Help! Installing Andersen No Sway WDHI spent 2 hours yesterday trying to install the WDH with NO success...The first challenge I have had was the bottom ball pin didn't fit the triangle plate hole, After 30 min of messing around I got it in, it was a very tight fit, now I doubt that if I ever be able to get it out...The second challenge I have had was to align the triangle plate to the RV tongue, the manual indicate to NOT use a hammer, instead use the vehicle, it took me a while to get the hang of it – but I did it right.The third challenge I have had was installing the brackets, as soon as I start tighten the bolts they slide forward, resulting in uneven distance from the RV couplerIn the end I mange to install everything per the manual, the towing vehicle was leveled and all look good…. Until I start driving away in the parking lot.After a few sharp turns I park straight as a ruler and I notice that one of the chains was loose while the other was super tight – is that normal? My guts feel tell me that NO.Tonight I will try installing it again (from the start) I will go through all the steps in the manual again and see, maybe I missed something?Please help.

on the bottom boltsdidyou put them in the closest to the frame or the very bottom holes? If you put them in the bottom hole the bracket will move the closer to the frame the tighter they get

Sounds like movement of the frame brackets. They have set screws to prevent sliding. Use a drill to make indentations on trailer frame for set screws to sit in. This will help with the sliding.Tighten the set screws very tight.Tip: Put some lubricant on the threaded parts, particularly the set screws, before installing. Mine are rusted and won't come out.

Dream Girl wrote:After a few sharp turns I park straight as a ruler and I notice that one of the chains was loose while the other was super tight – is that normal? My guts feel tell me that NO.No, definitely not normal. I'll bet that on the side that is loose, the bracket has slipped forward. Did you use the set screws they provided? Also, the bolts that bolt the brackets to the frame need to be really tight, if I remember they recommend 150ft lbs. If you get them torqued down that tight and use the set screws, the brackets should stay put. If you are still having problems with the brackets slipping, they also recommend a small weld as an option. This is a really good hitch IMO. Once you get it properly set up, I think you'll be very happy with it.

The third challenge I have had was installing the brackets, as soon as I start tighten the bolts they slide forward, resulting in uneven distance from the RV couplerWhen tightening the hardware, always hold the bolt steady with one wrench and turn the nut with another. This will prevent the bolt from acting like a roller sliding the bracket on the trailer frame. Where ever possible, it is always a good practice to turn the nut, rather than the bolt accept when special purpose nuts are used that bite into the metal.And do use a torque wrench to tighten all hardware to the specified torque. With out a torque wrench, what is "tight" is all suggestive according to one's physical strength.

Thank you all - very good tips!Here is a small update:- The bottom pin at the triangle plate somehow got loosen up to the state it's supposed to be, perhaps because of the towing I did in the parking lot (?)Also:3oaks wrote:When tightening the hardware, always hold the bolt steady with one wrench and turn the nut with another. This will prevent the bolt from acting like a roller sliding the bracket on the trailer frame. Where ever possible, it is always a good practice to turn the nut, rather than the bolt accept when special purpose nuts are used that bite into the metal.RDMueller wrote:... I'll bet that on the side that is loose, the bracket has slipped forward... handye9 wrote:Sounds like movement of the frame brackets. They have set screws to prevent sliding. Use a drill to make indentations on trailer frame for set screws to sit in. This will help with the sliding.All very good point! I will measure, mark and drill the frame to prevent bracket slippage!Will report back tomorrow.

Help! Installing Andersen No Sway WDH | Good Sam Community

14 Replies

3oaks
Explorer
Aug 25, 2015
The third challenge I have had was installing the brackets, as soon as I start tighten the bolts they slide forward, resulting in uneven distance from the RV coupler
When tightening the hardware, always hold the bolt steady with one wrench and turn the nut with another. This will prevent the bolt from acting like a roller sliding the bracket on the trailer frame.

Where ever possible, it is always a good practice to turn the nut, rather than the bolt accept when special purpose nuts are used that bite into the metal.

And do use a torque wrench to tighten all hardware to the specified torque. With out a torque wrench, what is "tight" is all suggestive according to one's physical strength.
RDMueller
Explorer
Aug 25, 2015
Dream Girl wrote:
After a few sharp turns I park straight as a ruler and I notice that one of the chains was loose while the other was super tight – is that normal? My guts feel tell me that NO.

No, definitely not normal. I'll bet that on the side that is loose, the bracket has slipped forward. Did you use the set screws they provided? Also, the bolts that bolt the brackets to the frame need to be really tight, if I remember they recommend 150ft lbs. If you get them torqued down that tight and use the set screws, the brackets should stay put. If you are still having problems with the brackets slipping, they also recommend a small weld as an option.

This is a really good hitch IMO. Once you get it properly set up, I think you'll be very happy with it.
handye9
Explorer II
Aug 25, 2015
Sounds like movement of the frame brackets. They have set screws to prevent sliding. Use a drill to make indentations on trailer frame for set screws to sit in. This will help with the sliding.

Tighten the set screws very tight.

Tip: Put some lubricant on the threaded parts, particularly the set screws, before installing. Mine are rusted and won't come out.
newman_fulltime
Explorer II
Aug 25, 2015
on the bottom boltsdidyou put them in the closest to the frame or the very bottom holes?

If you put them in the bottom hole the bracket will move the closer to the frame the tighter they get

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Help! Installing Andersen No Sway WDH

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