Andersen Aluminum GN vs rail version

[tiger275]

Hey everyone.

I have been trying to make a call on which version of the Andersen to pick for towing my OR 5er that is due next month. I have a 2018 F350 with the factory puck system as well as the GN ball option.

I see that I have 2 options...
a) use the aluminum Andersen with the GN ball. This option would require that I use the torque wrench for the install each time we tow since I will not be leaving the hitch in the truck most of the time. Not a huge deal, but certainly something that requires a little attention.
b) use the Reese picture frame adapter with the Andersen rail version. This option would allow me to permanently attach the Andersen to the picture frame and then quick install and remove the package when needed.

I guess my questions are all circulating around the pros/cons of each option.

Obviously the Aluminum/GN option will be lighter (~35#) while the other option would be slightly heavier (~100 = 50+50). But it sure seems to me that the second option would be drastically easier to deal with during install and removal.

Anyone have any experience with both setups that might offer some comments?

[BarneyS]

We have 6 pages of response to this topic, many off topic posts, and things are getting personal so I am going to close it. Thanks for your participation.
Barney

[Michelle_S]

I don't consider my self a Hater or anything else, I just have a very hard time buying a big heavy 5th wheel, in our case 19K plus, then looking to purchase the lightest weight hitch you can find. BTW, not a B&W owner, mine is a Comfort Ride and it weighs a ton.

[minnow]

Cummins12V98 wrote:
I learned my "FACTS" on the Andersen causing bed deflection towing heavier with the aluminum model from someone that actually sells them and has bed deflection in his RAM towing a MobileSuites.

Ok maybe not so much hyperbole but rather heresay.

[fj12ryder]

ralphnjoann wrote:

fj12ryder wrote:

ralphnjoann wrote:
What I wonder about is why most, if not all, of the "haters" or "naysayers" own the same brand. I don't see Pullrite owners spending much time discussing the advantages/disadvantages of an Andersen unless it's something like a slider versus a non-slider issue. Same for Reese and Curt owners.

Well, when was the last time you read about someone undecided between a Pullrite and an Andersen? Most of the time the comparisons are between the Andersen and the B&W. They are the ones that will easily leave you with a clean bed and haul heavy trailers.

The OP wasn't asking about a B&W and an Anderson. He was asking about two Andersen models. Pullright, Reese and Curt owners seem to understand this.

You didn't mention the OP, you questioned a particular viewpoint, and I gave you my opinion on it. Mostly when people wonder about the Andersen hitch, they are wondering about it compared to the B&W, at least on this forum. JMO, that stands for Just My Opinion.

[ralphnjoann]

fj12ryder wrote:

ralphnjoann wrote:
What I wonder about is why most, if not all, of the "haters" or "naysayers" own the same brand. I don't see Pullrite owners spending much time discussing the advantages/disadvantages of an Andersen unless it's something like a slider versus a non-slider issue. Same for Reese and Curt owners.

Well, when was the last time you read about someone undecided between a Pullrite and an Andersen? Most of the time the comparisons are between the Andersen and the B&W. They are the ones that will easily leave you with a clean bed and haul heavy trailers.

The OP wasn't asking about a B&W and an Anderson. He was asking about two Andersen models. Pullright, Reese and Curt owners seem to understand this.

[fj12ryder]

ralphnjoann wrote:
What I wonder about is why most, if not all, of the "haters" or "naysayers" own the same brand. I don't see Pullrite owners spending much time discussing the advantages/disadvantages of an Andersen unless it's something like a slider versus a non-slider issue. Same for Reese and Curt owners.

Well, when was the last time you read about someone undecided between a Pullrite and an Andersen? Most of the time the comparisons are between the Andersen and the B&W. They are the ones that will easily leave you with a clean bed and haul heavy trailers.

[ralphnjoann]

minnow wrote:
As far as a previous remark on the term “haters”, I will opine that it seems to me the biggest Andersen naysayers are those thst have have never used one much less owned one. Other than internet hyperbole, it does make one wonder where the naysayers are basing their “learned” facts from.

What I wonder about is why most, if not all, of the "haters" or "naysayers" own the same brand. I don't see Pullrite owners spending much time discussing the advantages/disadvantages of an Andersen unless it's something like a slider versus a non-slider issue. Same for Reese and Curt owners.

[eb145]

Torque wrench comments:

I take my Andersen Aluminum Ultimate out of my truck bed fairly often. I just keep my torque wrench under the back seat of the truck so it is always with me.

The torque spec is only 60 ft lbs. Which is not difficult at all with my torque wrench.

Ed

[cummins2014]

Cummins12V98 wrote:
I learned my "FACTS" on the Andersen causing bed deflection towing heavier with the aluminum model from someone that actually sells them and has bed deflection in his RAM towing a MobileSuites.

Where did you learn your FACTS about Ram trucks towing with the B&W ,and the bed damage the B&W hitches were doing until they started shimming the bed. If not mistaken you are one of the members here who reported the fix with the shims.

It's no secret that without the shims some get bed deflection with the B&W , as well as the Andersen, and some don't. But you choose to just bash the Andersen instead of sharing the same knowledge that you shared about he B&W .

Here is a FACT that you to not want to share. The Andersen aluminum hitch when shimmed in the valleys of the bed corrugation WILL prevent the same bed deflection as the B&W, without those shims, the B&W, and the Andersen can cause bed deflection ,and damage. Thats a FACT.

[Cummins12V98]

I learned my "FACTS" on the Andersen causing bed deflection towing heavier with the aluminum model from someone that actually sells them and has bed deflection in his RAM towing a MobileSuites.

[cummins2014]

minnow wrote:
I have the Andersen steel version/gooseneck ball version. I have a rubber mat underneath the hitch as I did note when I first used this hitch w/o the mat some slight wear on the Linex bedliner. Since then, I have towed several thousand miles and no bed deflection or any other of the percieved negatives being discussed.

As far as a previous remark on the term “haters”, I will opine that it seems to me the biggest Andersen naysayers are those thst have have never used one much less owned one. Other than internet hyperbole, it does make one wonder where the naysayers are basing their “learned” facts from.

They are basing their facts on the ONE Aluminum Andersen that the tubes bent. No damage to truck or trailer, fifth wheel remained hitched.

We continually get from one member ,to compare the B&W to the Andersen, with a visual check. Whats that all about ??? That tells you one thing ,they are totally different styles of hitch.

They have no learned facts, just their opinions.

[minnow]

I have the Andersen steel version/gooseneck ball version. I have a rubber mat underneath the hitch as I did note when I first used this hitch w/o the mat some slight wear on the Linex bedliner. Since then, I have towed several thousand miles and no bed deflection or any other of the percieved negatives being discussed.

As far as a previous remark on the term “haters”, I will opine that it seems to me the biggest Andersen naysayers are those thst have have never used one much less owned one. Other than internet hyperbole, it does make one wonder where the naysayers are basing their “learned” facts from.

[cummins2014]

I made an assumption that the Reese adapter 30156 for the Ford was the same height as the 30154 for the Ram, it is NOT . I edited one of my previous post saying it was the same. In fact the frame looks to be 3x3 tubing on the 30156. Whereas the 30154 is 2x3 tubing. Making it just over 3" from the bed of the truck instead of 2"

That extra inch would have no bearing on my Ram using the Andersen hitch, I use the middle height adjustment, I can go either up or down ,and be okay with my setup. Whether that extra inch will factor in on the Ford, a lot depends on fifth wheel, kingpin etc .

[cummins2014]

tiger275 wrote:

laknox wrote:


Depends on whether you want a clean bed when the hitch is removed. GN gives you a clean bed; rails don't. If it doesn't matter, then go with what's easiest.

Both options I am considering would leave me with a clean bed since even the rail version I would use the quick install/remove picture frame adapter to my OEM puck system

The Reese adapter 30156, and the Andersen rail mount hitch would be a great combination, and can be removed as on unit if desired or separate , your choice.

Now that I have the Andersen I take them out separate by hand. No need now for the electric hoist in my garage that I installed when I had that heavy Reese slider.