2019 GT and Hensley Arrow

[Erika_C]

Hi all. I’m upgrading from a Bambi 22’ FB to a 2019 GT 27’ and I’ll need to upgrade to a Hensley cub to an Arrow.
I’m concerned because when the Hensley cub was installed on my Bambi they had to move the propane cover back to make the cub fit. I don’t think that on the 27’ you can do this because of the battery and external storage compartment. Anyone here with an Airstream Globetrotter 27’ and a Hensley Arrow to provide installation feedback? TIA.

[redthies]

What is your tow vehicle? Hensley hitches are only necessary if you plan to tow more than your vehicle can safely handle with a regular WD hitch.

[Erika_C]

Originally Posted by redthies

What is your tow vehicle? Hensley hitches are only necessary if you plan to tow more than your vehicle can safely handle with a regular WD hitch.

Without getting into the tow vehicle/hitch discussion I know the Hensley may be over kill. It was overkill for my first rig too. Truth is I enjoyed the experience and want to continue with it.
But if you really want to know I have a Ford F-150 3.5 Ecoboost.

[rmkrum]

I tow a 2007 22’ International CCD behind a 2012 4WD Toyota Tacoma crew cab. It’s well within the ratings of the truck.

However, sway control and some WD is essential to comfortable driving. IMHO, total lack of sway and fine control of proper handling with the ProPride system is not by any means overkill.

My family and my dogs ride with me. That’s the only reason I need.

[GMFL]

Only problem you will have is accessing the front storage compartment. The jacks on both the ProPride and the Hensley make it difficult.

[FishByFly]

We had a Hensley Arrow on our 30’ bunkhouse which had a larger front compartment and front battery box. We did not have to shift any of the installations for the install. The Jack arms did not cause any conflict with the access to the compartment or battery box.

We now have a 25’ with the Hensley Arrow. Same can be said about the installation. No adjustment to the trailer required.

[redthies]

Originally Posted by Erika_C

Without getting into the tow vehicle/hitch discussion I know the Hensley may be over kill. It was overkill for my first rig too. Truth is I enjoyed the experience and want to continue with it.
But if you really want to know I have a Ford F-150 3.5 Ecoboost.

You sound like someone who has been given a hard time about your hitch before. That wasn’t why I asked. You have a perfect tow rig. My point (once tow rig was clarified) is that you do have options. If the Hensley doesn’t work, you have more than enough rig in the F150 to use a standard WD hitch.

I won’t get into the pro/cons of either. I’ve had both, and now use something else. Enjoy your new 27!

[Erika_C]

Originally Posted by redthies

You sound like someone who has been given a hard time about your hitch before.

Sorry if I sounded defensive...And thanks for your feedback And yes, I have been involved in discussions where people kept telling me I didn't need a Hensley for my Bambi 22FB...I've had experiences with Blue Ox types of hitches and I really disliked it, hence the Hensley.

[Erika_C]

Originally Posted by GMFL

Only problem you will have is accessing the front storage compartment. The jacks on both the ProPride and the Hensley make it difficult.

This is exactly what I am trying to avoid...I am getting conflicting information. Do you have this set-up?

[solomon.m]

I have a very similar setup as you propose. A 2020 27' FBQ Flying Cloud and a 2020 F150 eco boost 3.5. I can access the front storage well enough with the Hensley. Here are a couple pics. These are early pics with the 6" drop stinger. I later exchanged it for a 4" drop which seemed better for the setup. One tip, the front storage has two wires to hold the hatch open horizontally. After one broke from leaning on the open hatch, I removed both wires and installed self-sticking rubber bumpers on the top of the battery box. It improved access to the storage too.

[pjshier]

Erika, on our 27FB International the tray holding the propane tanks was located in such a way that I was able to drill one hole on each side of the tray and together with a pre-existing hole, pass the u-bolt hardware through the holes and attach the PPP in the correct location relative to the hitch. The u-bolts end up under the tanks and do not interfere or rub on the tanks.

If a photo would be handy, I can brave the elements and snap a phone photo after the sun comes up.

[dumbclub]

I have a 2020 Globetrotter 25FB Twin with the Hensley Arrow.

The installation of the Arrow hitch was straightforward and did not require any modification to the trailer.

Also, there are no clearance problems for the front storage compartment and in general, the jacks on the Hensley do not interfere or change the ease of access to the front storage compartment.

After moving from an International 23FB with a Hensley Cub to the 25FBT, I needed the higher capacity of the Arrow.

[Erika_C]

Originally Posted by solomon.m

I have a very similar setup as you propose. A 2020 27' FBQ Flying Cloud and a 2020 F150 eco boost 3.5. I can access the front storage well enough with the Hensley. Here are a couple pics. These are early pics with the 6" drop stinger. I later exchanged it for a 4" drop which seemed better for the setup. One tip, the front storage has two wires to hold the hatch open horizontally. After one broke from leaning on the open hatch, I removed both wires and installed self-sticking rubber bumpers on the top of the battery box. It improved access to the storage too.

Thanks so much for the feedback and the pictures! It really helps to visualize. Interesting info about the 4" drop. My current AS is so low already, I think this wold be helpful.