I am picking up my new 28' travel trailer next week (ORV 23DBS, wet weight 8100 lb). I am towing with a new 2017 RAM 3500 Megacab with air suspension.The Andersen website says I should measure this that and the other on my trailer before knowing which WDH to order, however I obviously can't do that without the trailer. I really want to have the WDH when I go pick up the trailer to make my first ride home less stressful. It's only about 20 miles but there may be a little traffic.Based the specs I read him over the phone, the Andersen rep suggested model 3350. And that looks to be their most common model. Can anyone confirm/refute this? How long does it take to install this? I'm going to be figuring this out in the dealer lot so I hope it's not a nightmare.

"I'm going to be figuring this out in the dealer lot so I hope it's not a nightmare."The dealer should install your hitch without additional charge. Ask them.

I haven't used one but have read about a lot of people having problems with them on larger heavy trailers. The problem seems to be difficulty transferring the heavy tongue weight. They seem to be good for trailers up to 6k but aren't as effective beyond that. Might not be a problem with your truck but you may want to research it more.

Yep, if the hitch weight will be more than about 750 lbs (and yours probably will be), the Andersen is reported to have difficulty distributing enough weight to level the rig. It will still provide sway control and some WD.Honestly, I would suggest that you make sure your hitch weight is at least 10% of the total TT weight, then drive home without the WD, keeping your speed low (say, up to 50 mph). Setting up a WD hitch is not something I'd want to do in a dealer's yard when I'm tired out from the walk-through and paperwork and everything, and eager to get home with my prize. Wait till a day or so later when you are rested and have a couple hours without stress or reason to rush, and you'll do a better installation.For that size TT I'd lean toward an Equal-i-zer, just my personal preference. If you do get the Andersen, plan to drill indents for the set screws because otherwise the brackets will probably slip (been there, done that).

This will revive an old argument but I would like to hear from anybody that has actually had trouble in this weight range with the Andersen. All I ever read is from people who have guessed that would be a problem. I have a trailer that is rated almost 10,000# fully loaded and have absolutely no problems transferring weight.The system you are looking at is rated to 14,000#. I love this hitch. It is so much easier to hook and unhook and works flawlessly.It may be hard to set it up at a dealer unless you have time to really make sure it done correctly as all the setup is on the trailer. Nothing to do on the truck but install the ball. Most techs no nothing about it. But it is easy if you stand by and read the instructions and see that the tech follows them.I have no hesitancy in recommending the Andersen. You'll love it.

With a RAM 3500 and only going 20 miles I would hook it up without the WDH. Way back in the early 60s we never had WDH , just set it on the ball and go. I towed like that for years before I bought my first E Z Lift Hitch and that was 1/2 ton P/Ups, After arriving home then you can take your time and set the Anderson up right

New trailer next week, which Andersen WDH? | Good Sam Community

rexlion
Explorer
Oct 13, 2017
Yep, if the hitch weight will be more than about 750 lbs (and yours probably will be), the Andersen is reported to have difficulty distributing enough weight to level the rig. It will still provide sway control and some WD.

Honestly, I would suggest that you make sure your hitch weight is at least 10% of the total TT weight, then drive home without the WD, keeping your speed low (say, up to 50 mph). Setting up a WD hitch is not something I'd want to do in a dealer's yard when I'm tired out from the walk-through and paperwork and everything, and eager to get home with my prize. Wait till a day or so later when you are rested and have a couple hours without stress or reason to rush, and you'll do a better installation.

For that size TT I'd lean toward an Equal-i-zer, just my personal preference. If you do get the Andersen, plan to drill indents for the set screws because otherwise the brackets will probably slip (been there, done that).
camp-n-family
Explorer
Oct 13, 2017
I haven't used one but have read about a lot of people having problems with them on larger heavy trailers. The problem seems to be difficulty transferring the heavy tongue weight. They seem to be good for trailers up to 6k but aren't as effective beyond that. Might not be a problem with your truck but you may want to research it more.
Lwiddis
Explorer II
Oct 12, 2017
"I'm going to be figuring this out in the dealer lot so I hope it's not a nightmare."

The dealer should install your hitch without additional charge. Ask them.

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New trailer next week, which Andersen WDH?

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