5th Wheel Stabilizer Tripod Adapter

Cummins12V98 wrote:

What I mean by "another negative"

1. Side to side movement off road.
Even a regular 5th wheel hitch has a head that pivots side-to-side. In an off-road situation, though, you're traveling slowly and cautiously, so even a little bit more side-to-side shouldn't impact anything.

2. can't lock the kingpin to hitch.
The Andersen has a locking pin that locks the adapter to the hitch. The adapter is locked onto the kingpin with 2 bolts. I'd argue that the attachment mechanism on the Andersen is as good as any 5th wheel hitch.

3. Need to use safety chains since it is considered a Gooseneck hitch.
This is not entirely true, and its a horse that's been beaten to death since the Andersen first hit the market. Here's what it boils down to: if you're state requires safety chains for a 5th wheel hitch, you need them. If not, then you don't. Andersen has addressed the issue on multiple occasions. However, what does it hurt to have safety chains?

4, On heavier RV's the hitch will deflect the bed with fore and aft movement. Just like the old 18K B&W Companion did with my heavy MobileSuites.
I've read every article/thread/post I've ever seen on this hitch. Maybe in 1 or 2 circumstances did someone mention an actual case of bed deflection. I do not believe that is at all an issue with this hitch.

5. Ratings are not realistic. They leave little to no safety factor when advertising their ratings. Kinda like a Craftsman shop vac "develops" 6 HP. Just look at a 20K Companion side by side with the highest rated Andersen that's I think is 24K. I am not an engineer but I have had to build things my whole career that have held up and there is no way the Andersen is a stronger hitch.
Andersen gives to you their ratings. B & W gives you their ratings. In either case, do they tell you that its safe to exceed these ratings (by any amount)....???? NO! The engineers at Andersen say that its rated for 24K, then that's what you got. Neither you nor I are in any position to question that.

All the above is JMHO!

Overall, this always comes down to preference. If you're sold on the B & W, then rock n roll with it. If, like me, you believe the Andersen is a sufficient hitch setup within their design parameters, then rock n roll with it.