Before you think this is another which one is better survey let me share my experience. I bought a lightweight, 25 foot,3500 pound(empty) tt last year and the dealer installed an Equal-i-zer 12k hitch. I did not know anything about WDH so I assumed this was the one I needed. I later found out that too much hitch can create its own problems and loose some of its effectiveness at distributing weight (according to three dealers and some internet research) I am purchasing a new 34 foot, 6500 pound (empty) tt this week. I plan to use the 12k Equal-i-zer hitch that I have and just move it to the new tt. The dealer is fine with moving and setting up the hitch but thinks I may be happier with the Andersen hitch. Of course he sells that hitch but he also sells the Equal-i-zer hitch. I am weighing the options of both hitches and I am fine with keeping the Equal-i-zer but does anyone have any experience with the Andersen hitch and a tt that is similar in size to my new tt that they can share?

I think you will be fine with your current hitch but why not talk to the Equal-i-Zer people and get their opinion. They have been very helpful for me.

but (the dealer) thinks I may be happier with the Andersen hitch. First I would ask why? Then I would go with the Anderson if the dealer makes sense.

Check the rating on the bars for your 12K Equalizer. They should be 1200 lb bars. Your new trailer, when loaded for camping, could be close to 1000 lbs on tongue weight. Your 12K Equalizer was overkill on the last trailer, but, should be just fine on the new one. I have an Andersen hitch, and I like it, but, if I was in your situation, I'd have a hard time justifying the additional cost. Sounds like you would be fixing something that isn't broke.

jmtandem wrote:but (the dealer) thinks I may be happier with the Andersen hitch. First I would ask why? Then I would go with the Anderson if the dealer makes sense.I did ask why. The advantages that he listed were the unique design,how the hitch works (which after some research I understand a little better) the ease of use, and the lightweight (which spoke to me because my back is not as strong as it used to be). He also said that this hitch is extremely quiet compared to the Equal-i-zer, and my wife gets nervous every time that hitch pops and cracks even though I explain that is normal for metal on metal contact.

There were several early-adopters of the Andersen on here a while back that posted a lot of data. The general consensus, IIRC, was that once the trailer gets north of the 5000lb mark, it had a difficult time transferring enough weight off the tongue to balance the weight distribution adequately. (There were also concerns with long-term wear and stresses applied to the coupler latch that, in my opinion, were never adequately resolved through some type of analytical testing on the part of the manufacturer... They designed a great component for their part, but their part is only one half of the system)

Equal-i-zer or Andersen? | Good Sam Community

rbtglove
Explorer
Apr 20, 2015
I think you will be fine with your current hitch but why not talk to the Equal-i-Zer people and get their opinion. They have been very helpful for me.
jmtandem
Explorer II
Apr 20, 2015
but (the dealer) thinks I may be happier with the Andersen hitch.

First I would ask why? Then I would go with the Anderson if the dealer makes sense.
handye9
Explorer II
Apr 20, 2015
Check the rating on the bars for your 12K Equalizer. They should be 1200 lb bars. Your new trailer, when loaded for camping, could be close to 1000 lbs on tongue weight. Your 12K Equalizer was overkill on the last trailer, but, should be just fine on the new one.

I have an Andersen hitch, and I like it, but, if I was in your situation, I'd have a hard time justifying the additional cost.

Sounds like you would be fixing something that isn't broke.
dee74
Explorer
Apr 20, 2015
jmtandem wrote:
but (the dealer) thinks I may be happier with the Andersen hitch.

First I would ask why? Then I would go with the Anderson if the dealer makes sense.

I did ask why. The advantages that he listed were the unique design,how the hitch works (which after some research I understand a little better) the ease of use, and the lightweight (which spoke to me because my back is not as strong as it used to be). He also said that this hitch is extremely quiet compared to the Equal-i-zer, and my wife gets nervous every time that hitch pops and cracks even though I explain that is normal for metal on metal contact.
gijoecam
Explorer
Apr 20, 2015
There were several early-adopters of the Andersen on here a while back that posted a lot of data. The general consensus, IIRC, was that once the trailer gets north of the 5000lb mark, it had a difficult time transferring enough weight off the tongue to balance the weight distribution adequately. (There were also concerns with long-term wear and stresses applied to the coupler latch that, in my opinion, were never adequately resolved through some type of analytical testing on the part of the manufacturer... They designed a great component for their part, but their part is only one half of the system)
jmtandem
Explorer II
Apr 20, 2015
Sounds like the dealer knows his hitches. Nothing to decide as it is a no brainer.
dee74
Explorer
Apr 20, 2015
jmtandem wrote:
Sounds like the dealer knows his hitches. Nothing to decide as it is a no brainer.

I am sure he does he has been in business for over 30 years but in my experience every dealer operates with incentives that create a hidden agenda.
dee74
Explorer
Apr 20, 2015
gijoecam wrote:
There were several early-adopters of the Andersen on here a while back that posted a lot of data. The general consensus, IIRC, was that once the trailer gets north of the 5000lb mark, it had a difficult time transferring enough weight off the tongue to balance the weight distribution adequately. (There were also concerns with long-term wear and stresses applied to the coupler latch that, in my opinion, were never adequately resolved through some type of analytical testing on the part of the manufacturer... They designed a great component for their part, but their part is only one half of the system)

This was definitely a concern of mine when I read this in other forums. I am having a hard time finding many 2014-2015 posts or discussions and was just curious if Andersen had addressed any of these concerns.
jerem0621
Explorer II
Apr 20, 2015
I am probably going with the Andersen for my Awesome Pop Up camper.
handye9
Explorer II
Apr 20, 2015
dee74 wrote:
jmtandem wrote:
but (the dealer) thinks I may be happier with the Andersen hitch.

First I would ask why? Then I would go with the Anderson if the dealer makes sense.

I did ask why. The advantages that he listed were the unique design,how the hitch works (which after some research I understand a little better) the ease of use, and the lightweight (which spoke to me because my back is not as strong as it used to be). He also said that this hitch is extremely quiet compared to the Equal-i-zer, and my wife gets nervous every time that hitch pops and cracks even though I explain that is normal for metal on metal contact.

He was correct in the ease of use, quiet, and lite weight. Couple other benefits are, grease or oil is not required (it stays cleaner) on any part of the hitch, and, I couldn't tell much difference, but, my DW says she no longer needs a sports bra for riding on our rough roads.

Your back situation could be your justification for making the switch. When ordered by mail, an Andersen hitch comes in a box that weighs 60 lbs. That includes trailer frame brackets and chains. The part you'll be sliding in and out of your receiver, probably weighs under 50 lbs.

Going to keep the Equalizer? Maybe, keep it as backup. Maybe, sell it. If you trade it in, I hope the dealer gives you a decent price for it.

Forum Discussion

Equal-i-zer or Andersen?

About RV Tips & Tricks

Related Content

Equal-i-zer vs Dual Cam

Equal-i-zer lubrication

equal-i-zer

Equal-i-zer Hitches

New Equal-I-Zer Hitch Issue