Community Forums

Mr_Fixit · 12-09-2015, 07:22 AM

Is anyone using a Andersen fifth wheel hitch on their 5er ?

Ultimate 5th Wheel Connection

If so, how do you like it. One person I know said it eliminated his chucking and he likes the light weight taking it in and out of his truck.

Steve

Cumminsfan · 12-09-2015, 07:51 AM

Only way it would eliminate chucking is if the previous hitch was sloppy. My Patriot is rock solid and I have chucking. I replaced a used Reese that was sloppy and still have the chucking. I'm just not seeing how the Andersen would eliminate chucking.

Cummins12V98 · 12-09-2015, 10:11 AM

NO way on eliminating the chucking!!!

Mr_Fixit · 12-09-2015, 10:16 AM

My thought also, though owner is quite insistent it does. I wonder if, when he switched over he may have also change heights?

Steve

Maverick50 · 12-09-2015, 10:20 AM

I'm not sold at all on Gooseneck hitches for hauling a 5th Wheel RV. They have their place, but that is on a farm/ranch. I personally like my TrailerSaver T3 air hitch.

unitlink · 12-09-2015, 01:52 PM

I've researched a hitch setup for about 6 months before we purchased our 5th Wheel and ended up with the Andersen.

So far I have no complaints on this setup. The ease of installing it in the truck and removing it as well as the weight of the hitch are well worth it.

I can't comment much on chucking just as of yet as I would like to take it out a few more times.

Also this is not a gooseneck hitch, it is a 5th Wheel hitch. The Andersen attaches to your truck via a gooseneck ball.

Mr_Fixit · 12-09-2015, 03:20 PM

The Andersen hitch is not a goose neck. It uses the pin, just puts an adapter on it, not an extension like a true goose neck adapter. The ball it attaches to is at the same height as a tradition fiver hitch, so I don't believe there is any added stress. it just couples differently. The light weight has my attention.

I am not at all enthusiastic about true goose necks for this reason. I don't believe the structure supporting the pin box is as stout as it is on horse trailers for example and I believe putting a goose neck on it causes increased stress. What I see is an increase in stress cracks in siewall at the front edge of the bedroom slide (based on my own observations with a limited sample size). I think if you call the manufacturer, they will say using a goose neck voids their warranty (at least that is what I have been told). So my two cents on that issue.

Steve

P5W · 12-09-2015, 05:01 PM

Love mine and, in spite of what the non-users claim, no chucking. Just returned from 11,700 mile, 33 state, 3 1/2 month trip and it performed flawlessly and we enjoyed a nice smooth and comfortable ride. There is zero play in this connection. No backward, forward, up or down or side to side movement is possible, therefore, no chucking. No "chucking" when you go over those freeway transitions, nothing.

Mine is the steel, rail mounted version. Easy to hookup and unhook, easy to remove the hitch from the bed. The whole thing is just awesome in my book.

Mr_Fixit · 12-09-2015, 05:51 PM

Wait a minute! No back ache from lifting my hitch in and out? No bashing over expansion joints? What the heck can I do for fun?

Appreciate your report. May wait for major distributors where I have contacts to buy wholesale to take the line on.

Steve

rskeans · 12-09-2015, 07:31 PM

I have the Andersen and there is zero chucking! The only tolerances are between the Andersen Ball and the adapter on the king pin. No accumulated tolerances for chucking. It is also very easy to hookup and unhook. Only those who haven't use one have a problem with the Andersen.

1960C182 · 12-09-2015, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rskeans

I have the Andersen and there is zero chucking! The only tolerances are between the Andersen Ball and the adapter on the king pin. No accumulated tolerances for chucking. It is also very easy to hookup and unhook. Only those who haven't use one have a problem with the Andersen.

Best,repeat best hitch period. those that haven't used them don't know diddly squat about the hitch.
I really think the "rock throwers" just mad at themselves for not going Andersen,my thought.

Mr_Fixit · 12-09-2015, 08:08 PM

I really didn't see any rock throwing. The no chucking thing is hard to imagine, but I have heard it enough now from owners so I am convinced. Given it comes with less weight and it seems no downside, it sure beats the cost of an air bagged pin box. I don't understand why neither of the major wholesale distributors are handling it. I do see where etrailer is however. I an glad to hear it is working out so well as so much of what is out there as supposed improvements is does little or nothing.

Steve

Cypressloser · 12-09-2015, 09:58 PM

I have the Andersen Ultimate for a couple of years now and I can say with a straight face, I do not want another hitch - ever. I have had several high end 5th wheel hitches prior. The Andersen is not a gooseneck hitch, it will not void the trailer warranty and there is NO!! chucking.

Fsufreak · 12-10-2015, 12:11 AM

I also own an Andersen ultimate aluminum hitch and I could not imagine going thru the hassle of loading or unloading a hitch any heavier than 32 lbs why would you want to? Why would you,at your age or mine ,want to pickup a 100+ lb hitch full of grease and hook it up or set it up in the back of the pickup then try and hook up to the fifth wheel by your self? You are gonna need a family member or friend outside to help you! Now with the Andersen it's simple it's a one man job.just back up and lower the fiver down on the ball and your done!! Get out and twist the lock hookup the E brakes and fiver lights. Forgot to mention it's only $650.00 ten minutes in and out,simple....did I mention no chucking or bucking?