Andersen Ultimate maintenance

wiredgeorge · 08-16-2020, 02:09 PM

Just a tip that could save you a bunch of trouble. If you have an Andersen Ultimate hitch, ensure the Allen bolts that secure the head piece are tight. They have no mechanical lock (lock or spring washer, etc.) and will loosen over time and if one loosens enough the results could be catastrophic. Loctite is your friend. Can't recall if there is a torque spec for install but retorque or use a breaker bar and get them snug if you don't have a torque wrench (or buy a 1/2" torque wrench).

**sourdough** · 08-16-2020, 03:04 PM

Allen screws on the adapter in the kingpin? Off the top of my head I think they're 40 ft lbs.?? When I picked mine up and did the walk around I had read all the specs and asked them during the PDI if all bolts, screws etc. on the hitch had been torqued to spec....yep they said. Drove it 55 miles home, dropped the trailer and checked....never happened. 1 allen tight (not 40), 2 semi tight and 1 I could just turn with my fingers on the wrench. Straightened the adapter (it had shifted a bit) and cinched them all down to 40. I'll recheck before leaving in Oct. The hitch itself in the bed has the top bolt (60) and 2 set bolts (40). None were to spec. I had an enjoyable visit with dealership management (for me).

jsb5717 · 08-16-2020, 03:33 PM

Yep, 40lbs on the King Pin allens. Mine haven't budged although I have checked them. I do check the hitch in the bed and have to re-torque on occasion. I have a Bed Rug so my top bolt gets 60lbs. The side bolts get 40psi.

rlperry · 09-10-2020, 08:40 PM

For those using the Andersen Ultimate Hitch, does anyone use the chains?

**sourdough** · 09-10-2020, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rlperry

For those using the Andersen Ultimate Hitch, does anyone use the chains?

For me, yes. After buying the hitch and trying to read through state by state regulations it was clear that 1) it would probably never be affected by any statute but 2) as in everything else, what happens on the side of the road is 100% dictated by the LEO there at the time and his/her interpretation of the law. IMO, they can't hurt in any way but sure may save you some "irritation" when traveling in unfamiliar territories; better safe than sorry in my way of thinking.

rlperry · 09-10-2020, 09:06 PM

Thank you!

**sourdough** · 09-11-2020, 08:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rlperry

Thank you!

You're welcome. As a side note, before I left our last campground I walked out and a couple were looking at my kingpin where I have the chains. They asked all about them (they had an Andersen as well) and said they were going to get some and wondered what they were and how they worked. Seems they are "work campers" in various campgrounds around the South and had been "warned" on one of their trips. They did not expound but left me with the impression it was a law enforcement warning?

jsb5717 · 09-11-2020, 10:21 AM

I use the chains as well. It's an extra step but takes just a sec to do. I've never been stopped or inspected but better safe than sorry.

wiredgeorge · 09-11-2020, 12:53 PM

Safety chains are required on goosenecks in Texas. Does this actually apply to campers using an Andersen Ultimate? Dunno but Andersen sells a chain kit which includes two long eye bolts/nuts to replace the bolts used to retain their assembly (where the kingpin is) and two heavy chains with stout carabiners that hook to the chain loops already on the truck. I am not 100 percent sure they are a legal requirement and most of the Sheriff's deputies in my county and the areas around probably are not versed on this part of the law but I do travel on state roads and the DPS probably is.

**sourdough** · 09-11-2020, 03:31 PM

The issue with the Andersen and chains is the confusion over the type/operation of the hitch and the seemingly endless variations of state laws that address different types of hitches in different ways. After reviewing those laws as they pertain to chains at length it was very obvious the only thing to do was put chains on the trailer.

I was not worried about it in TX but we travel all over and that's where all the gray areas emerge leaving many, many things open for an individual to interpret. I decided I didn't want us all to try to hash out the interpretation in front of a judge in Timbuktu.

tech740 · 09-11-2020, 06:58 PM

One thing I found interesting in Michigan is that they removed the exception in our law that said a normal 5th wheel pin hitch did not need safety chains. I spoke to Michigan State Police(MSP) about the Andersen and they said it needed chains, but also so do all the others, it is just not enforced. The trooper was surprised when he found the answer digging into the Andersen for me.

gearhead · 09-12-2020, 03:56 AM

I have a PullRite hitch that is basically the same as an Andersen, except the ball is on the trailer and the female receiver is on the hitch in the truck. Before I bought it I called PullRite and asked about needing chains. They said NO you don't need chains, it's a 5th wheel hitch. After reading more about chains here I called them again months later. Seems they have redesigned the pinbox adapter to accept chains. They offered to send me the new one for free. It's the same design but there are holes in the buttresses for chains. They are too small put a safety hook in. I just use "add a links" and hook into them with 3/8 S hooks. I doubt if they are strong enough to hold a 18,000# trailer though. But I tried.

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