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lhorne · 09-14-2006, 04:38 PM

We just purchased a 2007 25' Safari LS SE with the bunk bed option. We are interested in the Hensley Hitch. Any thoughts on this type of hitch?

Beth

redeagle313 · 09-14-2006, 04:47 PM

Congratulations on your impending arrival.

About the Hensley, it really depends upon your trailer and your choice of a tow vehicle. If you are towing with a relatively short wheel base SUV (Tahoe/Yukon, Expedition, Sequoia, Tourag....) then you may want to consider a Hensley. If you are towing with a truck or larger SUV (Suburban, Expedition) then it may not really do much for you.

We considered one, but opted not to buy one. We have had our trailer for a year and half and do not regret the purchase of our Equal-i-zer hitch. Then again, we tow a 28' Airstream with a 3/4 ton crewcab pickup.

Fyrzowt · 09-14-2006, 04:49 PM

I don't have any personal experience with that brand, I've seen lots of info on them here in the forums. Do a search for that brand. Comments seem to be positive. Congratulations on your new 'Stream!

Goin camping · 09-14-2006, 05:02 PM

Congradulations and welcome.

09-14-2006, 05:38 PM

Should pick my 25' Classic up at the end of the month so I congratulate you on your new Airstream. I'm having the dealer install the Hensley hitch on mine. No experence with the brand but everyone that ownes one raves about it. I'm towing with a 2006 crew cab F 350, so it may be overkill.

lhorne · 09-14-2006, 06:14 PM

We have been cautioned by Hensley to stay in the installation area while the Hensley is being installed. You will have a life time warranty with your new hitch. I guess some concern the installers will switch out with a used one, which the lifetime warranty doesn't apply.

My hubby has chosen to install it himself. Should be interesting. Good Luck with your Airstream.

myoung · 09-14-2006, 06:36 PM

I've posted several times about the outstanding performance of the Equal-i-zer hitch on our trailer, which is similar to yours. Take the $2,000+ difference and enjoy more time on the road.

Also, I don't believe that the wheelbase length factors into the decision in any material way. Perhaps a minority opinion, but one that has proven successful in actual use. Our Durango has one of the shortest wheelbases around, SUV or truck.

**moosetags** · 09-14-2006, 06:42 PM

I have a 25 Safari and pull it with a 2500 Suburban via a Hensley Hitch System. I know they are expensive, but I would not trade my Hensley for anything. There is absolutely no sway at all, not even an unconfortable wobble.

myoung · 09-14-2006, 06:47 PM

I can't resist. The devil makes me do this...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stockholm_syndrome

2airishuman · 09-14-2006, 09:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lhorne

We just purchased a 2007 25' Safari LS SE with the bunk bed option. We are interested in the Hensley Hitch. Any thoughts on this type of hitch?Beth

hi beth...
1. welcome to the forums
2. congrats on the new trailer...really nice model...
3. ignore comments from anyone who has never owned a hensley...

search hensley and pages of threads will appear....here is one to get ya started...

http://www.airforums.com/forum...hlight=hensley

i'm not going to retype my lengthy posts on the haha....so read'em here!

pay close attention to comments from actual users....
would you want an opinion on flying from an earthworm?
on sex from a nun?
on airstreams from some one who has never used one?

my only negative on the hensleys...i don't like the color and i don't care for much of their advertising efforts. scare tactics and testimonials turn me off.

otoh...this may be the only product i've ever owned, for which virtually every owner reports a POSITIVE experience....

if you decide rv'n isn't for you...the hensley will sell quicker than the airstream!

hey there myoung...

while price point for the hensley is an issue...
that fades with each mile of towing...
really price is more of an issue for non owners...i wonder why?

i do still remember paying 4500$ for my ibm thinkpad 700c back in 92?...
that purchase still stings..
.and that useless brick is still in a drawer somewhere....
i'll keep it till the bits are atomic subparticles!

so i guess all mac owners suffer from that syndrome too?
you are a mac guy right....1000s of pcs and you with a mac?

which makes your hostage syndrome all the more out of place referring to the hensley...
for haha users, towing an airstream with a haha is FREEDOM!
we are the towing fraction LEAST held hostage....
no sway, no wind, no push, no white knuckle driving....i'm actually so relaxed towing.

it just works....
it allows me to enjoy the ride....
being relaxed means it is easier to take a trip...
more trips...more fun....more airstreaming...

so like many mac users 'held hostage'....but being more productive?

really with your background...how could you NOT have a hensley

cheers
2air'

myoung · 09-14-2006, 10:05 PM

2air,

Perhaps you hadn't noticed the humor intended. Certainly, most of us tend to be fans of the choices we make.

That said, I've only had to purchase one hitch, but among computers I can recall personally purchasing over a dozen extending back to 1975. Yes, I certainly prefer Apple computers based on years and years of experience with many platforms. Before I retired, I was in charge of the IT department of a subsidiary of a major global bank so I had exposure to more than a few options. I always chose the Mac for both personal and professional use. At least with computers, you can try them and compare them just by visiting stores or by calling upon friends. Too bad that can't be done easily with hitches.

Lastly, quantity is no proof of quality; popularity is no proof of excellence. Choice is good.

Fyrzowt · 09-14-2006, 10:39 PM

WOW... that was close! I thought it was going to get nasty there for a minute. Good recovery

ROBERTSUNRUS · 09-14-2006, 11:00 PM

Hi, 2air.
3. Ignore comments from anyone who has never owned a Hensley......

I am just as happy with my Equal-i-zer as you are with your Hensley; Did you ever own an Equal-i-zer? Same thing! And no, I've never owned a Hensley Arrow either, but at this rate, with no driveabilty problems, I don't see one in my future either.

One flavor ice cream [chocolate for me] does not satisfy everyone; Therefore we have several choices.

Bob

2airishuman · 09-14-2006, 11:15 PM

oh come on now fyrzowt....

we aren't even close to nasty, yet....

sure i saw the humor, i suppose.

but myoung.

it isn't the first time you've suggested that those of us who use the haha and spent so much on one...want others to be just as miserable...

http://www.airforums.com/forum...93-post13.html

i went to bat for ya on your experience using the durango to tow back then...

because sometimes experience matters...so to with hensley experience, right?

and while i do like the haha, what is more uncanny to me...are the numbers...

---number of actual users who don't like it.........................almost zero
---number of users who complain about the price................almost zero
---number of users who sing its praise...............................almost all
---number of users who think anything else is close..............almost zero
---number of non users who have an opinion.......................almost all
---number of non users who think they know how it works.....almost all
---number of non users who think others are as good............almost all
---number of non users who think it's over priced.................almost all

it is just humorus to me that those who don't have a haha,
and haven't used one
have such strong opinions about it....

i'm sure there is a syndrome for this too...
but it seems particularly funny for airstream owners....
since sob owners think 'airsteams are over priced'
and other trailers are just as good...and so on.

sure we like our own choices mike, but why dislike someone elses choice so much? why suggest they don't need what you haven't tried?

you have to admit if a pc user took this approach to the mac,
you would be all over them...
with the reference point of an experienced real user...right?

btw....
purchased my first mac...the mbpro...its ok, just ok, well i like it...fine.
with options....about the same price as a haha...but the warranty sux...

cheers
2air'

2airishuman · 09-14-2006, 11:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROBERTSUNRUS

I am just as happy with my Equal-i-zer as you are with your Hensley; Did you ever own an Equal-i-zer? )

hi bob, no i haven't and you will find i make no negative comments regarding the equalizer either....

that is the point...

i didn't suggest ignoring comments on other hitches by those who have used whatever it is they use.

but opinions on the haha from folks who have zero minutes using one...

well it's like asking a man how it feels to deliver a baby with or without an epidural

i've deliverd hundreds both ways,
and still can't tell anyone how it feels from moms view.....
can you?

and to use your analogy....
if you haven't tasted chocolate, how can you know vanilla is just as good?
which is not the same as suggesting you aren't happy with vanilla...
i'm sure many folks are happy with vanilla...
but they may not have tasted macadamia nut mocca caramel fudge either...
so i'd wanna ask someone who has...

cheers
2air'

ROBERTSUNRUS · 09-14-2006, 11:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2airishuman

hi bob, no i haven't and you wil find i make no negative comments regarding the equalizer either....

that is the point...

i didn't suggest ignoring comments on other hitches by those who have used whatever it is they use.

but opinions on the haha from folks who have zero minutes using one...

well it's like asking a man how it feels to deilver a baby with or without an epidural

i've deliverd hundreds both ways,
and still can't tell anyone how it feels from moms view.....
can you?

and to use your analogy....
if you haven't tasted chocolate, who can you know vanilla is just as good?
which isn't not the same as suggesting you aren't happy with vanilla...
i'm sure many folks are happy with vanilla...
but they may not have tasted macadamia nut mocca caramel fudge either...
so i'd wanna ask someone who has...

cheers
2air'

Hi, 2air. First off thank you for being so honest on the hitch subject. [Eq. / Ha Ha ]

Did you mean how does it feel for a man to deliver a Baby? Or did you mean how would it feel for a man to actually have a baby? Just the thought of haveing a baby gives me more pain than I can take!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

As for the Ice Cream; I meant there are many choices, because people have different tastes. One choice can't work for everyone.

Bob

2airishuman · 09-15-2006, 12:09 AM

well bob i actually prefer strawberry or pistachio....

yea i meant how does it feel to be the one giving birth...
you get the point...
ask someone who has been there...

cheers
2air'

myoung · 09-15-2006, 12:15 AM

It seems to me that apart from the simple task of linking the trailer to the TV, weight distribution hitches must serve a few other purposes. They must be relatively easy to hook up, to unhook, and to remove. They must prevent sway or rocking that would endanger stability of the trailer/TV combination. They must allow for backing and attachment even at extreme angles. They must be relatively simple and solid in construction to minimize wear and routine maintenance. They must not add excessive weight to the rig for the jobs that must be performed. They must do all these things at a reasonable cost.

It was and is my considered opinion that for the mid-range size of AS, the Equal-i-zer suits the bill and that there is no compelling reason to spend more money for some alternative. Ockham's razor is another principle that might be applied to the selection of hitches. It is reasonable to be parsimonious, economical, and simple in the choice of a suitable hitch.

alvinator · 09-15-2006, 03:41 AM

I had an Equal-i-zer that I sold out of frustration because the L brackets kept loosening and one even fell off leaving the WD bar swinging around. I tried everything but welding the brackets on to fix the problem to no avail. The hitch was attached to a 1998 28 Excella pulled by a Dodge Diesel. I bought the Reese HP Dual cam to replace it and that worked fine.

We now have a 2006 34 Classic and we opted for the Hensley. It works exactly as advertised. Along with the 6 disc brakes on the trailer, the unit tows and stops like it isn't there.

Jim Clark · 09-15-2006, 07:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redeagle313

Congratulations on your impending arrival.

About the Hensley, it really depends upon your trailer and your choice of a tow vehicle. If you are towing with a relatively short wheel base SUV (Tahoe/Yukon, Expedition, Sequoia, Tourag....) then you may want to consider a Hensley. If you are towing with a truck or larger SUV (Suburban, Expedition) then it may not really do much for you.

We considered one, but opted not to buy one. We have had our trailer for a year and half and do not regret the purchase of our Equal-i-zer hitch. Then again, we tow a 28' Airstream with a 3/4 ton crewcab pickup.

This has been my experience with a 25’ Safari SS. My current TV is a 2001 SCREW I do have WD. I purchased a dual cam setup to add to the trailer and have not done so yet as I have not felt the compelling need to do so in 2500 miles of pulling so far. No sway. The Henslely is a great hitch and is the best but In my case it is not necessary. I stay well with in the speed limits and practice caution at all times.

Jim