Andersen Ultimate 5th wheel - dents in bed

kohai wrote:
After 4 years with the Andersen ultimate 5th wheel hitch, I have had my first experience with two small dents in my bed. There was a lot of bed rebound when I loosened the hitch. I emailed Andersen twice with no response so I'm seeing what you all have to say. This is the original steal version.

(Those naysayers who just want to bash Andersen, please do that on another thread -- don't hijack this one.)

Two questions I'm wondering:

1. Did I not torque it down right this trip? What would I have done wrong? I know this trip the two front bolts ended up loose at some point during the trip. I can't fit my torque wrench in to torque the top bolt when hitched with the adapter reversed to check it after wait is on it.

2. The B&W Companion has spacers that they add under it to give more support. Is such a thing available for the Andersen? Is there a DIY solution?

I'm thinking two things I will change next trip:

1. I have rubber mats under the sides but not the front and back. I'll try to change that to cover all areas the andersen touches the bed.

2. Try to find a way to torque the top bolt after the trailer is on.

Can't speak for the torque, but this has been a problem with some, not only with the Andersen ,but also the B&W. Yes the problem has been solved by shimming the same as they do with the B&W .

I would get ahold of some of those B&W shims, or call Andersen. I have talked to Andersen a few times, and they are easy to work with, not sure why they are not returning emails, but I have also emailed them with a prompt return email.

I would not give up on the Andersen, I have the rail mount version, and wouldn't own anything else. This has been discussed on one of the Ram diesel forums, and I believe some have made their own shims.Good luck