Anderson Ultimate 3200 (Universal Rail Mount)

Greene728 wrote:

IdaD wrote:
I'm interested in what feedback this thread gets - I also didn't get the factory prep so I'm planning on installing the custom rails etrailer sells. Then from there I need to pick a hitch. One thing that has me a little worried about this is whether it's offset enough for a short bed compared to a slider.

IdaD
I got the Curt custom fit rails for the Ram. Great quality and seem to work well so far. I can tell you though that the install is a bear! You have to drop the spare tire, last section of the exhaust, and the heat shield around the spare tire. And even after doing this there's still a couple bolts that are very difficult to get to and tighten thanks to the DEF tank and Rams very robust frame and cross members. But all in all, if your flexible, stout, have the right tools, and a good dose of patience, it's not to bad. It took me and my step dad about 5hrs start to finish. Reese makes a kit that is somewhat easier I hear, but its twice as high. The Curt rails and hardware were $208 on Etrailer. The Reese set was right at (or slightly more) than $500. Then Reese makes a kit that looks identical to the Curt model that was like $235 and the Curt was higher rated than this particular Reese kit. The $500 plus Reese kit had no ratings and was fairly new on the market so I couldn't find much about it. Part of me regrets not getting the factory prep system. But with the deal I got and the truck being exactly what I wanted minus that one option, I had no choice. Plus I already had all my hitches and was set up for rails. Overall I'm pleased with my choice. If I can help you out in any way just let me know.

Funny that this thread has popped back up. I installed the Curt rails this last weekend. Luckily it wasn't too cold in my shop, but it was still a pretty good piece of work to get it installed. A lot of extensions for your sockets is required, as is a good heavy duty torque wrench. I did the job by myself and it probably took a good five hours, and a fair amount of the time involved getting that section of exhaust off and back on again. And getting into some of the less accessible areas.

As far as the Anderson hitch goes, it's awesome. Very well made and and it's a very tight system mounted to the rails. Plus at 35 lbs or whatever it's extremely easy to get it in and out of the truck. I haven't used the ball mount version, but in concept the rail system seems like a more sound design. I'm not an engineer and have nothing to back that up, though.