in the thickness of
the metal and the size of the coupler.  However, the 26 inch maximum
distance from the center of the ball to the front edge of the bracket fell
inside the propane tank holder and both have a 4" "A" frame rail.

Let me be very clear that my experience and comments apply to the "standard
couplers, A and B" where the associated bracket arm that holds the spring
bar protrudes about 5 inches above the "A" frame rail.  Though I have the
style "C" coupler on the '69 Safari, the 4 inch "A" frame rail would not
permit a parallel installation of the "strut assembly" if the under mount
bracket is used.  A discussion accompanied by pictures with the Hensley
people concluded that the standard rather than the undermount bracket must
be used.  If the undermount bracket is used, there might be clearance for
the bracket installation by cutting the front of the bracket and/or notching
the propane tank bracket.  Guess the important issue is the 4 inch "A" frame
rail for smaller trailers as compared to 5" "A" frame rails for larger
units.

I installed the Hensley on the '69 Safari some time ago and had to move the
tank holder to mount the bracket according to Hensley specifications.  When
I got the '74 Argosy, I opted to use the Hensley on it.  Went to Hensley and
bought the replacement ball and new brackets so I could switch the hitch
between trailers.  The Hensley people advised not removing the sheer bolts
to facilitate moving the brackets between the trailers.  Anyway, my
experience installing the Hensley comes from working on both the Airstream
and the Argosy (both make by Airstream).

Without moving the propane tank bracket, it's my opinion that the Hensley
hitch brackets must be mounted outside the 26 inch maximum distance from the
center of the ball to the front edge of the bracket (for 4" "A" frame rails
and the standard bracket).  Like maybe 27 - 28 inches!  Unless it's an owner
installation, I'm sure the shop would take the easy way out and not tell you
that it mounted the Hensley out of specifications.  It's a simple matter to
measure the distance, as I have, for two installations - both fell within
the propane tank base.

The Hensley installation manual says : "Caution - In some cases, damage to
the struts can occur if: Frame Brackets are not properly located 25 1/2
inches back from the center of the ball. .  .  .  ."  If you contact the
Hensley tech and tell him the measurement falls within the propane tank
bracket, the tech might tell you something different.  When I talked to the
Hensley people and mentioned moving the propane tank bracket, they suggested
alternatives that proved impractical.  I was not told to mount the bracket
outside the installation manual specifications.

I chose to send pictures to the Hensley people during my first installation
to work out the problems I encountered.  Ultimately, I relocated the propane
tank bracket and mounted the Hensley brackets on both the '74 Argosy and the
'69 Safari within the  specification in the Hensley installation manual.

Good luck with your installation!  :)

                                              '69 Safari 23 & '74 Argosy,
Joy