Andersen Hitch Failure

RCMAN46 wrote:
Looks like they also need to test for off center weight

Here is a failure from off center weight.

Yeah, way, way off center, as in the trailer sliding down the road lying on it side off center. :)

ralphnjoann wrote:
...I can understand the fears some in the RV community may have when it comes to "sucker flipping" but unless B&W has come out with "...the new and amazing Break A Way hitch....", it fares no better than the Andersen when it comes to catastrophic failure.

Well, there is the little issue that the B&W was involved in a catastrophic rollover incident that left the truck heavily damaged and the trailer basically destroyed. With the Anderson hitch, there was no incident, no rollover, just a destroyed hitch. Kind of apples and oranges.

Cummins12V98 wrote:

fj12ryder wrote:
The hydraulic crush on the Anderson hitch really only shows that it will support the weight, and static weight at that. Looks like they also need to test for off center weight transfer too.

I have mentioned this for years with cries of "bashing".

Why is it assumed that, since Andersen made a video showing that it will easily support the advertised hitch pin weight, but didn't make any other videos on this issue, that no other tests were made? Does B&W, or any other hitch manufacturer for that matter, make these tests and publish this information for the general consumer? Are consumers remiss in not asking for this data when considering a hitch purchase?

In all the advice I have ever seen given on this forum regarding weights as they apply to the suitability of a hitch for a given unit, no one has mentioned the need for "off center" or "side load" figures. "Make sure the hitch is rated to support the pin weight" is about it.

I can understand the fears some in the RV community may have when it comes to "sucker flipping" but unless B&W has come out with "...the new and amazing Break-A-Way hitch....", it fares no better than the Andersen when it comes to catastrophic failure.

RCMAN46 wrote:
Looks like they also need to test for off center weight

Here is a failure from off center weight.

No, this was from a rollover, at highway speeds and, IIRC, the truck remained upright.

Lyle

Looks like they also need to test for off center weight

Here is a failure from off center weight.

fj12ryder wrote:
The hydraulic crush on the Anderson hitch really only shows that it will support the weight, and static weight at that. Looks like they also need to test for off center weight transfer too.

I have mentioned this for years with cries of "bashing".

The hydraulic crush on the Anderson hitch really only shows that it will support the weight, and static weight at that. Looks like they also need to test for off center weight transfer too.

WTP-GC wrote:

time2roll wrote:

WTP-GC wrote:
"It uses triangles for strength."
You say that in defense of the traditional hitch, but that's the absolute principal behind the design strength of the AUH. It too uses triangles.

And uses them poorly IMO.
The pin/ball holder should extend vertically down to the base with additional support to the frame at the corners.

Right now it is too easy to twist the top of the pyramid in dynamic front/rear or side/side loading. I don't think the connection to the truck gooseneck ball provides the stiffening that is needed.

Maybe you should share your ideas with Andersen.........
:R

Andersen has the tools. Instead of just the top loading test shown in the video... Andersen needs a similar side load test. Easy to see what is going to bend.

prfssr wrote:
WOW - I just spent 45 minutes reading all of the comments along with preveiwing the GD page and the heartland forum.
...
Will it fail in the event of an accident - apperantly it does based on the GD forum. .

Has the GD Facebook page been updated recently? I lost track of that post. At the time I saw it, there was no indication of an accident.

I've had my AU for 5 years now and love it, too. Good post.

prfssr wrote:
WOW - I just spent 45 minutes reading all of the comments along with preveiwing the GD page and the heartland forum. I have the AUH gooseneck steel version - no rails. I have towed my (1st) Jayco 14k (2200 pin weight)front living for 8000+ miles over 2 years with no issues. I checked the hitch everytime I travel to ensure there were no cracks, deformations of the tubes and inpsect the ball as I use it in the middle hole for towing due to height of bed rail.
We recently purchased a LM 365 with a dry weight of 15k (3100 pin weight) and have towed it for about 1200 miles thus far. Both 5th wheels had the Mor-Ryde attached. I have had nothing but success with this hitch - it's easy to hook up, unhook.
I am not getting into the open discussion on what happen or to speculate on any comments. I am only telling everyone that this is a great hitch for towing. It is strong, yet lightweight. Will it fail in the event of an accident - apperantly it does based on the GD forum. I believe any hitch will fail in the right circumstance. The thing we all should be thankful for is that the trailer stayed attached to the hitch and the hitch stayed attached to the truck. I have seen real life failures of trucks / campers getting into accidents and all (6) of them stay attached to each other. A company (AUH) or anyone else will never be able to test for every senerio as there would be millions of different combinations.
I will continue to use my AUH, inspect on each trip and recommend this hitch to everyone if it meets the requirement of the camper / tow vehicle.
Have a blessed day.

:C