Re: [A/S] Hensley Hitch Install

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

Hi Thomas,

This will be fun to listen to the replies that you get.  However, I think
you need to tell a bit more about what you have as a tow vehicle.

I related in the past that I try to get the draw bar back to the original
height without the weight of the trailer tongue.  Sort of depends on the
condition of the axles on the trailer.  When you look at them with load,
they should have a "0" or a slightly negative angle.  A positive angle means
that you have bad axles or an overloaded trailer.

My Argosy looks to be 15 inches front and rear when it's level.  Because I
have bad axles, I think the static load should have about 16 to 18 inches.
Means a lot when trying to level the trailer.

So, before there's an answer to your question of what you need for a drop of
6 or 8 inches, you need to relate what the condition of the axles in your
trailer are.

I'm towing about 700 pounds of tongue weight for my Argosy 22.  Could be
more like 1000 pounds, as I haven't weighted it.  Not something I'd try to
move by hand.  I just bring the draw bar back to the non-loaded level with
the spring bars.  With the spring bars loosened, I use the tongue jack to
return the draw bar to it's non-load level.  So far, it's worked pretty
good.  Some difficulties, but it's doing OK for the most part.

Because my truck is so high, I put a white tape on the tail gate and a blue
tape near the window of the trailer.  Keeping these in line puts me very
close to alignment and the coupling goes together easily most of the time.
I always adjust the spring bars with the tongue jack in the raised position
to relieve the tension on the jack screws.  When I hit the preset mark, I
lower the tongue jack and finally adjust the bars to the final mark.

Did you buy your Hensley new or used?  I've had great luck conversing with
Hensley people to assure me that I have the right set-up.  A used unit may
not have the right spring bars, etc.

                   Regards, '74 Argosy, Joy