Andersen Aluminum Ultimate Hitch Redesigned

ramgunner wrote:

I agree about the crush test. It shows that it can hold the pin weight, but does not show how well it can handle front/back stresses that will come up in a real-world situation like a panic stop.

Until someone from Andersen comments or an engineer hops on here and performs calcs, I don't believe its fair to insinuate that the crush test is only a test of pin weight. With all the moment stresses at play and with the design of the legs, a crush test can apply similar forces that would be experienced in a panic stop.

For the person who's unit was damaged, it appears that the damage was done in the shaft and coupler. One upper section of the leg bent as well, but there's no way of knowing which occurred first. I can easily see this occurring if the coupler isn't fully tightened against the ball, or if the body coupler sleeve isn't tightened against the frame. Both items are very clearly explained by the instructions and do not add any more complexity to the system. It should also be noted that the person was a repeat Andersen Ultimate customer, and is now using the upgraded version, so their confidence was not lost.

I am in no way an Andersen kool-aid drinker. In my old TV I have a Reese Hitch (single jaw style) that performs flawlessly, despite being several years old. But with my TV and having a flat bed, I could find no other option except for the Andersen. I did an exhaustive search through the dark reaches of the internet, but the Andersen was the only thing that would work for my application. So yes, I have one and I like it...but not that I can do anything about it besides modifying the truck.

edit:
While I was typing, "rhagfo" chimed in with a similar comment about the movement of the damaged unit. I kinda wonder if the GN ball in the truck is designed too loosely. I've been looking for a fixed-mount GN ball hitch as well, but no luck.