Andersen Ultimate and the Rota-Flex pin box

[JJaxon]

Is anyone using this combination and if so what are your experiences with this pairing?

I ask bc I put a deposit down on a 2020 Fuzion 369 yesterday. My current Carbon worked well, but it has the standard pin box, no moving parts. Ive read and understand a bar kit is available for this from Andersen for $40. I just wanted to hear from users of this setup, anything you like or don't like?

I won't pick it up for at least a few weeks, 1st trip is late March.

Thanks in advance.

[chuckster57]

I have installed it on a few, haven’t had any customers complain.

[SJH]

I have the same setup on a 2018 371. Only 2 problems.
First one was initial setup, I use safety chains.
In order to do this, I had to drill out the base of the Anderson.
No big deal, I called Anderson to make sure this was ok and spoke with one of the owners. He was very helpful and assured me there was no problems with the modification.
Plastic on Anderson receiver broke....replaced under warranty.
You must be careful when lining up the ball. Apparantly I was not.
Even though Anderson calls this red plastic a "funnel", don't cheat lining up with the ball .....getting close and expecting the trailer or tow vehicle to make up the difference is likely to crack the plastic. Anderson should change the plastic compound to be more pliable....if this is even possible.
With all this said.....I would not change to another hitch.
I am very satisfied.

I have seen too many videos of people dropping their trailers on pickup beds.
Mostly people new to 5th wheel towing.

The light weight and easy setup is a major advantage.
It tows smooth with no noise or chucking.

Hope this helps

[CedarCreekWoody]

Forgive me for being a fifth wheel newbie but why do you need the extra flexibility with an Andersen hitch? It pivots on a ball like a gooseneck hitch and has a lot of flexibility

[JJaxon]

Just the opposite, I dont need the flexibility, but the new 5r has a RotaFlex pin box on it. To counter the flexible pin box, Andersen has a lock out bar kit that limits the flexing.

My original question is because of this. I currently use the Andersen ultimate and hope to stay with that, but am seeking advice and experiences of others that have used it.

[CedarCreekWoody]

Oh, ok. Got it....I think. Lol. Thanks.

[SJH]

Originally Posted by CedarCreekWoody

Forgive me for being a fifth wheel newbie but why do you need the extra flexibility with an Andersen hitch? It pivots on a ball like a gooseneck hitch and has a lot of flexibility

Look at the red plastic on the receiver part of the Anderson.
This is the part that cracks. When the trailer is connected there is no flex.
Lowering the trailer onto the ball when not aligned spot on will put pressure on the plastic funnel causing it to crack.

[gearhead]

Look on PullRite.com. They have 2 versions of the RotaFlex lock out kit. Might compare prices with Andersen.
With the PullRite I just get close, the funnel is steel.

[JJaxon]

For clarity- I dont have an issue with my red cone. The Rota-Flex pin box has a rubberized cushion installed for a traditional 5th wheel hitch to combat chucking.

Because of this rubberized pad, Andersen suggests a 2 bar lock out kit that mounts to the pivot of THE PIN PLATE, reducing the pivot.

So, I'm only wondering if there is any known issues with this combination of pin box and hitch WITH lock bars installed. Does it work as well as an Andersen ultimate works with a standard pin box?

[SJH]

Originally Posted by JJaxon

For clarity- I dont have an issue with my red cone. The Rota-Flex pin box has a rubberized cushion installed for a traditional 5th wheel hitch to combat chucking.

Because of this rubberized pad, Andersen suggests a 2 bar lock out kit that mounts to the pivot of THE PIN PLATE, reducing the pivot.

So, I'm only wondering if there is any known issues with this combination of pin box and hitch WITH lock bars installed. Does it work as well as an Andersen ultimate works with a standard pin box?

I have the lock bars on the roto flex pinbox....2 years no issues.