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Anyone use the Andersen Ultimate with a short bed?

Nevadastars
Explorer
Explorer
We will eventually be getting into the 5th wheel world, and would really like to use the Andersen (non-gooseneck) Ultimate hitch. Mainly because at 64 years old with a bad back, I don't want to be wrestling a 250 pound hitch in and out of my 07 Ram 2500 4x4 short bed.

I realize clearance is dependent on which particular fiver you have, but would like some real world responses from those that have one. I would just like to hear from those that actually have one in their short bed truck, Dodge if possible. Thanks in advance.
2016 Forest River Wildcat Maxx 262RGX 8,268 UVW 11,754 GVWR
2007 Ram 2500 QC SB 4x4 Smarty tuned 5.9 Cummins
B&W Turnover Ball & Andersen Ultimate
26 REPLIES 26

davidbt
Explorer
Explorer
I have a 2016 CC 2500 Ram 4x4 short bed and love my Anderson hitch. I pull a 13,000 pound 5th wheel with no problems.

Me_Again
Explorer III
Explorer III
Some reading.

https://www.turbodieselregister.com/threads/254427-Forget-what-I-said-about-Andersen-hitch?highlight...
2021 F150 2.7 Ecoboost - Summer Home 2017 Bighorn 3575el. Can Am Spyder RT-L Chrome, Kawasaki KRX1000. Retired and enjoying it! RIP DW 07-05-2021

dccamper
Explorer
Explorer
I am using one in a 2016 F250 with 6.9 bed. My trailer is a 2009 Crossroads Cruiser which has an extended pin box. No clearance issues thus far.

gkainz
Explorer
Explorer
I have the Andersen Ultimate in an '07 Dodge, but it's a long bed, not short bed. However, since my 5er ('10 Keystone Laredo 245) has the short, round nose, I'm pretty sure my setup would work just fine in a short bed truck as easily as it does in my long bed. Probably doesn't help you much, but I sure like the Andersen.
'07 Ram 2500 CTD 4x4 Quad Cab
'10 Keystone Laredo 245 5er

csamayfield55x
Explorer
Explorer
Put one in my FIL's truck. I have banked that thing to at least 85 degrees with no issue at all. It took some adjustments to get everything just right but he loves it. He has a 12 Ram SB 3500

Chris
2008 Dodge Ram 3500 6.7L Cummins Quad cab
B&W 20K turnover ball, Proline custom flatbed
Tekonsha P3
2015 Open Rang Light 311FLR

Nevadastars
Explorer
Explorer
JIMNLIN wrote:
I realize clearance is dependent on which particular fiver you have, but would like some real world responses from those that have one. I would just like to hear from those that actually have one in their short bed truck, Dodge if possible. Thanks in advance.

I'll repost your question for you.

As you may know all three truck brands have a different CA (cab to axle) dimension with our short bed Dodge/Ram trucks being the shortest and GM the longest CA dimension. So replies from those with a Ford or GM simply is no help with your question.

You may also want to ask the same question several of the many rv websites for more input from Dodge/Ram owners. Google is your friend for finding them.


I belong to three Dodge truck forums, one is pretty slow to get any response, one is mainly for 1500's and the other a Cummins forum which has no towing section. It seems to be geared more for performance, general upgrading and maintenance. The reason I posted in here is a lot more traffic and is towing/5th wheel specific. But I will post up in the Cummins forum and see what happens.
2016 Forest River Wildcat Maxx 262RGX 8,268 UVW 11,754 GVWR
2007 Ram 2500 QC SB 4x4 Smarty tuned 5.9 Cummins
B&W Turnover Ball & Andersen Ultimate

JIMNLIN
Explorer
Explorer
I realize clearance is dependent on which particular fiver you have, but would like some real world responses from those that have one. I would just like to hear from those that actually have one in their short bed truck, Dodge if possible. Thanks in advance.

I'll repost your question for you.

As you may know all three truck brands have a different CA (cab to axle) dimension with our short bed Dodge/Ram trucks being the shortest and GM the longest CA dimension. So replies from those with a Ford or GM simply is no help with your question.

You may also want to ask the same question several of the many rv websites for more input from Dodge/Ram owners. Google is your friend for finding them.
"good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment" ............ Will Rogers

'03 2500 QC Dodge/Cummins HO 3.73 6 speed manual Jacobs Westach
'97 Park Avanue 28' 5er 11200 two slides

Njmurvin
Explorer
Explorer
I'll provide a slightly different perspective. I have a Pullrite Superglide in my Dodge short bed. It's arguably the heaviest hitch made and I put it in and take it out by myself using an inexpensive electric cable hoist (from Harbor Freight) mounted to my garage rafters.
2020 Chevy Silverado 3500HD Duramax 4x4 Crew Cab Standard box

2011 Arctic Fox 27.5L

Nevadastars
Explorer
Explorer
Right on guys, thanks for the quick replies! I had read on etrailer.com where a guy asked if it would work on his 07 Ram like mine, and they basically answered with trying to sell him an $1100 slider hitch.
2016 Forest River Wildcat Maxx 262RGX 8,268 UVW 11,754 GVWR
2007 Ram 2500 QC SB 4x4 Smarty tuned 5.9 Cummins
B&W Turnover Ball & Andersen Ultimate

IdaD
Explorer
Explorer
I am using a rail mount Andersen in my short bed Ram and it works great. Older fiver with a flat front too. I can't turn 90 degrees backing but that's pretty worthless - it turns plenty tight without hitting and I can turn at full lock going forward with no issues. Go for it - I think it's the best rail mount hitch setup available when you consider all the factors.
2015 Cummins Ram 4wd CC/SB

cummins2014
Explorer
Explorer
Nevadastars wrote:
We will eventually be getting into the 5th wheel world, and would really like to use the Andersen (non-gooseneck) Ultimate hitch. Mainly because at 64 years old with a bad back, I don't want to be wrestling a 250 pound hitch in and out of my 07 Ram 2500 4x4 short bed.

I realize clearance is dependent on which particular fiver you have, but would like some real world responses from those that have one. I would just like to hear from those that actually have one in their short bed truck, Dodge if possible. Thanks in advance.



I think you are going to get to hear plenty about the Andersen. I too am a fan of the Andersen. I am holding out to see the new ones coming in Feb that fit the OEM puck systems on the newer trucks.

As you said the clearance will be dependent on the fiver. Lots of fifth wheels being towed with a short bed ,and the Andersen .

balesfam
Explorer
Explorer
I have a GMC 6.5 short bed with a Andersen hitch and it is great. I used to have a slider and it was a waste of money. This is the best hitch, easy to hookup and take out. I have 90 degree turning radius.