Common Hensley Hitch Problems and Solutions – Troubleshooting!

One of the most popular hitches on the market is the Hensley Hitch. It is well known due to its sway control feature that allows you to drive with perfect stability.

However, this hitch is not perfect – just like others and can cause some problems. Although they are not severe, knowing them, and getting solutions is very important for future towing.

When you buy a new Hensley hitch it works perfectly, However, as time goes by, you will begin to observe problems arising with the hitch. In this guide, I will give you complete information about the common Hensley Hitch problems and their solution. 

Also Read: Recurve R3 Hitch Problems and their Solutions

Common Hensley Hitch Problems & Solutions

The Hensley Hitch is a popular weight distribution hitch that is widely used by RV owners. Many of my friends use Hensley hitches as their reliability is something that impresses everyone who uses them once. However, they have some weak points well that must be discussed.

In the section below, I will discuss some of the common problems that you will face if you have just bought a brand-new Hensley hitch. I am writing these problems after thorough research, and detailed discussion with the peeps who own the Hensley hitch.

Problem 1: Difficulty in Attaching the Hitch

One of the most common problems people experience with the Hensley Hitch is difficulty in attaching it to the tow vehicle. One thing that I’ve noticed is that this issue usually comes when you hitch gets slightly older.

This can happen for a variety of reasons, such as misalignment of the ball and receiver or an improperly adjusted hitch. Usually, these problems are common among those hitches that are left unchecked. So, the rust, and other factors cause this problem in the hitch.

Solution

The first thing to check is the alignment of the ball and receiver. Make sure they are lined up correctly and that the hitch is properly seated in the receiver. If the problem persists, try adjusting the hitch by loosening or tightening the tension. You can easily adjust the tension by turning the adjustment bolts located on the hitch.

Another thing to check is the weight distribution. If the weight distribution is not correct, it can make it difficult to attach the hitch. Make sure your tow vehicle and trailer are properly loaded and that the weight is distributed evenly.

If you see any rust on the hitch, make sure to remove it and clean it. Usually, when we use hitches in moist conditions, the rust comes and causes many issues including the difficult in attaching the hitch to the tow vehicle.

Problem 2: Trailer Sway

When you buy a new hitch, it does not cause any sway, and you feel satisfied. However, when the time goes by, this hitch starts to produce sway. Usually, this issue is common among the old Henley hitches.

Trailer sway can be caused by a variety of factors, such as improper weight distribution, high winds, or even a poorly maintained hitch. One thing that I would mention here is that trailer sway is not a common problem and only very few people do face it.

Solution

One of the best solutions for trailer sway is to properly adjust the tongue weight. Unfortunately, older Hensley hitches do produce sway and there is little that you can do to avoid it. I recommend you to slow down and drive slowly when you feel swayed as it will help you get control of the vehicle in a much better way.

Another solution is to ensure proper weight distribution on the trailer. This means that the weight should be evenly distributed across the trailer, not just on one side or the other. This will help to keep the trailer stable and reduce sway.

A worn Hensley hitch also causes sway so check if your hitch is worn. In case the hitch is damaged, make sure to replace it with a new one to avoid any complications.

Good Thing: You’ll be happy to know that this sway issue is not very common. Even if you have old henley hitch, you won’t get this issue if you have a proper weight description. However, there are very few instances where you will see sway such as if you use a worn hitch etc.

Problem 3: Noise while Towing

Another common problem with the Hensley Hitch is noise while towing. If you’re an experienced person and use a variety of hitches, then you can confirm that almost all the old hitches produce annoying noise. This can be caused by a variety of factors, such as loose bolts or a lack of lubrication.

Solution

One of the best solutions for noise while towing is to properly lubricate the hitch. When you apply the lubricant then it will help the moving parts to move smoothly without producing any noise. Another solution is to check for loose bolts. Make sure all bolts on the hitch are tightened to the proper torque. If you find any loose bolts, tighten them and make sure they are secure.

Problem 4: Wear & Tear of the Hitch

Like any piece of equipment, the Hensley Hitch is subject to wear and tear over time. This can include worn-out parts or a hitch that is not well maintained. Usually, this happens when the owner uses the hitch too often and doesn’t apply proper lubricant on the hitch. Due to dryness, and friction, the hitch gets damaged.

Solution

The best solution for this problem is to regularly inspect the hitch for wear and tear. Check for any signs of rust or corrosion, and replace any parts that are worn out. I recommend you use grease or oil on your hitch as it will keep your hitch secure from rust. Additionally, it is important to make sure that the hitch is properly stored when not in use, to help protect it from the elements.

Problem 5: Receiving Faulty Hitch

Recently, one of my friends ordered a Hensley hitch, and he received a broken hitch. I am sure that this breaking of items happens during the shipping process, and it has nothing to do with the manufacturers. However, it should not be considered as the fault on behalf of the brand.

Solution – Contact the Customer Support Team

If you are in such conditions where you received a faulty Hensley hitch, you should not panic. Instead, call the customer support team of the Hensley brand and discuss the issue with them. They are kind enough to repair the product without charging anything.

In the case of my friend, the hitch was broken, so they offered a full refund which I must appreciate. In fact, due to better support, and offering value to customers, I believe that if you receive a faulty product, don’t panic or blame the company. They will refund or repair if your hitch is broken during the shipping process.

The solution is to have good communication skills and call the support team. Explain your problem and the company will help you in the best possible. If you get a faulty item, don’t panic as we all humans are too err.

Related Article: Are Hitch Extenders Safe?

Should You Consider Hensley Hitch?

After reading those problems, you might be feeling that Hensley is not good option for you. But, that’s not true. The Hensley hitches are very reliable and offer excellent sway control. But the problems are common across all the hitches and they can be resolved as well.

So, you don’t need to be worried. Even if you choose Bulletproof or any other brand, you are going to face some problems. Unfortunately, no brand is perfect. Hensley offers excellent performance. If you face any issues, you can fix them by yourself.

Conclusion

The Hensley Hitch is a great option for those looking for a stable and safe towing experience. But when it comes to problems, just like any other hitch, henley hitch can also be hard to maintain.  By understanding common Hensley Hitch problems and solutions, you will be able to solve the problem with ease. I hope that this guide will be helpful to you.