Andersen Aluminum Ultimate Hitch Redesigned

IdaD wrote:

RustyJC wrote:
Let me answer you this way....if ball hitches (including goosenecks) are superior, why aren't they used instead of 5th wheel (kingpin) hitches on Class 8 over-the-road tractor/trailers? Even those rigs towing double use pintle hitches to connect the dolly to the front trailer. As far as the implied integrity of the hitching arrangements, notice that safety chains are not required on kingpin-type hitches but are by some states on all ball hitches.

If you want to get into the design specifics, we can wade off into that discussion another time.

Rusty

Safety chains are required on ball setups because there are more opportunities for error, not because they're inherently weaker. Wrong size ball or failure to lock the hitch and you could have an issue, whereas a kingpin is a kingpin and it locks in automatically.

I like a gooseneck ball on rough terrain. Nice and flexible and no issues hitching or unhitching at an angle. Not an issue in Texas where you can stand on a tuna can and see 20 miles, but it can be important out west. :B

The flexibility can be a good thing or a bad thing! Most hitches have a certain degree they will tilt side to side that is to help prevent the RV from contacting the TV bed sides. With the Andersen type there is nothing to prevent contact. I guarantee I would have had bed contact when I was recently at Quartzite looking for a spot to Dry Camp if I had the Andersen. The road turned from nice smooth gravel to twisting wash with no way to turn around.

I have said this before, the Andersen is a quality built product that in MY OPINION should be used with RV's in the 12 maybe 14K and under applications. But it has no way of locking the RV to the hitch. Towing heavier with the Ultimate you will have bed deflection.

If people are happy with their Andersen that's great, newbies don't get sucked with the irrelevant crush test video.

There is a guy on another site that blew out his rear window after the installing Dealer told him with the Andersen he would not have any problem with cab contact. He returned it got a refund and installed a slider.