noteven wrote:
Cummins2014 - neither my B&W or my Holland 5th wheels can drop a trailer when the pin on the release handle is in the closed position. The only way the jaws can open is for these pins to be released by a people person. Or break off - which is not going to happen with normal trailer draft loads on the jaws.
If I needed to be taking my hitch in and out of the truck often I would for sure trade the nuisance of hitching a gooseneck ball (vs 5th wheel) for the light weight and convenience of the Anderson design.
Or was in severe articulation conditions.
I get enough of hitching ball hitches throughout the year - I like 5th wheels back in and crash into the pin and verify release pin is locked. Connect wires up with the landing gear and chocks away we’re off.
None of the conventional fifth wheel hitches can drop a fifth wheel if hitched correctly, but like the individual that locked his B&W in the open position, and then drove off ,and dropped it on the bed of the truck it has been done, and will most likely happen again by someone.
Many different ways to drop a fifth wheel on the bed of a truck with a conventional hitch, hi hitching, not locking the handle, handle not closing , as mentioned locking the handle open, and probably more, resulting in dropped fifth wheels. Its a fact, and has been done, and reported .
Andersen is not a gooseneck hitch, no extensions off the kingpin to attach to a ball in the bed, totally different.
I agree you can't go crashing into an Andersen, but then I didn't with my conventional hitch, yes I have seen guys back into a hitch pretty aggressive, never felt like that was the way to go .
I have said before, backing into a conventional hitch, I wanted to be aligned up side to side, no different then with the Andersen, only difference for me , I am not always aligned front to back, and have to get back into the truck ,and adjust. If that is too much work or if someone is just too lazy for such things, then maybe they should stick to the conventional .
The thing is, if you think the Andersen is not for you why bad mouth it for the sake of promoting the hitch you have. Not saying you did, but many do. I pointed out the fact of dropping fifth wheels with a conventional hitch, its a fact, and its a fact with a B&W.
