Rebuilding the Hensley Arrow Hitch

[uhduh camping]

I purchased the HA used, it was in decent working order. We knew at time of purchase that it had been sitting in a barn for many years and didn't get used much at all. It did however sit outdoors for 8 to 10 years. I got it at a very good price and it was complete. We used it for the latter half of the season. We really like the way it tows.
It was however very unappealing. What was left of the orange powder coat was very faded and the rest was rusty. Being unsure of the real conditions of the bearing\races it became time for a rebuild. I disassembled the unit cleaned and inspected all parts which were previously unseen. What I found was pretty amazing everything inside was in great shape with the exception of the bearings. Although still functioning, the hard wear surfaces of the bearings was peeling off on most of the bearings. Six of them to be exact, all stamped "China". Two of them was stamped "Slovakia"were in great condition. They are the same type, same size, why the use of different bearings is unsure. What I know for sure is, these units cost a lot of money new and for Hensley to use cheap bearings is ridiculous.

I sent the pieces to a local powder coater for sandblasting and a fresh coat. I didn't go with the orange color but it still looks great. Eight new Timken bearings and new oil seals. I purchased new dust caps and decals from HA. I now present the reborn HA.

I must admit the "first" before pic is not actually my hitch. I forgot to get a before photo. It is a good depiction of mine before work began.
Again not my hitch but a good depiction of it's condition.

New bearings packed and ready for installation.

Underside of hitch.

Ready for the last pair of bearings to be installed.

Bearing shaft and one over center latch

And finally today it has been installed on the tongue. (Sorry FRF seems to want pic to be sideways.)

[Broadway Joe]

Nice job, looks great and you don't need orange. lol

[youroo]

Nice looking job! Did it come with the right Stinger for your Rockwood? Youroo!!

[jlgail4309]

That's cool alway's wondered what the inside of hitch looked like. They never said anything about repacking the bearings when I bought mine. Is this something i need to look into?

[uhduh camping]

Originally Posted by jlgail4309

That's cool alway's wondered what the inside of hitch looked like. They never said anything about repacking the bearings when I bought mine. Is this something i need to look into?

The bearings are actually wheel bearings. They don't spin like a wheel bearing obviously, so I don't think there is a need to repack unless you travel 10's of thousands of miles a year. However the bearings are not water tight although water usually doesn't get inside. Maybe in flooding conditions. Its not a bad idea to look at them every couple of years or if the swivel action is not smooth you should investigate.

[jlgail4309]

Originally Posted by uhduh camping

The bearings are actually wheel bearings. They don't spin like a wheel bearing obviously, so I don't think there is a need to repack unless you travel 10's of thousands of miles a year. However the bearings are not water tight although water usually doesn't get inside. Maybe in flooding conditions. Its not a bad idea to look at them every couple of years or if the swivel action is not smooth you should investigate.

Thanks happy camping !!

[V-Lite Fun]

I am about to service my Hensley. I will check those bearings. I like your black paint job. The orange is a bit far out. I guess they do that to draw attention to the hitch. People are always stopping by taking pictures of mine. They say they have never seen anything like it. I love the way it tows. I wouldn't have anything else.

[BCMCpig]

Great looking job. I agree that for the price of a new one and the good reputation that Hensley has, I am surprised that they would use Chinese parts. I also hear that the binkley heads that are used on the trailer saver by Hensley are made with Chinese steel instead of American steel. The American binkley heads are much more expensive.

[jlgail4309]

I'm still not sure what makes this type of hitch tow so well ? I have watched the Video's and looked how they are built. I guess I don't have know how everything works to use them . I have been machinist for 20 years just can't help myself !! I do enjoy the tow getting to camp is half the fun !! Happy camping and towing !!

[uhduh camping]

Did you see the "Lego" video? There they demonstrate the psychics.

[jlgail4309]

I watch the video's seems like just not turning on the ball. Helps a lot !! One thing for sure it works . Thanks for the post !!

[FordHauler]

I love my Hensley too! And it is no longer orange.
I had bearing problems last year also. Sent it back and it was repaired/reconditioned under warranty at no cost. Well..... Not quite. UPS freight was $96.00 each way! Next time I believe I can buy bearings, and as you, do my own repair much cheaper.
The hitch is definitely worth the cost, in my opinion.
Travel safe

[jlgail4309]

Originally Posted by FordHauler

I love my Hensley too! And it is no longer orange.
I had bearing problems last year also. Sent it back and it was repaired/reconditioned under warranty at no cost. Well..... Not quite. UPS freight was $96.00 each way! Next time I believe I can buy bearings, and as you, do my own repair much cheaper.
The hitch is definitely worth the cost, in my opinion.
Travel safe

Repairs like this Hensley should pay for ship. Still love my hitch