Hensley is worth it, right?

[Big Dee]

I've been reading on past threads that it seems everyone loves their Hensley hitch and think it is worth every penny. I am just about to order the Hensley and I just need some encouragement (man, is it expensive) to make the leap. Anyone not like the Hensley? Thanks everyone.

[DreamStream]

I'm one of the few that never have liked my Hensley the entire six years I've owned it. Don't get me wrong, once hooked up it tows like a dream. I just find it a constant source of agravation for hooking and unhooking. I would make sure and try Equalizer or Reese Dual Cam first to see if I was happy with either of them. If so, it might save a lot of money and agravation.

[Big Dee]

That is my biggest worry. I will be hitching it up myself always. So I am thinking it might be too much trouble. I saw the posts on hitching it up and it does seem complicated.

[74SovereignInt.]

I haven't had a chance to tow very far with mine yet, mainly just around the block a few times. I can attest however that it has made it much easier to get backed up into the driveway. I am able to make a much tighter turn.

As far as hooking up:

I feel that it is easier.

You need to line up left and right (the optional tongue twister makes this much easier).
Use the tension jacks to align it up and down
Back into the receiver
Use the wrench to engage the latches and drop the lock pins in
Set the load tension
Hook up the chains etc. and 'awayyyyyy you go.'

A few minor steps may have been fogotten, check your manual to be sure.

I'm happy with mine. Can't wait to get it out onto the Interstate.

[RoadKingMoe]

I've heard from a few folks who have had trouble with it. One was actually going to replace it, until I gave him "the technique" and told him about the electric drill for the screw jack (and making sure the tongue jack is all the way up when tightening them whether doing it manually or with the drill). Most don't have any problems with it.

More on hooking up the Hensley.

[Pahaska]

I think that a Hensley is overkill for a 25' Safari. I tow a 25' Classic and initially used a simple Reese friction bar which was perfectly adequate. Currrently, I am using the new Reese Heavy Duty Dual-Cam and the truck and trailer are like one. The HD dual-cam is an impressive piece of work for about $160.

I won't quarrel with the Hensley for larger units, but IMHO, for a 25' Safari, there is no need to pay that kind on money for a hitch. Your Safari is light in relation to the tire patch and should be quite resistant to side forces.

I have watched more than one Hensley owner hook up and I don't buy any statement that it is easier; the best you could say is that on reasonably level ground it isn't substantially harder. The Equalizer is probably the easiest to hook up, followed by the dual cam.

[j54mark]

Big Dee,

You're wanting this for your new 30' SO, right? That is one heavy trailer. In your position, I might very well go for it. It would probably depend (for me) on what my tow vehicle was.

I've been very happy with my Dual Cam, but I pull an older, lighter 25' Sovereign.

Mark

[Kistler]

I didn't think the Hensley was worth the cost but then I am only towing 25' of trailer.

I don't know if I could lift a Hensley; my wife has spinal trouble and arthritis. I can't expect her to do it.

Storage is another problem in my owning a Hensley. Our trailer is in a supposedly "secure" lot but I like everything locked away.

[gklott]

We like our Hensley with out 30' Classic. Tows like a dream.

Hitching and unhitching is an alignment issue - spend the time to get things aligned, and it is easy. Just have to be thorough.

We use a 18V cordless Dewalt drill for the jacks, etc.

Can't imagine towing without it.

73/gus

[gregg]

If I paid $3K for a hitch I'd learn to love it.
I have Reese Dual Cam ($500-600) it came with the A/S. I drove 1200 mi (1st time I ever pulled a trailer). Tow vehicle was a Bronco.
I never was buffeted at all on secondary roads or Interstates.
If you had SOB you *might* need a Hensley, but the A/S tows like a dream. Look at the profile of A/S compared to SOB's there's your answer. The tube is smooth.

[Forrest]

One of the members of our WBCCI unit bought a Hensley this past summer. At the rally he wasn't parked in a level spot, and when he went to hitch up again had a devil of a time getting things lined up. Eventually, an entire crew of Airstreamers were around him trying to help, including Hensley owners. It was almost laughable -- too many cooks so to speak. I think it must be a very good hitch -- better be for the cost, but I think it also might be overkill depending on the size of your trailer and the weight and wheelbase of your tow vehicle. If your tow vehicle is somewhat overmatched by the trailer then go with the best hitch. But if your tow vehicle is more than a match for the trailer a more standard hitch will do.

[John]

I tend to agree with Forrest: I think it also might be overkill depending on the size of your trailer and the weight and wheelbase of your tow vehicle. If your tow vehicle is somewhat overmatched by the trailer then go with the best hitch. But if your tow vehicle is more than a match for the trailer a more standard hitch will do.

I chose the Hensley because of my limited hand/finger strenght, I'm not able to pick-up & carry the standard ball-hitch, and the Hensley's hitch bar is lighter. Another plus was handling only one piece, the hitch bar, no equalizer or weigh distribution bars.

John

[linc54]

Have not tried towing my 34' Classic without the Hensley, but I DO know that, with the Hensley and the MasterBrake controller, towing is completely without drama. Passing trucks, going in either direction, do not cause any issue at all, and braking is always perfect.

Yes, the Hensley does take practice hitching, but with practice you will be able to hit it on the first try.

[Kistler]

When I stated that I thought I couldn't lift it, I was under the impression that you took the whole thing off the trailer. I'm not certain I want to leave $2-$3 K out there dangling.

Kistler