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Re: Towing 5th with an Andersen Hitch in Short Bed Truck
ZeeLet50 wrote: When I had my GMC 2500 it had a 6'bed and I put the coupler in the position to allow more clearance between the trailer and the cab. I also had a low profile roll up bed cover. The bottom of the pin box on turns over 60 degrees would contact the bed cover track and damage it. I did raise the ball up one level and it still made some contact. The next season I got my GMC 3500 and it had a 6'5" bed so I turned the coupler around and have had no issues. So be aware pushing the pin box back in the bed will also affect the clearance to the sides. Now if I did not have a bed cover rail there would of been no issue but its something to look out for. Now this was with the stock pin box. I did upgrade to the MorRyde cushioned pin box and it does have a different profile that may have solved my problem of contact but I upgraded with the new truck so I will never know. Anderson is great as its so light the wife can install it. OK, thanks for that information. I happen to have a bed cover, folding, and both tracks attach to the inside of each side of the bed. I had not thought of the possibility of the back of the pinbox hitting the bed cover tracks on a turn, but I can see how that might be likely. It will be inconvenient, but I may remove my bed cover + tracks before towing a fifth wheel. Word to the wise about leaving an Andersen hitch exposed when parking in public areas -- all thieves need is some sockets and a ratchet or maybe a crescent wrench to relieve you of your hitch. I know this does happen on occasion, as I was shopping for a used Andersen, found one for sale online without the coupler in the picture. I messaged the seller and asked if he had the coupler for it, and he said no. I replied, "Thanks, but I don't buy stolen goods." He did not reply at all, pretty much admitting it was stolen goods.3.5KViews0likes0CommentsRe: Towing 5th with an Andersen Hitch in Short Bed Truck
cummins2014 wrote: I would start with having the Andersen adapter putting the fifth wheel further from the cab of the truck . That’s the position I had it in with my first fifth wheel with the MorRyde pin box , no clearance problems with the tailgate , my present fifth , same truck I reversed the Anderson adapter putting the fifth wheel closer to the cab . I had concerns with the pin box making contact with the tailgate , this fifth wheel has the Lippert pin box . Either position I have had no problems with cab clearance , same truck as yours . Thanks much. That has sounded like the most practical starting point for my equipment so most likely I will start there.3.5KViews0likes0CommentsRe: Towing 5th with an Andersen Hitch in Short Bed Truck
ZeeLet50 wrote: To answer the OP's initial question and not off topic like this has gone...the short bed will work with the Anderson hitch. It does require situational awareness as does any hitch. Take it too far and there can be damage. The Anderson pulls fine. Just be aware that any placement of the pin further back of the rear axle will affect the ride somewhat. So that offset ball pushing the pin further back will work but you might get more "chunking" or sag. And that will be with conventional or Anderson hitches. The only difference you can see between the Anderson and conventional setup to the trailer will be a conventional will have a larger contact area with the pin box. I dont see how this stresses the frame more. It could break the pin off of a badly welded pinbox but maybe there is something I am missing or its just CYA of the manufacture. The new Morryde pinboxes are much beefier than the standard pinbox that used to come on the pre 2019 models. Thanks to the input in this thread, I don't expect to try to / need to use an offset gooseneck ball. It sounds like you have experience with the Andersen hitch, so I have a question, if I might, for you, or anyone else with experience with the Andersen. The ball on top of the Andersen hitch in my truck appears to sit pretty much right over the rear axle. The Andersen coupler, as you know, is going to offset the kingpin a few inches to the front or rear from the Andersen ball. I understand that pinbox positioning and the front cap of fifth wheel campers vary. My question is, would you suggest I use the Andersen coupler to offset the kingpin to the front or rear of the Andersen ball? This would be a starting position and I would then tow and observe carefully, and if needed, switch the direction of the Andersen coupler.3.5KViews0likes0CommentsRe: Towing 5th with an Andersen Hitch in Short Bed Truck
ZeeLet50 wrote: To answer the OP's initial question and not off topic like this has gone...the short bed will work with the Anderson hitch. It does require situational awareness as does any hitch. Take it too far and there can be damage. The Anderson pulls fine. Just be aware that any placement of the pin further back of the rear axle will affect the ride somewhat. So that offset ball pushing the pin further back will work but you might get more "chunking" or sag. And that will be with conventional or Anderson hitches. The only difference you can see between the Anderson and conventional setup to the trailer will be a conventional will have a larger contact area with the pin box. I dont see how this stresses the frame more. It could break the pin off of a badly welded pinbox but maybe there is something I am missing or its just CYA of the manufacture. The new Morryde pinboxes are much beefier than the standard pinbox that used to come on the pre 2019 models. OK, thanks for the tips and cautions on using the Andersen hitch, much appreciated.3.5KViews0likes0CommentsRe: Towing 5th with an Andersen Hitch in Short Bed Truck
Thanks. I did a little online research last night, and it turns out that using an Andersen, or the Pullrite (similar to Andersen except the ball and funnel positions are reversed) or any similar type fifth connection, all void the Lippert frame warranty. However, using a Reese Goosebox, which appears to be a pinbox replacement, does not void the Lippert warranty. These cost close to $2K with tax and shipping. Turns out that Lippert owns Reese -- Gosh, what a coincidinky!764Views0likes0CommentsRe: Towing 5th with an Andersen Hitch in Short Bed Truck
Carl n Susan wrote: F.Y.I. using an Andersen hitch with any Montana (or Keystone 5th wheel) will VOID your frame warranty. There is a letter from Keystone to that effect and while some will argue they can't do that, it isn't a battle most want to fight. That 3 year frame warranty is a valuable asset and given the occurrence of wall separation from the frame 9usually due to bad welds), is something to be protected. Thank you for that information. I had not heard about that when I purchased my Andersen hitch. I agree with what someone said that it doesn't seem logical that the Andersen would put any more stress on the pin box and frame than most any other hitch, but as you said, not a battle most of us have the money to throw at lawyers to wage! I bought my Andersen 2nd hand at a price that I could easily get my money out. So if anyone has any suggestions as to what 5th wheel hitches that attach to a gooseball that doesn't void any warranties that I should look into, I'd be very interested in any comments and information.761Views0likes0CommentsRe: Towing 5th with an Andersen Hitch in Short Bed Truck
Wow! Lots of good information. Much thanks to all! I did not realize that the pin box and the positioning of it on the fifth wheel camper could make such a difference. Really appreciate your comments and information, as a result of which I will wait until I purchase a fifth wheel and then figure out which way to mount the Andersen coupler, then proceed very very carefully when backing up.286Views0likes0CommentsTowing 5th with an Andersen Hitch in Short Bed Truck
We will soon upgrade from a TT to a 5th Wheel, haven't purchased the 5th yet but know what make and model we will be buying, a Montana High Country, pic below of the front cap of that model. Our truck is a Ram Crew Cab with a 6'4" bed. I have an Andersen hitch which attaches to a GooseBall in the truck, pic below. With the offset of the Andersen hitch, it appears that the Andersen ball is just about centered over the truck axle. My questions are, do you think with the hitch as shown, and a 5th wheel with a front end as shown, can that work safely if very careful about backing up? My GooseNeck Hitch is a B&W. B&W sells a 4" offset ball, which would extend the hitch 4" to the rear. Would this be preferable? Is there any problems regarding the fifth wheel with moving the attachment point 4" rearward? And lastly, those with experience with the Andersen hitch, the 4" offset ball looks like it sits about 3/4" above the bed. When attaching the Andersen hitch, would I still be able to pull it down snug to the bed? Thanks in advance for any information or advice!11KViews0likes37CommentsRe: Having Difficulty Finding Replacement Roof Vent Covers
Thanks to all for your helpful responses. I did order two Maxxair vent covers, so once the Ventline replacement covers arrive and I install them, I will install the Maxxair covers. And thanks much for the suggestion about the vent gaskets and the links. I think I will order those and replace as well.424Views0likes0CommentsRe: Having Difficulty Finding Replacement Roof Vent Covers
Thanks to both of you for your prompt and helpful responses. Much appreciated! I believe mine are the Ventline covers, so I just ordered two of them. Once I get those and get them installed, I will definitely consider putting Maxxair or Camco vent covers over those. Great suggestion!424Views0likes0Comments
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