Andersen fifth wheel hitch

[Cumminsfan]

Originally Posted by EagleFixer

Hooked up the Andersen using a Kobalt torque wrench and everything was solid! No chucking or clunking of any kind. Granted I only towed around town but with the Harbor Freight torque wrench the hitch was chucking/clunking on the same route.

Did you have clunking or chucking with your previous 5th hitch?

[EagleFixer]

Originally Posted by Cumminsfan

Did you have clunking or chucking with your previous 5th hitch?

This is my first 5th wheel ever. Before the last time I hooked up, I torqued everything down using a torque wrench I got from Harbor Freight and had a lot of clunking when starting, stopping, and turning. With the new torque wrench everything was smooth as silk.

[SkiSmuggs]

Originally Posted by shane772

This should make it a bit more interesting . . . ISR Series SuperLite 20K | PullRite Hitches
Guess Andersen must have been on to something.

So far, I haven't seen anyone selling these or a price. Reversing the ball and socket is interesting and the funnel is a good advancement.

[Bob1340]

Originally Posted by SkiSmuggs

So far, I haven't seen anyone selling these or a price. Reversing the ball and socket is interesting and the funnel is a good advancement.

I contacted them about this. They are being shipped to dealers this week with an as expected high Pullrite retail price of $890.68. Of course most dealers sell at a cheaper rate. This does not include a rail system to mount it.

I do like the adapter the Pullrite uses on the pinbox

[chertz]

Looks like a neat idea... Only I can't use it because I have a gooseneck hitch already... unless I missed a version that mounts to the gooseneck ball like the anderson does.

[Guitwar]

I would think that the Pullrite version has a couple of "enhancements" that would make hitching the 5th wheel a little easier than the Anderson. Especially from someone lacking experience (meaning myself). Just watching the sales videos makes me think that, where the ball is mounted on the kingpin and drops into the hitch vs the other way around (Andersion version). I've been going back and forth between the B&W Patriot and the Demco Hijacker, both in the above rail versions until I read about the Anderson. I like the fact that it is super light compared to a standard hitch.

What I really like is not only finding a good solid discussion here regarding the pros and cons, but hearing from folks that have actually used the Anderson.

I've got my name on a waiting list for the Pullrite Superlite 20k with a dealer about an hour and a half from here. Once it comes in I'll take a look. They're asking $575 for the rail version. Don't know about the gooseneck one, but I don't need that flavor. That's a little more than the Anderson, which I've seen on Amazon for $399. I'm looking forward to actually seeing (and holding) the Pullrite.

Being new to the "sport", the wife and I are anxious to get our feet wet come spring.

[cootersotg]

@Guitwar - We bought our first trailer last year and I loved the look of the Anderson (the weight as you mentioned) and I wanted the empty bed when needed. So I purchased it with the same reservation you had (aligning it during hitching) - especially as I had no hitching experience with a fifth wheel style hitch.

The first time I hitched up I will admit it took me an embarrassingly long time, but I quickly got the feel of it.

Usually now I back right up to it, and if I need to tweak my alignment I can do it in one pull up and I can tell I am off from inside the truck, I don't need to get out and look.

Usually we are on the move about once a week but we had just been in a spot for 9 weeks and I will admit then when I hitched up that time I was off more then normal, but it was a quick adjustment and I am guessing when I move this week I will be right back on it.

So the Pullrite looks like a much better design and I am not knocking it, but wanted to let you know that if you prefer the Andersen and all that is holding you back is the hitching up I can assure you that it is simple and you will master it in no time

[EagleFixer]

Originally Posted by cootersotg

@Guitwar - We bought our first trailer last year and I loved the look of the Anderson (the weight as you mentioned) and I wanted the empty bed when needed. So I purchased it with the same reservation you had (aligning it during hitching) - especially as I had no hitching experience with a fifth wheel style hitch.

The first time I hitched up I will admit it took me an embarrassingly long time, but I quickly got the feel of it.

Usually now I back right up to it, and if I need to tweak my alignment I can do it in one pull up and I can tell I am off from inside the truck, I don't need to get out and look.

Usually we are on the move about once a week but we had just been in a spot for 9 weeks and I will admit then when I hitched up that time I was off more then normal, but it was a quick adjustment and I am guessing when I move this week I will be right back on it.

So the Pullrite looks like a much better design and I am not knocking it, but wanted to let you know that if you prefer the Andersen and all that is holding you back is the hitching up I can assure you that it is simple and you will master it in no time

Yep, what he said. I've only hitched up about three times and it gets easier each time. The first time took me a bit to get connected. The past two times only a couple of minor adjustments and I was locked and loaded.

[jeffinsalida]

I have an Anderson. After having our 5th wheel steps hit in a state park at night by someone driving with parking lights (to not disturb others) I have lots of reflector tape on the trailer. I cut some 1/4" strips and marked the center front and center sides (at the ball cup). Its very easy, even at night, to line up the hitch with those markings.

[jeffinsalida]

For those still trying to decide I have a few pros and cons if it will help.
Pros:
*I can lift it out of the bed when needed.
*Much easier to store during non-use.
*Longest time of installing it is the torqueing of the bolts, still only a few minutes.
*I can adjust the ride height easily during trips, on my trailer at the lowest setting the trailer is level for highway miles and MPG. If I want to increase my bed clearance to boondock its just a matter of using the 5th wheel jacks and pulling one pin.
*I don't trust my opinon but I think it tows smoother. The DW thinks so also, I have to trust hers......
*I like the ability to flex between the trailer and truck.
*Great ability to adjust moving hitch point forward or rearward for cab clearance. *Even with my prior hitch moved forward I was unloading my front tires by 300 lbs when hitched; now I add 200lbs. Much better weight distro. Makes the ride feel much better.
CONS:
*I had to pull my sister-in-laws trailer for her. Changing the adapter took a little more time.
*I had a problem finding a 1/4 " allen wrench socket that would take 40 ft/lbs without breaking. (broke 4) Finally ponied up for a snap on and it has worked.
*While hooking up the adapter a camper who had an Anderson stopped by. He had developed a crack in the plate his kingpin was attached to. Thought it was from the wieght pressing up on the kingpin instead of spread out over the 5th wheel plate. (not internet rumor I witnessed this in Nathrop, Colorado) I do not know how this turned out as he was looking for a dealer to buy a new hitchbox. I check mine often now.
*I still worry about ball wear with no lube.
*I watch for bed deflection and will be installing spacers to transfer forces to the truck frame.
* The base "twists" when towing sometimes. I will try some rubber pads under the base.
*I will be looking at a way to padlock the T handle in case at a stop someone opens it for me and I miss it in my walk around check.

All in all it was still the right choice for me and I would make it again. If anyone is near Salida, CO and wants to take a look or try it send me a PM.

[Guitwar]

Originally Posted by cootersotg

@Guitwar - We bought our first trailer last year and I loved the look of the Anderson (the weight as you mentioned) and I wanted the empty bed when needed. So I purchased it with the same reservation you had (aligning it during hitching) - especially as I had no hitching experience with a fifth wheel style hitch.

The first time I hitched up I will admit it took me an embarrassingly long time, but I quickly got the feel of it.

Usually now I back right up to it, and if I need to tweak my alignment I can do it in one pull up and I can tell I am off from inside the truck, I don't need to get out and look.

Usually we are on the move about once a week but we had just been in a spot for 9 weeks and I will admit then when I hitched up that time I was off more then normal, but it was a quick adjustment and I am guessing when I move this week I will be right back on it.

So the Pullrite looks like a much better design and I am not knocking it, but wanted to let you know that if you prefer the Andersen and all that is holding you back is the hitching up I can assure you that it is simple and you will master it in no time

Thanks for that. Lightening the load is high on my agenda, being that 57 years young is not the new 21 . Fortunately the trailer is parked at my property outside of town, so there won't be anyone around besides my son and his girlfriend to make fun of my attempts to hitch up if I go the Anderson route.

[Guitwar]

Originally Posted by jeffinsalida

For those still trying to decide I have a few pros and cons if it will help.
Pros:
*I can lift it out of the bed when needed.
*Much easier to store during non-use.
*Longest time of installing it is the torqueing of the bolts, still only a few minutes.
*I can adjust the ride height easily during trips, on my trailer at the lowest setting the trailer is level for highway miles and MPG. If I want to increase my bed clearance to boondock its just a matter of using the 5th wheel jacks and pulling one pin.
*I don't trust my opinon but I think it tows smoother. The DW thinks so also, I have to trust hers......
*I like the ability to flex between the trailer and truck.
*Great ability to adjust moving hitch point forward or rearward for cab clearance. *Even with my prior hitch moved forward I was unloading my front tires by 300 lbs when hitched; now I add 200lbs. Much better weight distro. Makes the ride feel much better.
CONS:
*I had to pull my sister-in-laws trailer for her. Changing the adapter took a little more time.
*I had a problem finding a 1/4 " allen wrench socket that would take 40 ft/lbs without breaking. (broke 4) Finally ponied up for a snap on and it has worked.
*While hooking up the adapter a camper who had an Anderson stopped by. He had developed a crack in the plate his kingpin was attached to. Thought it was from the wieght pressing up on the kingpin instead of spread out over the 5th wheel plate. (not internet rumor I witnessed this in Nathrop, Colorado) I do not know how this turned out as he was looking for a dealer to buy a new hitchbox. I check mine often now.
*I still worry about ball wear with no lube.
*I watch for bed deflection and will be installing spacers to transfer forces to the truck frame.
* The base "twists" when towing sometimes. I will try some rubber pads under the base.
*I will be looking at a way to padlock the T handle in case at a stop someone opens it for me and I miss it in my walk around check.

All in all it was still the right choice for me and I would make it again. If anyone is near Salida, CO and wants to take a look or try it send me a PM.

jeffinsalida - Very helpful, thanks. It makes me aware of things I never had considered - or even would of thought about. One thing that concerns me is something I read (perhaps from an Amazon review) where someone driving through Texas was stopped by a state trooper and because he didn't have safety chains, had to unhitch and leave his trailer until he could get chains. Towing a bumper pull, yes, I can see the need, however with a 5th wheel setup and using an Anderson (or Pullrite) would require some additional configuration in the bed for the chains and the added cost of the chains for the hitch.

I'm not sure where I would go to verify the validity (or requirement) for each state. We plan on doing some multi-state cruising, so It would be nice to know ahead of time, if in fact this is really a requirement for this type of hitch.

[Ricos Ride]

You can buy a set of chains and kit from Andersen. You use replacement bolts with an eye loop on the hitch pin adapter. Around $70 if I remember right. https://www.andersenhitches.com/Prod...w-version.aspx

[Guitwar]

Yeah thanks, I was aware of the chains and the replacement bolts with the ring heads. Having to secure them to my truck bed (which already has the above rail mounts) is another concern. I've seen the ubolt attachments for a gooseneck set up before and was hoping that I wouldn't have to drill any additional holes in my bed since the truck is used for other things as well.

What I don't know is if the chains are really required and if so, what states require them. Seems there are a fair amount of folks using the hitch that have never had any issues with the local enforcement, or needing the added security (or piece of mind?) With the conventional hitch, the Blueox bedsaver can be installed, but it's not mandatory - nice option though.

Not trying to nitpick, but trying to weigh in all options. Adding the cost of the chains and the respective bed hooks adds an additional cost, which starts to bring the cost of the hitch up closer to the price of the B & W unit I was watching. Now, is the Anderson that much better than a good quality standard hitch; don't know. Cost, reliability, ease of installation (and removal) are all important obviously. Also, this may or may not be an issue, but having a set of chains flopping around in the bed it seems that space behind the hitch couldn't be used without the chains getting tangled up.

I'm a greenhorn when it comes to this, so I'm just surmising.