Andersen Hitches

Just ordered one of these for my trailer, 19ft shamrock. I tried the 2way equalizer but I think with my light tongue weight it was alot of overkill. I really dont need the weight hitch my truck barely drops not even a full inch loaded. I will be taking a trip with it on the 20th and will report back. Michael

cougarfan wrote:
I'm looking at this hitch as well. I have a single-axle trailer and am wondering if the Andersen will help with the bounce that comes with one axle. I have an EAZ-Lift WDH now but it doesn't do much to smooth out the ride.

Thanks
Laura

Your situation is similar to mine. My Andersen hitch has been perfect for this type of application; plenty of tow vehicle and smaller trailer.

I'm looking at this hitch as well. I have a single-axle trailer and am wondering if the Andersen will help with the bounce that comes with one axle. I have an EAZ-Lift WDH now but it doesn't do much to smooth out the ride.

Thanks
Laura

I have used both, and for the heavier trailer you intend to buy, I agree with your choice. I liked the Andersen just fine with my Highlander and 2700 lb TT, and liked the Equal-i-zer just fine with the Mountaineer and 4000 lb Rockwood. I just didn't feel comfortable using those sturdy, non-flexing bars on my Highlander.

Thank you, all for your detailed replies.
I am satisfied with an Equal-i-zer hitch, but it doesn't hurt to investigate other designs and read fresh replies, along with searching old threads on any subject.

As I will be moving up from a 5500 GVR trailer to a 7500GVW trailer, I will be staying with an Equal-i-zer brand hitch.

Lynnmor wrote:
I don't like the way that the chains pull on the brackets. Seems to me that the brackets might skid forward or damage the frame.

The skidding possibility, is addressed in the installation instructions. There are a couple different ways to prevent skidding.

I am using an Andersen hitch. As mentioned (here and in other threads), it is a little soft on restoring weight to the front axle. It does however, meet the specs recommended in the owners manual for my truck.

Features I like the most are:

Lite weight
Quiet
No grease or oil to get on my clothing

Mine works great for controlling bouncing and sway. But, as others have said, it is best for lighter weight trailers with adequate tow vehicles. The strength of the Andersen hitch is not weight distribution, but more sway and bounce control. Results in a very smooth towing experience. The GVWR of my trailer is 5,000 pounds, and I'm usually running around 4400. If you're looking for more weight distribution than you are getting now, I don't know if the Andersen is the best way to go, although I would highly recommend it in some applications.

Hundreds of pages of information available on here and Airstream forums. They work very well with adequate or more than adequate tow vehicles. Not so well if every ounce of front axle weight restoration is necessary.

I don't like the way that the chains pull on the brackets. Seems to me that the brackets might skid forward or damage the frame.

Most people seem to be pleased with it for smaller trailers. I have seen several not able to get enough tongue weight transferred on heavier ones. A quick search brought up lots of posts