I've been looking at hitches for a fifth wheel and out seems like the andersen hitch is the way to go. I like the idea of easily taking the hitch in and out. I have a 2017 f250 diesel with the fifth wheel prep package and I'm trying to decide on model. It looks like the ultimate model covers the pucks where I'd want to hook up the safety chains. The rail model seems like I can get the puck adaptor and tie the safety chains to. Anyone have recommendations? I'm only looking at a 10,000lb or less fifth wheel so I think either model works. I have a short bed and it seems you can put the offset to the back and not use a slider, is that right?

4x4crazy wrote:I've been looking at hitches for a fifth wheel and out seems like the andersen hitch is the way to go. I like the idea of easily taking the hitch in and out. I have a 2017 f250 diesel with the fifth wheel prep package and I'm trying to decide on model. It looks like the ultimate model covers the pucks where I'd want to hook up the safety chains. The rail model seems like I can get the puck adaptor and tie the safety chains to. Anyone have recommendations? I'm only looking at a 10,000lb or less fifth wheel so I think either model works. I have a short bed and it seems you can put the offset to the back and not use a slider, is that right?I went with the rail mount Andersen, and the Reese picture frame that fit the OEM fifth prep on the Ram trucks, same as the ford. I already had the picture frame, so the rail mount Andersen was the logical choice for me. I would still go that way, just don't like the gooseneck version Andersen.With the rail mount Andersen I would go with the Reese picture frame adapter I believe its the least expensive . With a conventional hitch the Reese adapter cannot be unhooked in the pucks the hitch gets in the road to unlock, the handles, so you are unable to remove the hitch , and adapter in one unit ,if you were using a hoist. The Demco is the better choice with a conventional hitch, the locking handles can be released to enable the hitch to remain attached ,and both removed together. With the Andersen being light weight it makes no sense to remove both at the same time.I have no issues with my short bed , and the Andersen. I have it in the offset to the rear. Plenty of clearance for turning ,and backing.

I've seen several posts where Andersen advise people they could cut holes in the AUH to access the hookups for chains.ETA: I can't find one of those posts, but Andersen also offers this product to hook the chains to.

4x4crazy wrote:I've been looking at hitches for a fifth wheel and out seems like the andersen hitch is the way to go. I like the idea of easily taking the hitch in and out. I have a 2017 f250 diesel with the fifth wheel prep package and I'm trying to decide on model. It looks like the ultimate model covers the pucks where I'd want to hook up the safety chains. The rail model seems like I can get the puck adaptor and tie the safety chains to. Anyone have recommendations? I'm only looking at a 10,000lb or less fifth wheel so I think either model works. I have a short bed and it seems you can put the offset to the back and not use a slider, is that right?I think if you want to go that route check this out Resse goose-box with air ride

Sounds like a good plan. There will be other actual Andersen owners along to fill you in with their experiences with the safety hook up. Check out for the PullRite Superlite series. Same style hitch system as the Andersen

It's two pieces but I'd be inclined to get the adapter to use with the rail mount setup. I have standard rails in my truck and I really like the way the rail mount Andersen works. Very solid and very easy to use.

Andersen hitch on F250 with fifth wheel prep | Good Sam Community

15 Replies

Me_Again
Explorer III
Mar 01, 2018
grizz272 wrote:
Anderson has a safety chain plate.
plate

That might not meet some States requirements as to where safety chain can be attached to vehicle. Also where Andersen has you mount chains on the king pin adapter would not meet Washington States rules of not attaching chains with a common bolt that secures the coupler to the trailer tongue.
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Mar 01, 2018
4x4crazy wrote:
BlindGuynAR wrote:
Cummins12V98 wrote:
Learjet wrote:
I'm sorry...but that Aluminum makes me cringe.

Careful you will get labeled as a hater or a few other nice undeserving names!

Besides if his f250 is new nearly his entire truck is alum. Might as well have the hitch to match.

Body panels are aluminum and aren't structural. Instead ford added steel to the hitch and frame. I have to say the aluminum fifth wheel hitch scares me a bit as well.

There is a reason the have the Aluminum version #2 now.

Watch their "CHRUSH" test, what does that prove in the real world of towing? How about doing a fore and aft test since that is where the real forces are applied. Even the #2 has been known to fold.

As I have said they are a quality US Manufacturer, but IMHO they rate the Ultimate 2 WAYYYY too high at 24K. Just compare it side by side to the RAM puck B&W rated 25K. Does not give me a warm and fuzzy feeling towing at the higher levels they claim.

Fact is towing higher loads will have bed deflection since they are placing the hitch on the top side of the bed corrugation. B&W's 18K Companion from years ago did the same thing and I did have bed deflection towing 18k on my 11 RAM Dually. The current 20K Companion does not have this issue because the hitch base transfers weight directly to the bottom corrugation and then to the crossmember and to the frame so it's solid.

YUP this is heavier but I trust it will do the job at it's ratings. Life is not always easy, get a hand to R&R your hitch if needed.

This pic is for those tired of seeing it in it's pristine condition. 2.5 years of use and setting in the sun every day.
4x4crazy
Explorer
Mar 01, 2018
BlindGuynAR wrote:
Cummins12V98 wrote:
Learjet wrote:
I'm sorry...but that Aluminum makes me cringe.

Careful you will get labeled as a hater or a few other nice undeserving names!

Besides if his f250 is new nearly his entire truck is alum. Might as well have the hitch to match.

Body panels are aluminum and aren't structural. Instead ford added steel to the hitch and frame. I have to say the aluminum fifth wheel hitch scares me a bit as well.
grizz272
Explorer
Mar 01, 2018
Anderson has a safety chain plate.
plate
BlindGuynAR
Explorer
Mar 01, 2018
Cummins12V98 wrote:
Learjet wrote:
I'm sorry...but that Aluminum makes me cringe.

Careful you will get labeled as a hater or a few other nice undeserving names!

You know a bet when electricity was new it made people cringe too. The only thing I can say is I love mine. In/out under a minute and not breaking my back! I've had two full on emergency stops and that hitch did fine.

Besides if his f250 is new nearly his entire truck is alum. Might as well have the hitch to match.
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Mar 01, 2018
Learjet wrote:
I'm sorry...but that Aluminum makes me cringe.

Careful you will get labeled as a hater or a few other nice undeserving names!
Learjet
Explorer
Mar 01, 2018
I'm sorry...but that Aluminum makes me cringe.
4x4crazy
Explorer
Mar 01, 2018
I wouldn't have thought Andersen would call for drilling but that makes sense. It actually just made it stronger by doing that.
BlindGuynAR
Explorer
Feb 28, 2018
jkwilson wrote:
I've seen several posts where Andersen advise people they could cut holes in the AUH to access the hookups for chains.

ETA: I can't find one of those posts, but Andersen also offers this product to hook the chains to.

Yep in fact I found an image on google of the same.
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Feb 28, 2018
You have the pucks so why not utilize them with a solid connection and not have to use adapters or rails.