Forum Discussion

davisenvy's avatar
davisenvy
Explorer
Mar 27, 2016

Andersen Ultimate and in bed fuel tank

I just purchased my first FW and choose to with the Andersen Ultimate hitch to go on my existing gooseneck hitch. I had a brain fart and didn't even consider the fuel tank in my bed which was perfect for my TT and tonneau cover. Here are the dimensions.

Width 50 in
Height 9 in
Front of bed to back of tank is 20.25 in.
Center of Gooseneck ball to back of tank is 14.5 in.

The I know the Andersen can be flipped, but I can't find the dimensions once it is hooked up either way.

Is Anderson Ultimate still an option?

If not, what are my options?

Link to my aux tank

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200306747_200306747
  • N-Trouble's avatar
    N-Trouble
    Explorer
    Mar 27, 2016
    Only the rail mount version can be flipped around, not the GN. On my short bed GM I have 22.75" between front of bed to hitch so looks like youll be fine.
  • gkainz's avatar
    gkainz
    Explorer
    Mar 28, 2016
    N-Trouble wrote:
    Only the rail mount version can be flipped around, not the GN.


    I don't believe that's true. Andersen recommends a mounting orientation, but also noted that the Ultimate can be reversed for clearance. However, I just checked the Installation Docs on Andersen's website and it notes to install with the ball closest to the tailgate in this version. I'll have to look at the docs I downloaded when I bought mine a few years ago.
  • N-Trouble's avatar
    N-Trouble
    Explorer
    Mar 28, 2016
    gkainz wrote:
    N-Trouble wrote:
    Only the rail mount version can be flipped around, not the GN.


    I don't believe that's true. Andersen recommends a mounting orientation, but also noted that the Ultimate can be reversed for clearance. However, I just checked the Installation Docs on Andersen's website and it notes to install with the ball closest to the tailgate in this version. I'll have to look at the docs I downloaded when I bought mine a few years ago.


    Believe what you want... It's well documented. OR call Andersen directly.
  • gkainz's avatar
    gkainz
    Explorer
    Mar 28, 2016
    I should have clarified - I wasn't intending to argue with you. When I bought mine, I emailed with Andersen on a few things, orientation of both the frame and the kingpin adapter box, installation over a bed mat, etc ... and I "thought" I recalled at that time they said the orientation of the frame was a recommendation but it was ok to reverse for clearance ... I will go thru my old emails tonight to see if I can find it.
  • krusegroup's avatar
    krusegroup
    Explorer
    Mar 29, 2016
    The pin box can be oriented either way. The gooseneck mount hitch itself cannot.
  • davisenvy's avatar
    davisenvy
    Explorer
    Mar 29, 2016
    gkainz wrote:
    I should have clarified - I wasn't intending to argue with you. When I bought mine, I emailed with Andersen on a few things, orientation of both the frame and the kingpin adapter box, installation over a bed mat, etc ... and I "thought" I recalled at that time they said the orientation of the frame was a recommendation but it was ok to reverse for clearance ... I will go thru my old emails tonight to see if I can find it.



    Just curious, what was their answer about the hitch being over a bed mat?
  • gkainz's avatar
    gkainz
    Explorer
    Mar 29, 2016
    I found the email about the bed mat question - they replied with "Having the bed mat under the hitch is a great idea as it will prevent small scratches and dents happening in the bed of the truck." but I cannot find emails relating to orientation of the base unit.

    So, I'm either mis-remembering that conversation or found it on-line somewhere (non-authoritative source), so I retract my statement, since I cannot substantiate it. Given Andersen's current documentation and the sticker on the base unit saying "this side towards cab" or whatever the exact wording is, I'll stand with that.
  • justme's avatar
    justme
    Explorer
    Mar 29, 2016
    How hard is it to align the ball when hooking up" Seems like one needs to be exact when backing to connect and requires a second person to help with the backing. With my present Reese 5th wheel setup I can be a few inches off and do not need a helper.
  • N-Trouble's avatar
    N-Trouble
    Explorer
    Mar 29, 2016
    justme wrote:
    How hard is it to align the ball when hooking up" Seems like one needs to be exact when backing to connect and requires a second person to help with the backing. With my present Reese 5th wheel setup I can be a few inches off and do not need a helper.


    Requires being more accurate than a traditional 5er hitch, but since you can see the ball out the back widow its not that difficult nor does it require a second spotter. Still easier than connecting a bumper pull which you can't see. The plus side of the ball/coupler is you'll never have to worry about dropping the 5er on the truck bed. When its on its on and you know it.

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