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.