F150 with 24' TT and an Andersen WDH - Thoughts on Andersen?

[bedpan]

Hey Folks or more specifically Andersen users...

Just looking for some insight to anyone who is using an Andersen WDH. Have you had any major problems or concerns? It seems to me to have many benefits without (in my mind) many negatives. Any F150 towers with TT's around 7-8k lbs?

I have towed an 18' TT (3.5k lbs full) for about 35,000km over the last few years. It was sold awhile back and I just bought a Sundance 24BHS. Dry weight is around 5k lbs and full around 7.5k lbs. Truck is a 13 F150, Ecoboost, 4x4, Crew with maxtow. Numbers wise I am good although I will be pushing the max payload once we have everything on board.

Not looking for the debate of the best WDH. I know that the Normal crew of Equalizers, Reese, Husky etc make some rock solid products. Just want to discuss the Andersen and more specifically the Andersen with an F150 and around a 7500lbs TT.


Cheers all!

Mike

[bedpan]

Thanks folks...

I have sent a couple messages now to Andersen (One web forum, and one email) with nothing coming back. My message was just asking about numbers and if they had any concerns with my setup.

I will try calling them right now. I am comfortable with the numbers based on my own research. I just need to figure out the best source for me to order with in Canada. As per there website if you don't buy from an authorized dealer there is no support and I have no dealers in Ontario to try and order from..

Again thanks for the words of encouragement folks.


Edit----
Just left a voicemail for customer support...
Submitted a web query back on 30 Jan
Emailed on 3 Feb
Called and left Voicemail today...

Mike

[Captain_Happy]

I've my Andersen WDH hitch for almost 3 years now, and I really like it. No need for a separate sway control unit. My towing setup is a 2017 Tacoma rated to tow over 6,000 lbs. Trailer is a 2009 17 foot Casita trailer. So I'm not in the same weight class as you are. But it works for me. The reason I bought it was for a problem of using a Reese WDH on my Casita trailer. The brackets that the bars chains have to be attached to where right where the Propane bottles where mounted on the front of the trailers frame. So instead of having the bottles relocated (expense) I found the Andersen WDH hitch. The brackets that the chains go into can be relocated by making the chains longer. My tongue weight is probably right around 450 to 500 lbs. I've still got the Reese WDH. makes a really nice boat anchor.

[pfidahospud]

I have had the Andersen for about a year, towing a Lance 2295 with an F150. I really want to like it. It’s made in Idaho, uniquely engineered, and extremely light and easy to use. However I went through four insert sleeves in the first summer, towing a total of around 3,000 miles. I’ve confirmed many times that everything is set up to spec. The inserts kept mushrooming up, reducing the sway reduction capability. I got pretty good at it, but the process to get the sleeve off after it has mushroomed is a b:tch.
I can say that it DOES distribute weight to the front axle of the pickup. I wish those rumors would just die. Those with that issue don’t have the chains tightened enough.
For customer service, I have not had the same positive results that many others have had. Just getting someone to return my calls has consistently been difficult. I have however received all replacement parts gratis.
So...the good and the bad. If I were to do it over again, I’d make sure it was the brand new design of the insert that is screwed down to the base. Apparently I’m not the only one who’s had the mushrooming issue.

[bedpan]

Thanks for the reply....

I have continued to read and watch videos this evening trying to find some answers.. I did find a couple other forums with some very details discussions. One on Air Forums and another on f150ecoboost

I think I am going to give the Andersen a go.... I don't see it on Andersens site but I believe they offer a money back guarantee for the first 60 days. Or they did anyways. Worst case I stop at a Camping World going south and grab a Equalizer or .....

Still love to hear what others think of the Andersen WDH...

Cheers folks,

Mike

mordecai81 wrote:
I had your situation almost exactly. 2014 F150 max tow, 4300lb 20 ft Mini-Lite and the Andersen WDH. Very happy with that set-up. Upgraded to an ORV 25 footer that scales loaded at 6500 pounds. I felt the Andersen was right on the edge of it's capabilities with that rig. The sway control with the bigger trailer was just ok and the wd was hard to dial in. I think I could have made it work given a little more effort but I had lost the confidence I had in the hitch with the smaller trailer so got an Equalizer with the 1200lb bars. Tongue weight on the new rig is 1150 lbs and the Equalizer handles the wd and sway very well.
I miss the silence and no grease of the Andersen but have complete confidence in the capabilities of the Equalizer.

[mordecai81]

I've got to add, Andersen's customer service is some of the best I've ever experienced. Helpful, friction cone replacements gratis, timely technical help. They are right up there with the Champion generator folks for service. If you go that route you have no worries in that regard.

[mordecai81]

I had your situation almost exactly. 2014 F150 max tow, 4300lb 20 ft Mini-Lite and the Andersen WDH. Very happy with that set-up. Upgraded to an ORV 25 footer that scales loaded at 6500 pounds. I felt the Andersen was right on the edge of it's capabilities with that rig. The sway control with the bigger trailer was just ok and the wd was hard to dial in. I think I could have made it work given a little more effort but I had lost the confidence I had in the hitch with the smaller trailer so got an Equalizer with the 1200lb bars. Tongue weight on the new rig is 1150 lbs and the Equalizer handles the wd and sway very well.
I miss the silence and no grease of the Andersen but have complete confidence in the capabilities of the Equalizer.

[bedpan]

I have read quite a bit the last couple of days. I need to get something ordered in the next couple of weeks. Trailer is being picked up on the 15th and our first trip (FL) for March Break.

I have not heard much in the way of complaints about sway. I have read lots of people comment on the limited ability to transfer weight. This is usually pretty subjective though as I have not read to many owners with this concern. Lots of people getting bushings replaced but that seems to be free of charge...

The Weight Transfer is more less the reason I started the thread and hoping to find some users with similar TV and TT's to see what there experience is.

Being from Canada like you the other issue I have it appears to not be available from any local shops. It leaves me with ordering from Amazon only as far as I can tell.

Looking forward to more comments..

Cheers,

Mike

camp-n-family wrote:
Most complaints I’ve heard (beyond the owners vandalism of a national monument 😉 ) have been difficulty being able to distribute enough tongue weight with heavier trailers (5k+), ability to control sway with longer ones (28’+), and bushings wearing out. No personal experience.

[camp-n-family]

Most complaints I’ve heard (beyond the owners vandalism of a national monument 😉 ) have been difficulty being able to distribute enough tongue weight with heavier trailers (5k+), ability to control sway with longer ones (28’+), and bushings wearing out. No personal experience.