the ultimate haha users guide...

[Hensley Ron]

And they're orange! Bob, most of consider those creases in our shins badges of honor. It's also a great way to prevent tailgaters.

[grannyred]

Just changed from an Equalizer hitch to the Hensley. There has become a tremendeous change in the reaction of the tow vehicle when the brakes are applied. The trailer is now pushing the rear of the tow vehicle to the right. I never had this sensation while using the Equalizer. I can watch the Hensley hitch during braking by using my backup camera. The hitch rotates to the right (curb side) every time and you can see and feel it pushing the tow vehicle. This may belong in the brake area but since this is a new event that started when I installed the Hensley I put it here.

Has anyone else had this experience? If so, how did you handle it. Need a fix quickly since I am leaving for Bozeman on Sunday. Adjusting brakes tomorrow to see if this makes a difference.

I am using a Hayes Genesis brake controller and almost have the minimum power and maximum power settings maxed out.

[Garfield]

Originally Posted by grannyred

Just changed from an Equalizer hitch to the Hensley. There has become a tremendeous change in the reaction of the tow vehicle when the brakes are applied. The trailer is now pushing the rear of the tow vehicle to the right. I never had this sensation while using the Equalizer. I can watch the Hensley hitch during braking by using my backup camera. The hitch rotates to the right (curb side) every time and you can see and feel it pushing the tow vehicle. This may belong in the brake area but since this is a new event that started when I installed the Hensley I put it here.

Has anyone else had this experience? If so, how did you handle it. Need a fix quickly since I am leaving for Bozeman on Sunday. Adjusting brakes tomorrow to see if this makes a difference.

I am using a Hayes Genesis brake controller and almost have the minimum power and maximum power settings maxed out.

What you're experiencing is the infamous "Hensley bump". You need to advance the brake controller settings so that the TT brakes engage just ahead of the TV brakes, thereby keeping the Hensley linkage "taut" so it cannot collapse when braking. If your Hayes can't be adjusted to do that, it will have to be replaced.

[2airishuman]

Originally Posted by grannyred

...Adjusting brakes tomorrow to see if this makes a difference...

hi 'red

yep this is a good place for your question/issue.

as garfield suggests the trailer brakes MUST ENGAGE before the tv brakes...

and the brakes must have sufficient stopping power as well.

really this 'bumping issue' can and does happen with every hitch IF the trailer brakes are slow or inadequate...

but the action/effect is more noticeable on the '4 bar' designs...

it will be interesting for you to 'watch' the linkage with the rear view camera...

but don't over interpret what u see, because even after the brake issue is resolved you might see side2side movement...

for example in really strong crosswinds or when backing into parking slots...

cheers
2air'

[sander17]

Yep, the real fun is going around a downhill curve on the interstate with a crosswind.
In the rear view mirror, you can see the front of the trailer swinging back and forth. A light touch on the manual lever of the brake controller will stop it instantly without slowing you down. Do the Ford integrated brake controllers have this lever on the dash?

[Dwight]

The strut bars are also not adjusted to the same length.

[slowmover]

Originally Posted by Dwight

The strut bars are also not adjusted to the same length.

This, along with the brake controller, is my thought as well. Worth checking.

I've not ever had the "bump", but I have had to go over the strut adjusters on mine before and after a trailer axle alignment; first time, after installation, second, after alignment (trailer still tracked to one side); third, to really, truly dial it in (a job awaiting me).

[SRW]

Originally Posted by Sean Woodruff

Dennis,

Once the hitch bar sticks in the hitch box go back to your spring bars to see which one is tightened up. Maybe both. Adjust your jacks until the spring bars are sloppy again and that will adjust the hitch head on the hitch bar. Once they are loose continue to back into the hitch the rest of the way.

Whenever the hitch bar sticks in the hitch head you can always go to your spring bars and you will notice one or both are tight again. That is the hitch bar pushing the inside of the box and making them tight. Just adjust the jacks to make the bars loose again and it will take the pressure off the hitch box and allow you to hitch up. You don't need to continue pulling out and trying to line everything up and then trying to go back in. This is also necessary anytime you adjust the tongue jack when the bar is part of the way in the box. Always adjust the spring bar jacks as the last step anytime you raise or lower the tongue jack.

Another note is that when you get the wedges about 1/2 to 3/4 buried in the opening you can use your over-center-latches to pull the hitch bar back into the box.

Just getting caught up on my reading and just saw this posting.

Last time I was at the dealer the service mgr did "something with one of the spring bars after the hitch bar was mostly in, but not quite. I did not see what he did, but it was quick and loosened up the bar/box so the hitch bar literally popped right in.

Now I know, thanks Sean.

SRW

[ROBERT CROSS]

2air you'd be proud...

A simple rubber "O" ring on the Hitch'n stick has made me a haha first timer.

When I got out to see how close I was, the stinger was already in about
6", oh what a great feeling, almost as good as..well you know.

[Sean Woodruff]

Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS

2air you'd be proud...

A simple rubber "O" ring on the Hitch'n stick has made me a haha first timer.

When I got out to see how close I was, the stinger was already in about
6", oh what a great feeling, almost as good as..well you know.

Excellent idea, Robert. I mean the "O" ring...

[Hensley Ron]

That works until my wife decides to use my flyrod when she can't find the hitchin' stick. I just shut my eyes and throw it in reverse until I hit steel. By the way, Rob, have you decided on Hershey for the RV show? I'll be at Hersheypark Campground, in the cheap seats behind the swimming pool. I'll set a Honey Brown on the Arrow for you!

[doorgunner]

"Honey Brown" What is that, something that belongs in the latrine?
I'm not familiar with Mi. soft speak, Now if it's some kinda beer I'ld be interested in hearing more about it's qualities!
DG

[Hensley Ron]

Honey Brown is Rob's brand. He says he bought the Arrow because it holds up his bottle in camp. I prefer Odorcon, it cures everything from smelly tanks to ingrown toenails. Comes in 24oz bottles, too, so I don't have to run back as often for refills.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by doorgunner

"Honey Brown" What is that, something that belongs in the latrine
DG

Yea DG it eventually gets there....

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by Hensley Ron

That works until my wife decides to use my flyrod when she can't find the hitchin' stick. I just shut my eyes and throw it in reverse until I hit steel. By the way, Rob, have you decided on Hershey for the RV show? I'll be at Hersheypark Campground, in the cheap seats behind the swimming pool. I'll set a Honey Brown on the Arrow for you!

No Hershey this year Ron, will probably be back Dock'n in the Adirondacks,
or lax'n at Letchworth St. Park.

Talked to Jerod yesterday, the 6" drop leveled out the trailer just right.
Will be sending the 4" back shortly.

[BigAl]

Hey Robert,
NIce to hear that 6" of penetration makes you happy.
I actually put one stick on the top of my receiver(dead center) and the other on the tip of the stinger. It seems to be very accurate that way. And of course look only in the rear view mirror.
Al

[BigAl]

I'm envious!!!!
Letchworth is such a beautiful destination.
I think I will try to get down there this fall when the leaves are turning.
Al

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by BigAl

I actually put one stick on the top of my receiver(dead center) and the other on the tip of the stinger. It seems to be very accurate that way. And of course look only in the rear view mirror.
Al

Al

We do pretty much the same thing.
Have been experimenting with these Hitch'n cameras lately. Found that they work best if the yellow one is mounted with it's magnet on the HAHA
facing the tv. The one above mounted in a foam block is a wide angle that works well while underway to check on the trailer, but I plan on posting more on that later.

We will probably be do'n some Leaf Peep'n at Letchworth this Fall also.

Stream Safe

[overlander63]

We recently got the beginnings of a HA, and I'll be scrolling through here trying to see what I need to make it whole. So far, I've got a grocery list, hopefully I won't have to get all the stuff from Hensley. It looks like about $600 in parts to make it work right. I guess half the fun is finding everything, like a treasure hunt...

[2airishuman]

Originally Posted by overlander63

... hopefully I won't have to get all the stuff from Hensley..:

welcome to haha land terry

got a pic of your bits?

or the list of missing parts?

as u know the U bolts, shear bolts, washers, spacers, lock nuts, link/clevis pins and so on are generic...

and like the main bearing caps are a standard size found at tractor suppliers...

don't know who makes the jacks or strut mechanisms...

and the frame brackets look company specific.

the w/d bars (c post 87-97) are from a common supplier, but they've used mulitple vendors for these...

the spring bar bushings shown in the 90s posts look to be home grown.

there is a rv shop in the southeast that regularly sells old hahas on ebay, and sometimes just parts...

rogerwilliamsairstream in weatherford is a good source for the major bits,

but probably no cheaper than from the factory.

put up some pix!

what color will it be? flamingo pink? OR miami vice blue?

cheers
2air'