Andersen fifth wheel hitch

[hbillsmith]

Originally Posted by 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.

My GMC2500 gooseball hitch was installed by the GMC dealer. Its the one listed in the GMC Accessories Catalog for dealer parts (happens to be a Curt rebranded). The installation included drilling the holes and installing 2 anchor loops (one on each side of the ball). These anchor to the hitch which is attached to the Truck frame. It is those 2 anchor loops that accommodate the chains to the Andersen kingpin block adapter.

Rather than chains I chose to use coiled cables that don't then rattle around in the bed. Each cable is rated 10K and I use 2 for a total rating 20K. The product selected is "Curt Safety Cables Part No.80176 $19.45". The cables include the easy safety hook ends that clip into the Andersen block but you will also need a couple of anchor shackles to attach the other ends to the truck bed loops. I use "3/8" Galvanized Screw Pin Anchor Shackles $1.59 each"

Easy to attach and remove, I just step up on the rear truck tire and latch at the same time I tighten the Andersen pin lock.

Hope this helps.

[Ricos Ride]

Looked up the Curt cables and they are only rated for 7500 lbs each. That won't cut it with a 17,000 gvw rating

[SkiSmuggs]

Originally Posted by Ricos Ride

Looked up the Curt cables and they are only rated for 7500 lbs each. That won't cut it with a 17,000 gvw rating

The cables are only required in the states that consider this a gooseneck adapter requiring the chains. Safety chains for the Andersen became a concern because of someone being stopped and had to leave the trailer until safety chains were installed. They weren't part of the original design of the Ultimate. So my thinking is that I only need to meet the requirements of those few states and, for that, these cables would be fine.

[hbillsmith]

Originally Posted by SkiSmuggs

The cables are only required in the states that consider this a gooseneck adapter requiring the chains. Safety chains for the Andersen became a concern because of someone being stopped and had to leave the trailer until safety chains were installed. They weren't part of the original design of the Ultimate. So my thinking is that I only need to meet the requirements of those few states and, for that, these cables would be fine.

My GVW usually hits the scales at 11K or less so perhaps 17K would need a beefer chain or cable. Just having the cables attached would most likely keep any state patrol from questioning me. I don't believe any of the chains are cables carry a weight label (but could be wrong). In anycase, been towing about 14,000 miles so far and no one has questioned me (CA, AZ, TX, OK, AR, NM, NV, UT, CO so far).

[dryancy]

Originally Posted by P5W

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.

I have the aluminum hitch 32 lbs!
Attaches to your current gooseneck ball.
The pyramid shape went to 44000 lbs before crimping on one support in company demo and stilled towed heavy load with no problem.
I pulled my 34 ft HR Presidential 800 miles when I bought it. It was,hard to keep my 99 dodge diesel under 75 mph. It really wanted to go.
Regardless of any 5th wheel hitch there all have multiple bolts and connections.
The Anderson has only an UNGREASED ball that receives the connector that comes with the hitch which is connected to your 5th wheels pinbox.
Therefore there is nothing existing to chuck, squeek, rattle, etc.
If you can imagine how well a monorail is attached to its rail at Disney World, this was the feeling that I had while pulling my rig home. It was as though I was attached to the road! There was no movement when passed by 18 wheelers either (when I did force it to 65mph in 75 mph inTexas.
A real dream to pull.

[Cumminsfan]

Originally Posted by dryancy

I have the aluminum hitch 32 lbs!
Attaches to your current gooseneck ball.
The pyramid shape went to 44000 lbs before crimping on one support in company demo and stilled towed heavy load with no problem.
I pulled my 34 ft HR Presidential 800 miles when I bought it. It was,hard to keep my 99 dodge diesel under 75 mph. It really wanted to go.
Regardless of any 5th wheel hitch there all have multiple bolts and connections.
The Anderson has only an UNGREASED ball that receives the connector that comes with the hitch which is connected to your 5th wheels pinbox.
Therefore there is nothing existing to chuck, squeek, rattle, etc.
If you can imagine how well a monorail is attached to its rail at Disney World, this was the feeling that I had while pulling my rig home. It was as though I was attached to the road! There was no movement when passed by 18 wheelers either (when I did force it to 65mph in 75 mph inTexas.
A real dream to pull.

So you're saying that you had chucking before and now with the Anderson you don't?

[Cummins12V98]

"Chucking" has NOTHING to do with the hitch. Loose hitch may cause clunking, popping and so on.

[Cumminsfan]

Just asking as it seems like everyone that uses the Anderson never has chucking.

[Cummins12V98]

Originally Posted by Cumminsfan

Just asking as it seems like everyone that uses the Anderson never has chucking.

If they changed from another hitch like a Husky for example they no doubt had hitch slop.

[stespaar]

Hi Guys,
I am a total newbie too and I am reading everything here what I can find about hitches. Just purchased my TV (2004 Dodge 3500 Cummings) and signed the dotted line for a 2008 Domani that we love for its modern interior design.
All I need now is to get a hitch and I have to pull the plug next week since I have to get the Domani down from LA to San Diego. I was pretty much set on a standard hitch and was ready to order a Curt Q16 plus custom install kit until I talked to the owner of a local RV repair shop who made me aware of the new Pullrite Utralite that he saw at an RV show a few weeks ago. He thinks the design is great and recommended it to me but I felt like being his guinea pig before I read all the good things about the Anderson which has a similar design. What is striking for me is the lower weight so that I can pull this thing into my truck bed on my own and the absence of any chucking and play in the hitch although I don't really know what I am talking about
I am hoping that anybody more experienced on this board has used the Pullrite Ultralite already before I make my decision. I also called Pullrite and asked for references but without any luck.
Appreciate any help since I am afraid to make a mistake!

[stespaar]

Just realized that there is a dedicated thread for the Pullrite Ultralite - so I posted my question there instead - apologies!

[Cummins12V98]

Originally Posted by stespaar

Hi Guys,
I am a total newbie too and I am reading everything here what I can find about hitches. Just purchased my TV (2004 Dodge 3500 Cummings) and signed the dotted line for a 2008 Domani that we love for its modern interior design.
All I need now is to get a hitch and I have to pull the plug next week since I have to get the Domani down from LA to San Diego. I was pretty much set on a standard hitch and was ready to order a Curt Q16 plus custom install kit until I talked to the owner of a local RV repair shop who made me aware of the new Pullrite Utralite that he saw at an RV show a few weeks ago. He thinks the design is great and recommended it to me but I felt like being his guinea pig before I read all the good things about the Anderson which has a similar design. What is striking for me is the lower weight so that I can pull this thing into my truck bed on my own and the absence of any chucking and play in the hitch although I don't really know what I am talking about
I am hoping that anybody more experienced on this board has used the Pullrite Ultralite already before I make my decision. I also called Pullrite and asked for references but without any luck.
Appreciate any help since I am afraid to make a mistake!

First thing good choice on the RAM the engine is actually a "CUMMINS" Cummings is a town in Georga.

Install a B&W TurnoverBall gooseneck hitch that mounts underbed, it will leave your bed free of any PITA rails. Buy a B&W Companion hitch you will not regret it!

[dryancy]

Originally Posted by Mr_Fixit

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

I have the Anderson Aluminum Hitch, At the time I bought it (sept 2015)
It was not available for rails yet, Mine attaches to a ball in the truck bed originally installed for a gooseneck connection.
I bought it to use with my new to me HR 34 ft Presidential 5th wheel.
This 5th wheel had attached to it the Cushioned ride box.
My truck bed was too high to hitch to so I let the air out of the pin box cushion and hooked up took it home 800 miles and could not get over how stable this hook up was. When I got home I aired up the pin box and it was like a waterbed ripple effect when stopping or on bumps. Talked to Anderson and was told they had heard the same from others and suggested to only put 4 or 5 lbs of air in the cushion to maintain the integrity of the rubber cushion. Ride was much better without the air cushion.
SUPER HITCH SOLUTION!

[dryancy]

AMEN for me too!