Andersen Hitch

[Wingnusa]

Anyone out there have one of these? I could use some feedback on the Ultimate. I especially want to know how things ride inside the rig when you have this hitch...

[Me_Again]

Chalkie wrote:

Me Again wrote:
Like the B&W Companion I am not convenienced placing hitch loads on sheet metal beds is the best long term design!

Traditional 5th wheel hitches when correctly installed put the load on the frame rails.

The Companion also places the bulk of the load on the frame as the main load bearing is done with the Turnover ball hitch. Granted, some weight is being born by the bed, but then so is some on a conventional hitch. The rails are in contact with the bed all across, therefore placing a portion of the weight on the bed.

The Anderson also bears the weight to a gooseneck or rail-type mount so I can not see any difference nor a reasonable objection.

Had I been aware of the Anderson before I got the Companion I think I would have gone with the Anderson. The Anderson's, where I have read about them in other forums, gets generally rave reviews from those that own them.

I believe you are wrong on where the weight load is placed with both hitches. The turn over ball is used to force the frame of both hitch on to the bed floor and is the exact opposite of supporting weight! Chris

[goducks10]

Only issue I see is would safety chains be required? I'm sure it's probably a state by state thing. Or maybe not. I'm not familiar with GN type requirements.

[oweninthekeys]

N-Trouble wrote:

oweninthekeys wrote:
As reference to the T-handle above, my handle is in the wheel well and with a load on the hitch cannot be pulled.

WHeel well on TV? Can you post a pic cause I can't visualize what your saying. The handle has to be near the kingpin.

N-Trouble - We may be talking of different items. The handle I pull releases my gooseneck ball from the bed in order to flip it over. The handle I turn to lock the kingpin attachment to the adapter ball is attached to my kingpin box.

[Dayle1]

oweninthekeys wrote:

I'll challenge anyone with a conventional hitch to a hookup/unhook from a clean truck bed and back.

And I'm pretty sure you would win. But most of us don't need a clean bed 100% of the time. For me, I probably hookup at least 25 times before I need to remove the hitch for some reason and therefore the easier alignment of a conventional fifth wheel hitch is the real time saver. When I need to move a GN trailer, it takes just a few min. to remove the hitch and drop a GN ball adaptor onto the base rails.

However, I think the Ultimate is by far the best GN option available for use with a fifth wheel trailer.

[Chalkie]

Me Again wrote:
Like the B&W Companion I am not convenienced placing hitch loads on sheet metal beds is the best long term design!

Traditional 5th wheel hitches when correctly installed put the load on the frame rails.

The Companion also places the bulk of the load on the frame as the main load bearing is done with the Turnover ball hitch. Granted, some weight is being born by the bed, but then so is some on a conventional hitch. The rails are in contact with the bed all across, therefore placing a portion of the weight on the bed.

The Anderson also bears the weight to a gooseneck or rail-type mount so I can not see any difference nor a reasonable objection.

Had I been aware of the Anderson before I got the Companion I think I would have gone with the Anderson. The Anderson's, where I have read about them in other forums, gets generally rave reviews from those that own them.

[N-Trouble]

oweninthekeys wrote:
As reference to the T-handle above, my handle is in the wheel well and with a load on the hitch cannot be pulled.

WHeel well on TV? Can you post a pic cause I can't visualize what your saying. The handle has to be near the kingpin.

[oweninthekeys]

Everyone has their own opinion which makes this a great country. I would never go back to a conventional fifth wheel hitch. As reference to the T-handle above, my handle is in the wheel well and with a load on the hitch cannot be pulled. Safety chains are used just as a piece of mind. There is no chucking with this hitch.

I'll challenge anyone with a conventional hitch to a hookup/unhook from a clean truck bed and back.

[Me_Again]

Anderson really hedges on the requirement for safety chains! I would get tired along with my front jacks with the extra lifting to couple or uncouple it. Trailer has to be lifted and extra 3 or 4"!

I would like to see one after a wreck? Compress test is testing it in a single direction at it's strongest point.

Like the B&W Companion I am not convenienced placing hitch loads on sheet metal beds is the best long term design!

Traditional 5th wheel hitches when correctly installed put the load on the frame rails.

If I get a new RAM it will have factory prep and a four puck hitch that locks onto the frame.

Chris

[N-Trouble]

Sorry but chucking has EVERYTHING to do with the hitch...

If your concerned about 4500lb pin weight this should ease any concern: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78l-PadWAro

I have yet to hear anyone who actually "uses" this hitch complain about it, only doubters who can't get over the concept that something so light, simple, and cost effective can be up to the task.

You'll also hear many refer to it as a GN and how it will create additional forces on the kingpin which is entirely untrue. THe fact that the ball is raised makes it no different than any other 5er hitch in this regard.

[Cummins12V98]

Chucking has nothing to do with the hitch. It's the RV that gives the fore and aft push pull feeling.

IMHO there are three reasons why I would not buy an Andersen.

1. There looks like no easy way to keep from pulling the T handle that locks the ball to the RV. I use a padlock on hitches locking handle.

2. If I wanted to tow another 5er without the Andersen setup I could not. Happens frequently, people have RV's but no TV and want to move to a different park or space. Would not want to be limited.

3. I know it rates to be able to handle a large load but I just think it is a bit too light weight. Could not imagine my 4,500# pin weight constantly pressing down on it.

[Housted]

Bamaman1 wrote:
...... I would think this would be best done with a remote camera and a monitor in the cab.

Have had it for about 2 years and love it. I can see it in the rear view mirror so no camera necessary. :B

There is no chucking at all since it a ball and socket.

Housted

[Bamaman11]

The Anderson hitches are wonderful products. They're especially great if your fifth wheel is stored at an angle, and they're easier to hitch than a conventional fifth wheel plate hitch in that situation.

The only drawback is that they've got to be exactly under the pin for the hitch to work. This requires precise placement of the hitch--back and forth, right and left by the tow vehicle. I would think this would be best done with a remote camera and a monitor in the cab.

[oweninthekeys]

Yes, and I love it! Fifth Wheel rides great and in less than 5 minutes the bed of my truck is clean. Highly recommend.

[Me_Again]

Why would it ride any different?