RE: [A/S]Technology and sway control

["David & Bret" <dtbw_1999@xxxxxxxxx>]

Mark,
I am total agreement with you on the HA (own one already).  The problem
is, lots of folks, for whatever reason will never buy a Hensley, so
other solutions should be investigated.  Until (if ever) the HA becomes
more price competitive to other equalizing/sway controlling combos, it
will remain in the niche category of acceptance.  I am sold on the
Hensley technology, but as an engineer I know that there are always
multiple ways to solve any problem and typically many of the
alternatives can be equally successful.  I feel that if there was a
simple to install, low relative cost (ie competitive with friction
systems), active sway dampening system available from one or more of the
name brand brake controller manufacturers, the discussion around sway
would have a very different tone.  As it stands, many folks have never
witnessed or experienced a resonance sway situation (ie one where each
swing gets larger), so to expect buy in of a $3000 solution to a problem
many feel will never occur is problematic.  It really boils down to
perceived threat vs the costs to hedge against it and there is no
agreement that the amount spent is relative to the amount of risk
reduction.  What we should be focusing on is making every rig as safe as
technology will allow, at as low a cost as possible AND educating every
driver to potential situations and how to handle those situations.  We
all share the highways and therefore whatever happens to one of us most
usually involves one or more others that had NO desire to participate.  

david