Installing a Hensley

[white laker]

Hi allI just picked up a very slightly used, three year old Hensley hitch. My question is the dealer who originally installed it put a two inch weld along the side of the mounting bracket. The instructions are specific in that they say no welding at all.
Are the shear holds enough or do others put a bit of weld for extra insurance.
The installation look straight forward. So far.
I think it was a great deal for$1,200.00. Hopefully no more sway. Anyone want a good Reese hitch?
Again I appreciate your replays
Thanks
Pete

[ROBERT CROSS]

NO WELDS!!!

Good possibility of severe damage if you get to the point of shear and they don't.

Bob

[white laker]

thanks Bob. that is exactly what I had thought. the instruction were very clear. the hitch that I bought was installed by the Airstream dealer in London Ontario, Canam. i beleive it is their normal practice to put a strip along one side of the mount. it was easy to remove with a grinder and a hammer so they didn't have much penetration. i will follow the instructions to the letter and go from there. i stsrted to install last night and ran out of daylight. so far it is pretty clear and simple.
thanks again
Pete

[ROBERT CROSS]

Pete,

I'm a bit surprised that C-A would weld a Hensley.
They do follow their own road in many areas of towing, but are one of the best Airstream Dealers around. With the instructions being so clear on this part of the install, just wondering what the rational behind this is.

I was very pleased with the comprehensive install instructions supplied with the haha, less than a three hour install......BUT, mistakes can still be made.

Can you spot mine.....

Yes, the Honey Brown was a contributing factor.

POI...it will be easier to install the plate.....if you drill the holes for the bolts, thread them in, (to cut the threads before installing the plate), plenty of p-oil helps, clean well and install plate.
Good to have some spare bolts also.

Bob

[switz]

Terry at Hensley ((800) 410-6580 ext 117) is an good resource if questions arise.

[white laker]

bob
No problem with the Honey Brown but the jacks are on backwards, I think.... or mine are on backwards!!! Ran around to every fastener supplier in Ottawa area looking for 'self taping shear bolts" and no luck. Called Hensley and they said to use 3/8 x 1" lag screws. I give up. just need to drill holes, install bolts, torque it up and heading out Friday afternoon for some great fall camping.
when i was looking into Can Am I seem to remember that they put a very ligh bead with little to no penetration into the frame. i guess it does the same thing but I will stay with the manufacturer and put the bolts in......
thanks again to all.
Pete

[Rockwell]

Originally Posted by white laker

Hi allI just picked up a very slightly used, three year old Hensley hitch. My question is the dealer who originally installed it put a two inch weld along the side of the mounting bracket. The instructions are specific in that they say no welding at all.
Are the shear holds enough or do others put a bit of weld for extra insurance.
The installation look straight forward. So far.
I think it was a great deal for$1,200.00. Hopefully no more sway. Anyone want a good Reese hitch?
Again I appreciate your replays
Thanks
Pete

I'm interested in your Reese. Is it a dual cam?
Rockwell

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by white laker

bob
No problem with the Honey Brown but the jacks are on backwards, I think.... or mine are on backwards!!! Ran around to every fastener supplier in Ottawa area looking for 'self taping shear bolts" and no luck. Called Hensley and they said to use 3/8 x 1" lag screws. I give up. just need to drill holes, install bolts, torque it up and heading out Friday afternoon for some great fall camping.
when i was looking into Can Am I seem to remember that they put a very ligh bead with little to no penetration into the frame. i guess it does the same thing but I will stay with the manufacturer and put the bolts in......
thanks again to all.
Pete

The important thing to remember, they are called shear bolts for a reason....they shear.
Like I mentioned, cut the threads first before mounting the plate. Half turn in, back out, oil and repeat. Don't be in a hurry, it's not fun if one should break. Drill the proper size holes, (pilot hole first), a little larger will make it easier but defeat the purpose.

Yep...bass-akward jacks.

Bob

[white laker]

got 'er dun............ heading off to a great spot on the St. Laurance river this weekend.
thanks to all
great community
Pete

[white laker]

what an awsome hitch! traveling the 410, major highway at 65 mph. had 18 wheelers and a tour bus blow by me.... no sway no problem.. we hooked up at home and at the site on the return trip with no problems. we are still maried! thanks for all the help.
pete

[crispyboy]

Sounds like you had success in installing and using your new hitch. Just check the strut bars for tightness once in awhile, add a little grease to the Zerk fittings and enjoy!