MORryde pin box & Andersen Ultimate hitch

[Povo]

Looking to replace my B&W Companion hitch with an Andersen Ultimate Hitch. I know there are a lot of opinions about the Andersen Hitch (no surprise there), but for the same reason as a lot of people is the weight and inconvenience of taking the B&W in & out of the truck (near impossible without the winch in my barn and that is not only a tight squeeze and a pretty big project each time).The Andersen looks like the right option so I can take it in & out as needed.

My question is (and I am guessing the guys at my RV shop will be able to answer this and I also sent the question to Andersen but I’m wondering if anyone else has done this) if there is any issue with using the adapter with the MORryde on my Arctic Fox. From what I can see there is an issue if for a ranch adapter that needs some welding, but not for the Ultimate Hitch. So has anyone made this conversion? Any words of wisdom?

[CecilD]

Andersen's original installation video included installing the adapter on a MORryde pin box which has subsequently been taken down; I'm guessing there was a reason why. I wouldn't, as the offset adapter will put stresses on the pin box's spacers and rubber insert for which they weren't designed.

As I recall, there is a hitch that functions like the Andersen but keeps the kingpin centered.

[Elkfarmer]

I have used an Anderson since day 1 on my Arctic Fox. It is a 2016 model 32-5M. Never a problem. I also used it on the previous Alpenlite.

[Old-Biscuit]

Originally Posted by Elkfarmer

I have used an Anderson since day 1 on my Arctic Fox. It is a 2016 model 32-5M. Never a problem. I also used it on the previous Alpenlite.

Did either of those trailers have a rubber insert pin box like the MOryde and required the adapter plate?

[Elkfarmer]

The Alpenlite did not. My Fox has the rubber Morryde. I do not have the adapter plate. A simple bolt on if desired. My pin is 18000. The base is in perfect shape. No deflection at all and no noticeable movement beyond normal specs. If I had a lower rated pin with a thinner base I would use the plate. The pin is overkill for the 16500 rated trailer. I attended a rally for Fox owners last year. Three couples with 27-5ls and one with a 35-5Z had Andersons. None had the plate. May not make it right but it does not seem to be an issue(at least with these trailers).

[traveldawg]

Have you just considered a Gooseneck like the Reese or Gen-Y? You can use an offset ball to get some extra room between your cab and camper.

I had a slider (DEMCO) and MorRyde (heavy like you have now) and saved wight and have a MUCH BETTER ride now with a Reese Gooseneck (air inflatable so it's adjustable).

You'll still get a lot of back and forth motion on starts and stops (and bridge transitions with the Anderson & MorRyde) just because of the way the MorRyde moves back and forth. At least that was the experience I had with the MorRyde. Although the MorRyde was better than the RotoFlex,

[1960C182]

I've said before, I have had 2 AHU fail . Two different versions. I won't even ride with someone useing an AUH

[DamonCamper]

Originally Posted by 1960C182

I've said before, I have had 2 AHU fail . Two different versions. I won't even ride with someone useing an AUH

Under what circumstances did these "failures" occur?

Ive used one now for some time and love it and can't see with normal load and useage why it would fail.

GVWR too high? Accident? It doesn't help creditability if reason for failure is not listed.

[traveldawg]

Originally Posted by DamonCamper

Under what circumstances did these "failures" occur?

Ive used one now for some time and love it and can't see with normal load and useage why it would fail.

GVWR too high? Accident? It doesn't help creditability if reason for failure is not listed.

There is always this failure......

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHsoUQFnyqY

[Parafango]

In defense of the Anderson, I understand that the Gen 3 version is much improved, but the Gen 2, shown in the video, has been known to fail.
I have yet to hear or see a B&W Companion failing under normal use.
Anything, if abused or used out of engineering design will fail, but no one has shown images of a B&W failure, at least I've never seen one, maybe you have and will share it?

[Povo]

Did you use the additional plate or just the king pin adapter?

[1960C182]

Originally Posted by DamonCamper

Under what circumstances did these "failures" occur?

Ive used one now for some time and love it and can't see with normal load and useage why it would fail.

GVWR too high? Accident? It doesn't help creditability if reason for failure is not listed.

The 5er was loaded each time just under 13k both bent forward & to passenger side. The Version 2 bent worse than the 1st. No wreck,no panic stop , just bent. I allways torqued to spec , saferty chains etc. pics were on jayco forum.
i went to a B& W then to an Airsafe 25k airride hitch and dont plan on ever useing another conventional hitch.

[corn18]

I started with the Andersen and thought I loved it. Now I have the GenY and will not use anything else. I unhook and there is only a goose ball in the bed. I love that. And now that the GenY is broken in, it rides as smooth as my Andersen+Air Ride pin box, maybe better. Just get a GenY and enjoy all the benefits.

[Povo]

Seems like most of the concerns about the Andersen Ultimate are based on the 2nd generation. How long has the 3rd generation been around? I don’t think I’ve heard about any issues with it.

I do like my B&W slider, and don’t want to give up safety, but the convenience part is a big deal for me. Coming in at about 250 lbs it is big project to get it in and out. I find that for the few times a year we are using it, I tend to leave it in due to the hassle and then I don’t have the use of my truck bed. Also, my truck is my everyday vehicle.

I want the 5th wheel to be an enjoyable experience and this is the one thing that cuts into it. I just don’t look forward to having to put the thing in or out.