Andersen Trailer Hitch

atreis wrote:
Having read the other threads, it seems quite likely to me the sources are actual users of the hitch. However, what's not clear is how many of these users tried to get 100% FALR. There are several people in the other threads that admit that they don't try to achieve that because they don't need/want to. That doesn't mean they couldn't. It also doesn't mean that they could. It's inconclusive. Unfortunately, there's no independent test agency for hitches, which is really a shame.

Thanks for providing some constructive comments.
You're correct -- there is no way to know how many tried to get 100%. Some of them did. I don't know about the others.

I do know that Andersen rates their WDH for a tongue weight capacity of 1400#. With that tongue weight, a WDH needs to restore about 600# to the front axle to achieve 100% FALR. With the OP's estimated 800# TW, the WDH needs to restore nearly 400# for 100% FALR.

From the following Appendix of Andersen user posts, we can read the following:

"renojack" reported the maximum load restoration value of 200# with 43% FALR. He stated, "--- I tightened the chains/ compression springs from the inadequate 7 threads to 9 threads (about all I could get with the socket provided by Anderson). It seemed that even if I had a deeper socket I could not have gotten more compression."

"AirHeadsRus" was able to achieve 160# and 57% with 10 threads. He stated, "That was very close to the limit that I could adjust."

"eartha" got 63% and 150# restored. He stated, "I found I could not hold the hitch on the frame with the clamps. I had to drill into the frame to hold it. I really liked the idea of the ball not rotating on the hitch. The hitch is well built and looks good. I wanted it to work for me, but the weight distribution is the killer."

"CHD Dad" achieved 160# and 50% at 1/2" compression. He stated, "I dont believe I can get any more compression without compromising the bushing."

I think it's fair to say that all of the above wanted to have more load restoration, but were only able to achieve values ranging from 150-200# versus the approximately 400# the OP would need for 100% FALR.
As for the others -- all I can say is the user reports all show less than 200# of load restoration.

Ron


APPENDIX OF ANDERSEN USER WD REPORTS

zues
http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/25717515/gotomsg/25860978.cfm#25860978
2009 Ram Mega Cab diesel. 43% with est 600# TW. WD objective not indicated.

Bruce H.
http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/25717515/gotomsg/25878691.cfm#25878691
2006 Honda Pilot. 90% at 1/4" compression with 400# TW.

gallifrey
http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/25717515/gotomsg/25916590.cfm#25916590
2005 Nissan Armada. 75% at 9 threads with 900# est TW. "---hooking up with 9 threads seems to really compress the springs, probably more than they should---"

renojack
http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/25717515/gotomsg/26103569.cfm#26103569
2005 Suburban 2500. 43% at 9 threads with 960# TW. "--- I tightened the chains/ compression springs from the inadequate 7 threads to 9 threads (about all I could get with the socket provided by Anderson). It seemed that even if I had a deeper socket I could not have gotten more compression."

hbillsmith
http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/26309849.cfm
2010 Mercedes GL450. 54% with 600# TW. WD objective not indicated.

housedad
http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/26354611/gotomsg/26382668.cfm#26382668
2005 Excursion. "---getting close to 50% at 1/2" compression with 1250# TW. No further data.

airheadsrus
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f464/the-andersen-wd-hitch-user-thread-92131-14.html#post1161759
Silverado 1500. 50% at 7 threads with 800# TW.
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f464/the-andersen-wd-hitch-user-thread-92131-77.html#post1231872
Silverado 1500. 36% at 9 threads and 57% at ten threads with 800# TW. ""At 10 threads showing, got it within 100 pounds at 3400. That was very close to the limit that I could adjust." (photo of compressed bushing)

SteveH
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f464/the-andersen-wd-hitch-user-thread-92131-48.html#post1204193
FJ Cruiser. Est 100% at 400# TW.

HowieE
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f464/the-andersen-wd-hitch-user-thread-92131-67.html#post1229114
2004 Excursion. 40% with 670# TW.

eartha
http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/26561155/gotomsg/26562284.cfm#26562284
http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/26561155/gotomsg/26567836.cfm#26567836
2005 Ford F-150. 63% with 560# TW. "I found I could not hold the hitch on the frame with the clamps.
I had to drill into the frame to hold it. I really liked the idea of the ball not rotating on the hitch.
The hitch is well built and looks good. I wanted it to work for me, but the weight distribution is the killer."

CHD Dad
http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/26817828.cfm
2010 Tundra. 19% at 3/16" compression and 50% at 1/2" with 800# TW.
" I dont believe I can get any more compression without compromising the bushing."

babies_dadeo
http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/27095484.cfm
http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/27095484/gotomsg/27224954.cfm#27224954
2013 Sierra Duramax 2500HD. 50% at 1/4" compression with 990# TW.
5/12/2013 "If you are in a situation where you require a hitch that will remove a substantial amount of weight from the drive axel, this is just not the right hitch for ya."

idroba
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f464/the-andersen-wd-hitch-user-thread-92131-160.html#post1333561
2012 Grand Cherokee. 33% at 6 threads and 53% at 8 threads with 680# TW.
"The hitch is capable of doing more distribution, I simply did not test it at higher levels.
The bushings now show a very slight bulge when 8 threads show on the adjustment."

PHS79
http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/25717515/gotomsg/26988625.cfm#26988625
2004 F-150. 50% at 1/4" compression with 700# TW.


OTHER POSTS ON INABILITY TO DISTRIBUTE LOAD

jujububbajr
http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/26694630/gotomsg/26828948.cfm#26828948

CHD Dad
http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/26694630/gotomsg/26864568.cfm#26864568

dkottum
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f464/the-andersen-wd-hitch-user-thread-92131-124.html#post1293742