Forum Discussion

ranchertx's avatar
ranchertx
Explorer
May 09, 2013

Anderson Ultimate 5th Wheel Connection

http://www.andersenhitches.com/Catalog/ultimate-5th-wheel-connection.aspx

I bought a new Ram 3500 with 5fth wheel prep package, problem is, Mopar did not release the adapter that is needed to be able to use a standard fifth wheel hitch in this truck, and, no one has a kit of hitch that will work on it. So, with a trip planned in two weeks, I am looking at the above Anderson MFG unit.

Before you dismiss a Gooseneck conversion on fifth wheel hitch, please look at what they have and see how it raises the ball up to the pin box, and, does not cause any more stress to the frame than a fifth wheel hitch.

My question is, do any of you use this set up and how does it work?
Thanks
  • cutty72's avatar
    cutty72
    Explorer
    May 11, 2013
    Tug, the adapter is held on the kingpin by two bolts that fit in the groove. There are then 4 allen screws that are tightened to "set" the adapter. Lowering it onto the ball adds further weight to these screws, keeping it from turning.
  • TugCE's avatar
    TugCE
    Explorer
    May 10, 2013
    I wonder what stops their block from rotating on the Kinpin? It looks like it mounts using two locking pins, it looks like these pins sit in the grove on the Kingpin but I see nothing to stop the block from turning on the Kingpin which would be dangerous.

    Besides my concerns about the movement on the Kingpin it looks like a cool hitch and if and when I move up to a Dually Long Bed I might just look into getting one.
  • cutty72's avatar
    cutty72
    Explorer
    May 10, 2013
    I have it, I've only towed once with it but it pulled just as smooth as a gooseneck. Light weight, carry it in one hand, installed in a couple minutes.
    Bonus is you can put your hitch in any pickup that has a gooseneck ball.
    Also, the adapter acts as a theft deterrent on your trailer!
  • BB_TX's avatar
    BB_TX
    Nomad
    May 10, 2013
    wittmeba wrote:
    BB_TX wrote:
    Video does not show any chains, but I would think using the ball hitch would require using safety chains to meet state laws.

    Im not trying to pick a fight, but when I read posts about concerns for breaking the single bolt holding the ball vs. breaking the single bolt that holds the Kingpin is there really much difference?

    I have no opinion about breaking a bolt. But the requirement for safety chains is in case the hitch jumps off the ball. And in the video it shows them pushing a handle on a small cable to latch the hitch on the ball and then rotating the handle to hold the latch in place. That would be the weak point it appears.
  • ranchertx's avatar
    ranchertx
    Explorer
    May 10, 2013
    The shipping weight of the entire unit is 60lbs. Anderson is a very reputable mfgr.

    The video I watched had a guy installing it. But whatever the case, I would rather lift 60 lbs into the truck than 150.
  • belairbrian's avatar
    belairbrian
    Explorer
    May 10, 2013
    Did anyone else that watched the video notice the girl lifting it into the truck turns into a guy before the hitch makes it in. Then once it's on the gate he turns back into a girl?

    Makes me think twice about their credibility.
  • wittmeba's avatar
    wittmeba
    Explorer
    May 09, 2013
    BB_TX wrote:
    Video does not show any chains, but I would think using the ball hitch would require using safety chains to meet state laws.

    Im not trying to pick a fight, but when I read posts about concerns for breaking the single bolt holding the ball vs. breaking the single bolt that holds the Kingpin is there really much difference?
  • BB_TX's avatar
    BB_TX
    Nomad
    May 09, 2013
    Hmmm? Bit short sighted on Ram/MOPAR's part, huh?
    Have not used (or even seen) one, but that does eliminate the concern of additional stresses on the pin box. Looks like a good alternative to conventional gooseneck adapters.
    Video does not show any chains, but I would think using the ball hitch would require using safety chains to meet state laws.

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