Just got to see, for the first time, one of those Anderson ultimate hitches. That seems to be a pretty handy, dandy device. Any opinions on it?

"Any opinions on it?" Lots of 'em around here. :)Not to be a smart aleck, but if you do a search for "Anderson Ultimate" you'll get a lot of hits.

I agree with fj12ryder.Just for fun read the thread in this Towing section "Curt Q24 or B&W Companion 20" then compare to the Andersen. Go to Andersen's web site and watch their "crush test". Then look at how the hitches actually fold under hard braking. The "test" does not address the huge strain that's placed on the hitch with the fore and aft forces from the RV. Also this is a fact if towing a heavier RV with an Ultimate you can have bed deflection because the base sets on top of the beds corrugation allowing compression.If light is what's more important rather than being a solid hitch the Andersen will meet that requirement.

You will get lots and lots of "expert" advise from forum members that just KNOW their hitch is better than anything else out there. You get the same if you ask which is better to tow with, a Ford, Chevy or Ram. Do a little bit of research and then read the forums. You can usually sift out the ones that know nothing about the hitch, just that they don't like it.

I would ask those that actually own them and are using one for their opinion. Keeps down the forums Andersen bashers that have no experience with them......just a opinion.

After using mine the last three years I don't see any reason I'd ever go back to a standard style fifth wheel hitch again. I've used a lot of them over the years and in my opinion the Andersen just works better, and that's not even considering how lightweight it is for installation/removal. I use the rail mount version. There is a regular cast of haters on this site, including one who's already weighed in, but you'll find very few who have any first hand experience with the Andersen.

Anderson Ultimate?? | Good Sam Community

slapshot12
Explorer
Mar 12, 2018
I have a Roll n Lock cover and a locking tailgate. I keep it locked up while parked.
bshgto1
Explorer
Mar 11, 2018
somebody road off with my wifes and I bikes that was in front of our camper at Myrtle Beach last year. But never thought of the adapter being stolen, I guess you could run a bolt up through it if your worried about it. I do lock my AU to the rails with a long shank lock.
grizz272
Explorer
Mar 10, 2018
Has any ones UAN kingpin adapter sprouted legs and walked off their camper? We have been real lucky over the years and have never had anything walk off.
time2roll
Nomad
Mar 09, 2018
In before the lock :)

Let me know when AndersEn makes a slider...
bshgto1
Explorer
Mar 09, 2018
I bought it cause I got tired of hooking up the winch in the garage to remove the Super Glide hitch to use my pick up for what it was designed to do. And the heavy beast was always in the way. Now I just lift my hitch with one arm and hang it on the wall in the garage till needed. I mean really what could be easier. AS for failures, ANYTHING manufactured
can and will fail from time to time, hence warranties. Any way I`ll never go back, adding an air ride pin box like the one I have really makes it a nice ride.
BarneyS
Explorer III
Mar 08, 2018
Guys, lets not re-hash all this old stuff again. If you want to comment about past discussions, post a link and be done with it.

This topic is almost like truck, Hensley, and gun threads. They almost always turn sour and have to be deleted or locked. This thread is getting very close to one of those actions.
Barney
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Mar 08, 2018
IdaD wrote:
gkainz wrote:
Cummins12V98 wrote:
^^^^^ sad part is the guy had the 5er prep in his truck.

This hitch is their second attempt to cure the "folding hitch" syndrome.

I believe there have been ... what? 2? incidents of hitch failure? Hardly enough to warrant calling it a "syndrome".

Disclosure: Andersen Ultimate Aluminum owner/user and it satisfies my towing needs completely.

You can find B&W hitch failures online too. Odd that the guy never posts those links (over and over). :R

I think if you have read my posts on the B&W's and it seems you do pay attention you will see I have mentioned MY bed deflection issue with my 18K Companion comparing it to the same issue with the Ultimate2 towing heavy.

I have seen ONE as you would call it B&W hitch failure. Not so sure it was a failure. I think I would rather have the hitch give way at some point VS roll my truck over. Not 100% decided on that.
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Mar 08, 2018
HMMMMMM

"I dont like Aluminum in this particular scenario especially thin wall tubing with lateral forces applied. Thats why I have Steel."
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Mar 08, 2018
gkainz wrote:
Cummins12V98 wrote:
^^^^^ sad part is the guy had the 5er prep in his truck.

This hitch is their second attempt to cure the "folding hitch" syndrome.

I believe there have been ... what? 2? incidents of hitch failure? Hardly enough to warrant calling it a "syndrome".

Disclosure: Andersen Ultimate Aluminum owner/user and it satisfies my towing needs completely.

You really think RV.NET represents the entire RV world???

You really think they would re design a product over 2 failures???

Watch the circus type "crush" test it does NOT address the fore and aft forces.

But hey I am a hater. :R
goducks10
Explorer
Mar 08, 2018
Can't high hitch with an AU. Other than that it's all personal preference. I'm seeing more and more of them while out camping but not reading more and more about failures.