Switched from Andersen to Hensley hitch

[sthomas]

I switched from an Andersen WD hitch to a Hensley on my 2017 Jayco 28BHSW. Here are my personal thoughts for anybody looking at either of these hitches.

I have done a lot of travelling with the Andersen over the last 3 years. The original failed when the 'sway lining' started to push out of the top of the hitch. This left me with ZERO sway control during the last half of a windy 2 week trip. That REALLY sucked.

Andersen replaced the base for free with a modified design, and the sway has stayed tight since then. By 'tight', I mean it works as well as when it was purchased new.

Last week I switched to a used Hensley hitch. This weekend I pulled the trailer ~400km over 2 days. I am planning a large trip (~4-5k km's) later this summer, so I'll know more then.

The Hensley is very heavy. I would estimate that the stinger is about the same weight as the entire Andersen hitch. I would estimate the Hensley is at least 200 pounds heavier than the Andersen. That is all tongue weight, so you need to crank the weight bars even harder to get rid of it.

The Hensley has no sway. When the wind hits the side (either a windy day or from other vehicles), the whole vehicle (truck and trailer) gets pushed evenly. There is no front-end push (requiring rapid steering input). In comparison, I found the trailer had a lot of sway with the Andersen hitch even when it was new. White knuckle. So, that was a huge benefit - and the reason for the change.

I have had lots of practice - but the Andersen is easy to hook-up. Any angle. It is easy. After 3 hook-ups with the Hensley - I have mixed feelings. I believe that on flat level ground, it will be fine after more practice. This weekend I was on a site with a slope, which was a LOT harder to manage with the Hensley. It also required 2 people (1 is fine on level ground though). I think more practice will help, but I don't think it will ever be as easy as the Andersen. But an extra 5-10 minutes of hook-up isn't that bad...

So - for me - I am pleased with the move to the Hensley. Every time I pass a semi, or get hit by cross winds, I am thankful. It really works.

Is it worth the money? This is a really hard thing to answer. I paid ~$600 for the Andersen new. I bought the Hensley used for $1000 and then added ~$100 in parts. For those prices, it is definitely worth it.

[Marcm157]

I've towed travel trailers, dump trailers, car trailers and heavy enclosed trailers for decades. I started with the Equalizer and strayed to a couple of different off brand hitches but always returned to my old faithful Equalizer. I have thought about Hensley over the years but never pulled that trigger. For me it was always cost prohibitive and I became extremely comfortable with installation and setup of the Equalizer so it just became my go to...

[16WhiteColly]

IMO, the Hensley is a higher quality hitch compared to the Andersen. Just looks cheesy in comparison to the Hensley, hence the cost difference. If I had a larger trailer, I would have the Hensley. Cost is no problem.

[Quantum]

I looked at the Hensley too, but just to see how it works.

For my F150 and Whitehawk 28BHKS my Equalizer works amazing.

I'm glad you're having a good experience with the Hensley. Report back after your trip!

We're going to do 10,000km this summer, many Canadians are hitting the road this year.

[TWP723]

The Equal-I-Zer is one of the best hitches I've used. Can't say much about Hensley. I've never used or seen one.

[norty1]

I have many friends who pull long heavy TT's. They swear by the Hensley or it's 1'st cousin the PPP.
IMO the Anderson is good but not in the same class as the Hensley.

[Seann45]

I too have a Hensley. Now phone Hensley with the hitch serial number and buy the warranty... it is well worth it.... If you buy a new tow vehicle with a different hitch height with the warranty they will replace the draw bar with the correct one for just the shipping costs.. Also if for any reason the hitch does break they will fix it free...

[jcrammell]

Originally Posted by norty1

I have many friends who pull long heavy TT's. They swear by the Hensley or it's 1'st cousin the PPP.
IMO the Anderson is good but not in the same class as the Hensley.

It's not the first cousin. Mr. Hensley made the Hensley and sold the license and then improved on the design and Hensley wanted no part of it. So he quit and made Pro Pride.

[jcrammell]

I went with the Pro Pride hitch. What a difference it makes. I get no sway at all. I have been in 35-45 mph cross winds and no sway at all. This hitch is the best.