biglar

One last question for the night.........

Talking to the Summit trailer dealer yesterday, I told him I'd want the Hensley Arrow hitch, since it's been highly recommended on this forum many times.

He said, "why spend $3,000 (is this true ??) on a Hensley, when I can sell you a Reese with Sway Control that's almost as good for around $500.00." He admitted the Hensley is a better hitch, but questioned whether it's enuf better to justify the price. Then told me that if I was determined, he could get the Hensley in and install it for me.

What do you guys think ?? Thanks Lar.

SundayMoney

The Reese reduces sway,the Hensley eliminates sway.

I personally wouldn't spend the $3k a Hensley runs. If you spend some time getting a bumper pull set up correctly,alot of sway is reduced. Adding a sway control like a Reese reduces it further.

Most guys with sway problems either don't have enough tow vehicle or didn't spend any time setting up their trailer.

The Reese shouldn't be $500 either. IIRC they typically run about 1/2 that.

Bob H

I've been using the reese dual Cam set up for over 35 years with no problems.
The Hensley is a good set up but VERY expensive. It is also tough to hook up when your trailer or truck is on a little angle. I have watched very experienced towing friends mess with hooking up for an hour. Plus they add a lot of weight to the hook-up point.
Bob H

biglar

Thanks. The Reese the dealer showed me looked very heavy duty and rugged. I have the dual shaft extended Super Hitch on my truck, so hook up should be pretty straightforward. Lar.

PaulDaisy

I heard a lot of good about Hensley, and I also read a lot about the "Hensley bump". There is no way I would spend $3k on a hitch personally, I bought a $300 Pro Series with built in sway control and like it.

supr

I thouht a Hensley was about $1k?

Rednax

Expensive? Compared to what? The cost of my trailer? My truck? An accident claim?

The Reese is nice, but it's 1962 tech. You cannot eliminate sway with it. The Hensley totally eliminates it. Your trailer, with the Hensley is flat out locked to the tow vehicle. Change lanes, and there is no pause as the trailer follows. Try to shake it loose (as I have done) and you cannot do it. The Reese DEPENDS on some movement to "counteract" sway.

The arguments against it are about as sensible as not needing anti-sway controls. Or running the highways at 75 mph. Just accidents waiting to happen. If you want to cheap out, go ahead. If you've ever seen a rollover, maybe you'll think about it a little longer.

If you don't like it, return it. There is a guarantee.

As to installation, I wouldn't let that guy put one on for me. It can be done in a few hours yourself, and probably better. You'll need to extend your chains and plug cable probably.

And look at Pro-Pride also, a new competitor.

ChrisM55

every body that has a Hensley wants to tell you how great there investment was so they can justify it to themselves! If you need a 3K hitch to get a trailer to pull properly with an 8000# tow rig you need to learn to setup and load your trailer. IF you set it up there is no sway anyway.

If your trailer is over 25 feet look at a dual cam or a equalizer. If it is less a friction will do fine but a dual cam or Equalizer is better. If you want to spen the money the Hensley if good also, but I can do one heck of alot of camping for the difference in money!!!!!!

Chris

2500

you've got to be joking.... $3k for a trailer hitch?

duner

don't let anybody talk you out of a hensley. they don't know what it does if they haven't used one. i've towed a 30' warrior over 24000 miles with mine and i would buy another one, in a second. and i really don't have to tell you that to justify my decision to myself as one has suggested. oh, the 3 grand i'm worth it.

2500

duner, off topic... how do you like your jordan brake controller?

duner

it works good. i've never had any trouble with it. i'm glad to see it's coming back.

CamperAndy

Is owned by Sean Woodruff who was a co-owner at Hensley until they parted ways last year.

Both hitches are very similar in design and price. $2,500 to $3,000.

As for the Reese dual cam (straight line) hitch, it is $600 to $700 complete. It is also a very good hitch

bumpytruck

I'd shop for a used Hensley it can be had for about 1500,and its worth every penny.Of all that I have read about it,the ONLY truth is the trouble some hook up. I now have a fifth wheel, but had a Hensley when I towed by bumper.I don't have to justify any of my purchases to anyone.If you want a list of my wasted money I can give you one and this hitch would not be on it.

bambam47

Wow... Now that is someone that believes in the product they sell. If I were still pulling a tag I would defiantly check this out. I have a Reese that I let go with my old trailer ( 7.5 x 16 enclosed race trailer) that was @7500lbs loaded and rolling. The Reese did ok but I could defiantly tell when I got passed by a bigger vehicle. That is one reason I sold the trailer and am looking at either a g/n or 5er.