Community Forums

chertz · 02-05-2016, 07:13 AM

I have read a lot of posts on the Anderson Ultimate hitch and many of them claiming to have approval from LCI or their trailer manufacture that using an Anderson Hitch won't affect the warranty coverage.

I am getting close to trading our TT in on a 5W and as a result am deciding on a hitch... I was very much sold on the Anderson until I started sending emails to Coachmen (mfg of 5W we are considering) and LCI.

Coachmen simply responded that any question of frame / pinbox warranty needs to be directed to LCI... sure.. makes sense.

So I email LCI

My Message:
"I am getting close to purchasing a 2016 Coachmen Chapparral 360IBL 5th wheel camper and would like to know if there are any issues with using the Anderson Ultimate hitch on this trailer? I currently have a B&W turnover ball hitch for my cattle trailer and flat bad trailers.

If in fact this hitch is not recommended, can you recommend a solution for someone whom needs to keep a gooseneck hitch for other trailers?

Thanks,"

Their Response:
"Thank you for contacting LCI. The only thing we have currently that could be compatible is the Reese Goosebox. LCI stance on any type of altering from the original equipment that may cause damage or failure of the product may not be considered for warranty coverage. If you'd like to learn more about the Goosebox, please log in to www.lci1.com and check out the aftermarket components"

Not exactly the response I expected, nor did they really answer the question. At this point I responded saying: "Even though this hitch doesn't alter the frame or connection point, LCI would void the warranty if it is used?"

LCI's Response was:
"We can't advise if it's going to void the warranty. We don't know if the component is going to cause any structural damage or concern in the future. LCI stands behind the altering of the original equipment that could potentially cause harm to the unit."

I am assuming the last sentence is a typo and they didn't intend to say the stand behind altering the equipment.

So now I am confused and turn to my fellow RV'ers for some consult... I know Anderson has a policy that they will stand behind the product if the OEM does not, but I would like to hear from others whom are using the Anderson hitch... Have you all had similar correspondence? Has anyone seen any issues, cracking of pinbox's, flexing frames... anything that could potentially be called a hitch related issue?

So if I don't go with the Anderson hitch, what to use?

I don't want to take my B&W turnover ball hitch out... I need it for other trailers, and no I am not converting my cattle trailer to a 5W as I also use other peoples goosenecks, and they use my trailers with a gooseneck.

Can you put rails in the bed with a gooseneck? Seems the B&W would be in the way.

What about the B&W Companion hitch? Its very pricey indeed though...

Anyone use the Bulldog High Rise Hitch? It looks interesting indeed.... basically a lighter version of the B&W Companion by looking at pictures... but quite a bit more affordable.

I appreciate any and all thoughts and comments you all are willing to share.

Cummins12V98 · 02-05-2016, 10:20 AM

"What about the B&W Companion hitch? Its very pricey indeed though... "

Get the B&W you will love it! Rock solid and they sure don't inflate their tow ratings like some do.

chertz · 02-07-2016, 07:29 AM

Thanks cummins... I am leaning that way... was hoping for some more responses... should have titled it "can I tow a 18k lb 5er with my S10" and I would get 100 replies ;-)

roothoss1282 · 02-07-2016, 07:57 AM

I have a 2015 F-250 I put a B and W turn over in just for the Anderson. Using it on a 2015 High Country 353

chertz · 02-07-2016, 11:54 AM

Roo... how do u like it? What issues have you had and what pros do you see to this design?

DTG173 · 02-07-2016, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chertz

Thanks cummins... I am leaning that way... was hoping for some more responses... should have titled it "can I tow a 18k lb 5er with my S10" and I would get 100 replies ;-)

Yes. As long as you do at least 85 mph on the ST tires to get up the hills in OD.

roothoss1282 · 02-08-2016, 05:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chertz

Roo... how do u like it? What issues have you had and what pros do you see to this design?

Nothing but good. Easy to hook up and very light and clean. I think the whole set up was $1200

cwsqbm · 02-08-2016, 05:48 AM

So you're saying that LCI recommends their own product instead of something else? Surprising.

Ask a company's lawyer if the sky is blue and the best you can hope for is "We can't comment of the color of the sky, but please check out our products to help you enjoy whatever color the sky happens to be."

That said, for the OP's situation, the Reese Goosebox would work well and LCI says its ok.

Zac808 · 02-08-2016, 11:19 PM

No matter what you get, warranty issues will not be easy to get fixed by the mfg. Andersen carries a $1M warranty policy. Contact them to see if they will take responsibility if LCIs components get damaged due to the hitch.

minnow · 02-09-2016, 06:29 AM

There was a similar discussion on another forum about this issue. When looking at the Reese product and the Anderson, it appears to me that the Reese actually puts more stress on the pin box then the Anderson. The Reese moves the pin back further from the ball. The Anderson still has the center of the pin more directly over the ball. As Zac808 stated, Anderson has it's own warranty policy. I would not dismiss the Anderson because of what Lippert is saying. LCI has had a skectchy history of warranty claims and a few years back had quite the reputation for poor welds on it's pin boxes. If Anderson says it will cover any issues resulting from it's hitch, I'd still go with them.
LCI and Reese are in bed together and I'm sure any product other than a Cequent Group (parent company of Reese) will be poo-poo'ed by LCI.

scout4eagles · 02-10-2016, 08:10 AM

If you already a B&W keep it and look for Companion. Look on Craigslist for a used one. I upgraded from a B&W 3500 to 3600 for increased height on my new truck and have that laying around in the garage without the head assembly since the head assemblies are interchangeable. I have had B&W, Pullrite, Curt snd Reese and would not use anything but B&W.

chertz · 02-10-2016, 10:54 AM

Thanks scout! I do really like the companion.

Has anyone used the Bulldog/Reece hi-rise conversion hitch? It looks like a nice built unit too, but not knowing much about jaw type / other 5er hitch specifics I don't really know.

roothoss1282 · 02-10-2016, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scout4eagles

If you already a B&W keep it and look for Companion. Look on Craigslist for a used one. I upgraded from a B&W 3500 to 3600 for increased height on my new truck and have that laying around in the garage without the head assembly since the head assemblies are interchangeable. I have had B&W, Pullrite, Curt snd Reese and would not use anything but B&W.

That is what I have is the B&W Turnover Ball and use the Anderson. Perfect setup