Hey guys,

My wife and I are planning to travel via TT here for 6-12 months. I have picked out a trailer I like (Evergreen) that I know my rig can tow. Here's my question. Is it worth the extra money to use a Hensley Arrow with my rig. Truck is a 2000 7.3 Excursion 4x4 3.73 with X/C suspension, rancho 9000xl's. I'm in between 2 trailers. 1) 35', dry weight 7679, GVWR 10295, hitch weight 940. 2) 35', dry weight 6620, GVWR 8995, hitch weight 750.
Of course I want the bigger one, but would settle for either. Either way, is it worth the extra money for the hensley or is there something out there that is just as good for less money? Thanks for the advice.

 

I can't tell you which is better, but here are three other weight distribution and sway control systems to consider, besides the Hensley:

- Pro Pride (also designed by Jim Hensley)

- Reese Straight Line Dual Cam Trunion Style Sway Control Weight Dist.

- Equalizer

It is a good practice to plan for the tongue weight to end up being higher than what the mfr states as 946 lbs. One cannot rely soley on the specifications of the trailer manufacturer. It is best to physically (with tongue weight scale or bathroom scale, a board, and some math) measure the actual tongue weight of the specific trailer to be towed. People report finding a surprising disparity between the specification and their expectations... versus the actual weight measured.

 

While most folks are satisfied with less expensive weight distributing hitches, of which there are many versions, the Hensley and its variants do exactly what their advertisers claim and have many satisfied customers.

Steve

 

I had one till I got my 5er, excellent choice, self contained. Put the one piece in your reciever, back up, hook up. No preloading or anything.

Works very well when traveling and going by 18 wheelers. Tends to make truck and trailer one vehicle.

Sharper turns are allowed as well.

Backing up takes a bit of a learning curve but once or twice that then you see how that works.

I recommend it.

 

I'm another happy Hensley Arrow user. I pull a 31' hitch to bumper ToyHauler that scales out around 9k on most of our trips, we pull about 5-6k miles a year and love it. I bought my HA used cheap and rebuilt/refinished it myself, there are some good deals out there, watch Craigslist and ebay. The ProPride is pretty much equal in all aspects to the HA, they are just too new to find many good used ones.
As senix has said with the HA the EX and trailer act like a single straight vehicle when dealing with passing trucks and crosswinds. Befor the HA our combination with a simple Draw-Tite WD hitch with friction anti-sway was a real handful and not much fun at all to drive. With the HA (and rear sway bar on the EX) it is now a worry free one handed affair and a pure joy to drive. Huge difference.