My only concern would be that not having the Hensley hitch bar directly into the tow vehicle's receiver would diminish the effectiveness of the weight distribution function.
Brian
__________________ SuEllyn & Brian McCabe WBCCI #3628 -- AIR #14872 -- TAC #FL-7 2015 FC 25' FB (Lucy) with ProPride 2020 Silverado 2500 (Vivian) 2023 Rivian R1T (Opal)
The TV is the 4500 GMC. AS is 1969 Safari: The weight distribution function may be of little effect given the towing capacity of the TV is 17,500. Yes? Sway feature is not effected?
Agreed that weight distribution is not a major factor in this instance, although the WD bar should be tightened to keep the bars from rattling. As far as the anti-sway function of the Hensley is concerned, I don't think that your contorted hitch bar situation would affect the that portion of the Hensley's job.
I would consider calling the guys at Hensley and outline your plan. Se if they have any issues with it. I have always found them knowledgeable and most helpful.
Brian
__________________ SuEllyn & Brian McCabe WBCCI #3628 -- AIR #14872 -- TAC #FL-7 2015 FC 25' FB (Lucy) with ProPride 2020 Silverado 2500 (Vivian) 2023 Rivian R1T (Opal)
I called Hensley. He stated they tested their drop hitch to 8". I explained my contorted plan. He neither agreed nor disagreed. Just reiterated the test to 8" drop. I wish to be safe. WD in this case is of minimal use. The anti-sway function I wish to retain.
Remember, the Hensley head box opening, top, is 5 1/2" BELOW the top of the ball coupler height. In my Case, I need the top of the stinger at 15" from the ground. I don't think 8" drop is going to get you where you need to be....if I understand your setup correctly.
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If I am understanding what you are saying correctly then I had a similar issue after purchasing the TV we have now. I needed a stinger with a 10" drop. I came up with a plan somewhat similar to yours - the major arm-chair feedback to the idea was speculation that there would be a lot of "slop" in adding an extra receiver into the mix - just didn't seem a good idea. I then spoke about the issue to Hensley and to Can Am. Hensley gave me the same information they gave to you. Can Am had dealt with the problem before and had a couple of different approaches. If I recall correctly they included welded changes to the existing hitch. In the end they fabricated a new stinger with the 10" drop for me - this has worked well - now into the 5th season of use with that stinger.
Might be worth giving Can Am a call - just to see if they foresee any issues with what you are thinking - or they might have alternate ideas for you to consider.
Jay
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Thanks. I'll contact Can Am on Monday. That setup is what I wish. This site won't let me enlarge. Would you send the pics to Ronald@evergreen-energy.net, please.
You might consider 1000# bars or a Hensley Cub if the if the hitch weight is OK. That would give the trailer a smother ride. On my 35' I have bent stingers in the past. Too much backing leverage.
guskmg
I do not believe the drop receiver you purchased will handle the torq being applied by the Henlsey. I have worked for and owned a Hensley for a long time. I do not believe that hollow design is safe. It will come apart.
My approach would be to fabricate a drop that matches your needs. Can Am will know how to stiffen that long drop so there is no twist or distortion in the drop brackets. They set my hitch up for my new (used) trailer that came with a Hensley and an odd drop length on my Dakota
Your 4 inch extra drop will work but it adds an extra bit of twist and slop that will possibly fail some where down the road. I don't like the welds along the corners of the HSS tubing in the picture, and HSS is not designed to resist stress that wants to squeeze or stretch it out of square. The 4 inch drop might be fine if the hitch bar was a straight stinger going directly into the receiver, but adding another 8" of leverage is probably asking too much. My 2 cents worth
I used a 10" drop for a couple of years and towed my 25" FB Safari with a 2012 3/4 ton suburban. It worked fine. I made it in my machine and fabrication shop because Hensley did not offer a 10" drop. I now tow with a 2500HD Chevy diesel pickup that has a lower receiver. I still have the 10". You can have it if you are still needing one.
Most of the drop hitches are hollow and do not have enough weight rating. You would need a solid one. However what you spent for the hitch pretty much dictates an extension from Hensley or one they recommend. If this is the best hitch available don't compromise it with something of lesser integrity.
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