Andersen Hitch

Hi N-Trouble...

Nobody is saying there is a catostrauphic failure here or a Major issue. The hitch from Anderson is proving very safe and reliable.

Even Andersen has said in an the email that some users reported some minor bending of the bed floor. Why would there not be? It's not the end of the world or Even dangerous. If they follow the other companies lead and add the strips the issue would probably go away. Doing small things like this adds value to the product in customers eyes.

The Andersen is picking up sales, once they make a big enough dent in B&W's sales I am sure B&W will start pointing out small things (and it is a small thing) like this to boost their sales back up.

Thanks!

Jeremiah

Me Again wrote:

N-Trouble wrote:
If the hitch is putting enough stress on the bed to actually dent it then you have bigger issues like an loose GN hitch that is not securely fastened to the frame.

I have yet to see any reports of Anderson hitch users complaining of dented truck beds so I think you guys are all barking up the wrong tree...

If there are reports out there please site them here and we can continue this discussion otherwise let it go.

Go back and read my quote from the Anderson rep!!! Chris

5 reports out of ?, and small dimples at that is hardly something to get my panties in a bunch...

If someone really believes they need to fill the lower corregated section a few measurements and a quick trip to a local platics shop would do the trick.

N-Trouble wrote:
If the hitch is putting enough stress on the bed to actually dent it then you have bigger issues like an loose GN hitch that is not securely fastened to the frame.

I have yet to see any reports of Anderson hitch users complaining of dented truck beds so I think you guys are all barking up the wrong tree...

If there are reports out there please site them here and we can continue this discussion otherwise let it go.

Go back and read my quote from the Anderson rep!!! Chris

N-Trouble wrote:
If the hitch is putting enough stress on the bed to actually dent it then you have bigger issues like an loose GN hitch that is not securely fastened to the frame.

I have yet to see any reports of Anderson hitch users complaining of dented truck beds so I think you guys are all barking up the wrong tree...

If there are reports out there please site them here and we can continue this discussion otherwise let it go.

When you are on the upper end of the hitch limits a filler strip should be added. B&W learned this from bed corrugation location changes over the years and bed metal thickness. Looks like Andersen copied B&W's idea on the "sled" sides of the base they really should provide fillers.

If the hitch is putting enough stress on the bed to actually dent it then you have bigger issues like an loose GN hitch that is not securely fastened to the frame.

I have yet to see any reports of Anderson hitch users complaining of dented truck beds so I think you guys are all barking up the wrong tree...

If there are reports out there please site them here and we can continue this discussion otherwise let it go.

:R

Progress finally! Chris

Thanks Cummins!

Here are some screenshots I took to illustrate these strips that fill up the bed corrugations. (or lack of it in the case of the Andersen)

Here is the Andersen Ultimate Fifth Wheel Connection.



Here is the BullDog High Rise Fifth Wheel you can use with a Cequent Gooseneck or a B&W. Its a beefy looking hitch with a single jaw design.



Finally, the New B&W Companion... Its awesome looking.

On edit my annotation below is not correct though...the strips under the Companion are also plastic.



It looks like Andersen needs to add some corrugation fillers to be on par with the other two hitches.

Thanks!

Jeremiah

jerem0621 wrote:
Just for the sake of understanding...

The load that is distributed by the base of these hitches is transmitted to the 'sheet metal' floor of the truck... But isn't there 'hat channels' under the sheet metal that sits directly on the frame? That means that the vertical load is transmitted through the floor, to the hat channels, to the frame of the truck.

If this is the case then the gooseneck post on the B&W/Bulldog hitches and the gooseneck ball on the Anderson pretty much provide an anchor for the hitch... Not specifically a vertical support...more lateral support, torque resistance/anchor.

Am I understanding this concept correctly?

The vertical load would travel from the kingpin, to the hitch head, to the base, to the floor, to the hat channels, to the vehicle frame.

The horizontal load (start, stop, and pulling force) is stabilized and anchored by the post/gooseneck ball?

Thanks!

Jeremiah

Yes.

The spacer B&W provides for the older stile will fill in the hollow/low part of the bed so there is continuous support from the hitch base to the frame. The new Companion has an adjustable filler pc.

Just for the sake of understanding...

The load that is distributed by the base of these hitches is transmitted to the 'sheet metal' floor of the truck... But isn't there 'hat channels' under the sheet metal that sits directly on the frame? That means that the vertical load is transmitted through the floor, to the hat channels, to the frame of the truck.

If this is the case then the gooseneck post on the B&W/Bulldog hitches and the gooseneck ball on the Anderson pretty much provide an anchor for the hitch... Not specifically a vertical support...more lateral support, torque resistance/anchor.

Am I understanding this concept correctly?

The vertical load would travel from the kingpin, to the hitch head, to the base, to the floor, to the hat channels, to the vehicle frame.

The horizontal load (start, stop, and pulling force) is stabilized and anchored by the post/gooseneck ball?

Thanks!

Jeremiah