Andersen Ultimate Aluminum 2016 Model Update

rhagfo wrote:
...I saw results with a smaller 5er moving the base enough to scar a spray in bed liner.
Smith Answer: As with any hitch, good practice to recheck bolts after hitching to looseness

Then the way and where the Andersen base attaches to the GN ball, the hitch has about 12" of leverage on the connection. Making the Andersen weak to being pushed forward or pulled back, and bending during "Hard Braking" Link to backup. If you look at the pictures you will notice and forward force to the connection is applied at the top of the connection, thus giving the 12" of leverage. The B&W the force is applied at the base of the connection.
Smith Answer:Not sure where you see 12", the one I own is 2 inches from the floor. The top ball is level with the kingpin. Of 18,000 hitches sold, less than 5 ever experienced a bend, all were cosmetic that did not inhibit the towing and all were replaced for free under Andersen's lifetime warranty (I did followups to know what I am saying is correct). Even the link you listed ends with a happy owner comment.

That said, I have the other hitch that Cummins12V98 slams, I have a Reese 16K twin jaw. It attaches to the TV FRAME in four places. The jaws pivot behind the pin, so the harder you pull the tighter they shut. So much so, I have pulled my 11,000# for over 20 miles with the jaws UNLOCKED without issue.
Smith Answer:I can identify with that. I hurried out of a campsite once and forgot to turn and push the Andersen lock handle. A few hours later went to unhook and made the discovery. Turns out that a couple thousand pounds of hitch weight is enough to keep the trailer from bouncing off the ball. I now use check lists and the lock handle is on their once in the camp break list and again on the 'before you drive off' list.

Smith Answers: Thank you for your observations, I love a good discussion ;-)