[A/S] Hensley Frustration

["Ned P. Digh" <npdigh@xxxxxxxx>]

This is for Hunter and others that have read about my frustrations 
with the Hensley.  I have just returned from the Hensley Reunion at 
Branson and have only good things to say about the Hensley team.  Sean 
and Jarrod inspected my hitch, changed some pins and clips and made an 
appointment to come back and do a practice hook up.  Sean understood 
my situation, having  a somewht similar grade on his driveway.  The 
two came back on Sat evening to supervise the hookup, and wanted to 
look at the rig Sun morning on level ground to evaluate the need for a 
2" drop hitch bar vs the 4".  The verdict was to stay with the 4" drop.
  Where we park our trailer between trips, the nose of the tow vehicle 
is down grade, but the trailer is near level.  Basically, in this 
situation, I have to get the trailer tongue higher, I mean a lot 
higher for the angle (3/4 Burb) to mate.  I have not tried this yet, 
but it appears it will have to be higher than the maxing out the jack 
on the blocks I currently use.  Sean's class on hooking/unhoking was 
excellent and I learned that others also have frustrations, but the 
Hensley staff patiently worked through these until everyone was 
satisfied, not only in the class, but with site visits and actual 
hookups.  Phil Sinewe's class on safety was a super presentation and 
reminders about things we forget to practice.  Bill Barnett of Master 
Brake Systems inroduced a new brake controller, soon to be carried by 
Hensley as "MasterBrake".  It is pricey, but may be superior to Jordan 
or Prodigy.  This controller works off master cyclinder pressure, does 
not interfere with anti-lock brakes and can be used with electric or 
hydraulic brakes, including disc brakes if you do complete change over 
on your trailer.  I missed Andy Thompson's session, while installing a 
replacement hot water heater electric element.  A wire broke on our 
element and I found a replacement at a nearby RV parts store.  Not 
everyone advocates these, but it works well for us.  Esther and I had 
dinner one evening at the same table with Colin and Kay Connell, owners
 of the Hensley company.  Colin related his becoming acquainted with 
Jim Hensley and then buying the patents to the hitch system, 
interesting.  Jim Hensley was also at the rally.  The Connells and the 
staff circulated freely with the attendees, giving time to all questions 
and comments.  Colin Connell told me he goes to trade shows, but not 
association meetings, because he "doesn't want to get polluted and 
would prefer to spend time with the customers".  Summary:  I feel 
better about my Hensley and vow to try harder to develop my own 
techniques for a higher probability of success!  Any trip near 
Springfield MO requires a stop at the Grizzly Tool Co.  We recently 
sold some catttle and I spent the proceeds from one cow on machinery, 
rationalizing that I would enjoy the tools more than that neurotic red 
cow we had been wanting to get rid of.  Esther was very patient and 
understanding about my need for these additional tools, then after her 
shopping trip into Branson, she said "remember how much you spent at 
Grizzly, well the proceeds from a second cow has now been spent".  Ned 
Digh