Community Forums

JimmyP · 01-08-2013, 07:36 AM

Thinking about buying an Andersen model 3200 ultimate connection fifth wheel hitch. Has anyone had any experience with this hitch? Any pros or cons? Thanks.

RustyJC · 01-08-2013, 09:55 AM

I wouldn't recommend it. This is an oddball, neither fish nor fowl gooseneck/5th wheel hybrid arrangement. With the required adapter on your 5th wheel's pinbox, no one else (except another Anderson hitch user) will be able to tow your 5th wheel if needed. I'd go with a more accepted, commonly used 5th wheel hitch arrangement such as those available from Reese, B&W (turnoverball gooseneck with companion 5th wheel hitch), or others. Don't make the mistake of going with gooseneck adapters that bolt/weld onto your 5th wheel's pinbox, though.

Rusty

JimmyP · 01-08-2013, 05:54 PM

Thanks Rusty. I won't be using the trailer much and then only on short trips but I need a hitch I can easily move in and out by myself. The light weight is what attracted me.

TXiceman · 01-08-2013, 06:32 PM

My Reese 20K comes apart into 3 pieces to give you pieces that you can handle.

Ken

RustyJC · 01-08-2013, 06:49 PM

If lifting the hitch is a problem, there are a number of solutions. You can even leave the hitch attached to the 5th wheel's pinbox. When unhitching, just pull the pins attaching the hitch to the truck (don't unhitch the kingpin), lift the 5th wheel RV with the front jacks and the hitch will be hanging off the kingpin. Drive out from under it and it will sit on the kingpin until you're ready to hitch up and tow again. Just drop the hitch back into place with the 5th wheel jacks, pin it and you're good to go.

Rusty

Riverc · 01-10-2013, 09:52 AM

Have a friend that bought one back in Sep. 2012 and he likes it.Says its light and easy to install and Remove.

I took a good look at it and I would not own one.I just do not like a goose neck type hitch.

TButterfield · 01-10-2013, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RustyJC

With the required adapter on your 5th wheel's pinbox, no one else (except another Anderson hitch user) will be able to tow your 5th wheel if needed.

This does not replace the original pin. It only adds a small coupler around the pin that can set over the raised gooseneck ball of the hitch. Anyone with 15/16" wrenches can take it off the two 5" bolts and tow with a standard 5th wheel hitch. Also, unlike the regular gooseneck adapters, this coupler keeps the hitch ball in the same plane as the pin and thus does not add any levering action on the trailer frame.

But, that's just my newbie view of it and I could be wrong. For the record, I have the B&W Companion on my truck.

Tim

TButterfield · 01-10-2013, 05:24 PM

Just to add an additional note, the use of a ball type hitch would require chains. You would need to find some way to attach them. (Depends on state law.)

Tim