davesparks2001 wrote:
Thanks for the explanation Cummins12V98. I've been leaning really hard toward the Andersen for the ease of use reasons in addition to the ease of putting it in and out of the truck. I love the idea of the cable release so there's no need to climb up in the truck to lock the jaws open when dropping the camper. I also love the idea that it's basically maintenance free. I have had two B&W companions in the past so I know how great they are. My first instinct was just to go ahead and order the companion but I thought I'd see what else came along in the 5 years I was driving a motor home instead of towing a 5er. I was ready to pull the trigger today and order an Andersen so I could pamper myself with the most "easy" possible. I'll chew on it some more over the weekend. The bed deflection issue makes me uneasy. Any of you Andersen users out there noticed an indentations in your bed?
No but I have the rail mount version. I've never personally seen any pictures that showed any significant indentation - no more than I've got in my bed from other things, anyway. Also worth noting that the only bent hitch I've ever heard of involved the aluminum version, and it was an isolated incident. I've not heard of any issues with the redesigned aluminum version.
Most people who dog the Andersen Ultimate have never used it, and most who do use it love the way it works. The cable lock works great, there's no uncertainty with regard to whether the trailer is properly hitched and its a very solid hitch that allows the trailer to articulate easily.
Edit - there's no way to padlock the t-handle. I couldn't care less but some (one) apparently do (does) care.