New Andersen WD hitch
A fellow camper bud showed me this. It's new and different. Anyone using one? Andersen WD hitches A U-tube video with the factory guy explaining it. You have to get past MR Truck doing his...
Forum Discussion
VEHICLE EQUIPMENT SAFETY COMMISSION Regulation VESC V-5
"MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR MOTOR VEHICLE CONNECTING AND DEVICES AND TOWING METHODS"
and
SAE J684 "TRAILER COUPLINGS, HITCHES, AND SAFETY CHAINS—AUTOMOTIVE TYPE"
are the current standards for certification of hitch balls and couplers.
These documents state:
It seems the flat top of a ball is a good place for displaying the ball information.
The documents also state:
Table 2 states a Class 3 coupler must withstand LONGITUDINAL TENSION AND COMPRESSION of 15,000# and a Class 4 coupler must withstand loads of 3 times the Gross Trailer Weight.
However, the documents also state:
Unfortunately, there is no way to know how much damage might be done to a coupler before "actual separation" occurs. But is does seem to me that a certified coupler probably is able to withstand much more force in both longitudinal tension and compression than one might infer from looking at cross-section diagrams.
Ron
"MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR MOTOR VEHICLE CONNECTING AND DEVICES AND TOWING METHODS"
and
SAE J684 "TRAILER COUPLINGS, HITCHES, AND SAFETY CHAINS—AUTOMOTIVE TYPE"
are the current standards for certification of hitch balls and couplers.
These documents state:
6.5.3 BALL IDENTIFICATION—The nominal diameter of the ball and the maximum trailer GVWR for which the ball is designed shall be permanently marked on the ball. The markings shall be clearly visible when the ball is attached to the hitch.
It seems the flat top of a ball is a good place for displaying the ball information.
The documents also state:
5.5 Coupling Ratings—There shall be a minimum strength test for couplings by class as indicated in Table 2.
Table 2 states a Class 3 coupler must withstand LONGITUDINAL TENSION AND COMPRESSION of 15,000# and a Class 4 coupler must withstand loads of 3 times the Gross Trailer Weight.
However, the documents also state:
5.7 Coupling Test Procedure—A coupling or ball shall withstand the test loads indicated in Table 2 without incurring failure. For the purpose of this section, failure is defined as the point at which the coupling or ball will accept no additional test load without separation of the ball from the coupling ball socket, or the occurrence of a metal fracture of either coupling ball or coupling assembly which results in separation of the ball from the coupling ball socket. Distortion or bending of the ball or of a coupling assembly component occurring during testing does not constitute a failure as defined herein unless actual separation of the ball from the coupling socket occurs prior to the designated test loads indicated in Table 2. When conducting tests, a new coupling or ball shall be used for each mode of load application.
Unfortunately, there is no way to know how much damage might be done to a coupler before "actual separation" occurs. But is does seem to me that a certified coupler probably is able to withstand much more force in both longitudinal tension and compression than one might infer from looking at cross-section diagrams.
Ron
