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Old 02-13-2020, 01:22 PM   #1
Tennessee Troy
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Andersen Fifth Wheel Hitch

Good afternoon guys! So, if you noticed, my signature lists that I use an Anderson aluminum 5th wheel hitch, well, that's not exactly true, yet! I have one lined up to purchase from a guy on Craigslist. I have bought a 2017 Keystone Cougar 28RKS trailer. I work at a nuclear facility in Georgia and this will be my home for a while. I am having this 5th wheel delivered to me tomorrow morning from the dealer. So I haven't had to pull it myself, nor should I have to for a while, unless something suddenly changes.

So, with all of that said, I have done tons of research on all kinds of 5th wheel hitches and I like the Anderson hitch because of it's light weight and ease of use. I use my truck all of the time to haul stuff in the back. Well,.... I just watched a video that stated that the use of the Anderson hitches were hotly debated in the 5th wheel towing world. Now, in that video this guy had a monster 3 axle rig and said he wouldn't trust the Andersen. My rig is 12,000 lbs and some change GVWR.

I am here because I want to learn! I want to do things right. This is my first 5th wheel trailer and I am in a steep learning curve. That's ok, I like learning new things. With that said, I want facts and science, not just opinions. I want to hear from you guys who have been doing this a long time! Just like my previous post on the right tires for towing, I appreciate all of the input. What do you pro's think about the Anderson hitch? Is it safe for my size rig or should I go with a Companion slider that will fit my factory installed Ford puck system? (6 1/2 foot bed). Sorry this is so long! Thanks :-)
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Old 02-13-2020, 02:03 PM   #2
travelin texans
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Check out the Reese Goosebox, then nothing in your truck bed but he turnover ball, the hitch stays on the RV.
I have NO experience with either, but to me a 1" aluminum triangle with 2500-3500 lbs hammering down in it constantly just does not seem a good plan.
If/when we get back to rving Im certain I'd be in the market for the GB.
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Old 02-13-2020, 02:11 PM   #3
JRTJH
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I think you're "off a bit" on the specs for the 2017 28RKS.
Empty weight is 8255
Cargo capacity is 1745
GVW is 10,000 (NOT 12,000)
EMPTY pin weight is 1515
Length is 32’ 11”
Height is 11' 11"
Fresh Water 43
Black tank 30
Gray tanks (2) 60
Propane 60 Lbs

I also have a 2015 F250 Lariat 6.7 diesel. Mine is a Crew Cab, short bed 4x4.

If your truck is the same model, then your F250 payload is roughly 2000 pounds.

Your trailer pin weight (when loaded close to GVW) is going to push 1800 pounds. Add the hitch and you're likely to be at/over your payload.

The 2011-2016 F250 diesel payload, especially in the Lariat and above trim levels is not much better than a F150.

I know this isn't the questions you posted, but I couldn't ignore the mistakes in your post concerning the trailer GVW and potential pin weights.

I tow a 2014 27RKS and I "push the truck's GVW "right to the edge" and my trailer empty weight is about 1000 pounds lighter and the advertised pin weight is around 200 pounds lighter than the 28RKS.

So, I'd urge you to take it to a CAT scale once you get a hitch and can tow it. I'm guessing you'll be either at or over your truck GVW and possibly close to the rear axle max capacity. You might also check the tire maximum capacity, it will be OK with OEM tires, but if someone has "cheaped out on replacement tires" (something many used car dealers do to put "new tires on every vehicle on the lot" then they may have put smaller tires on the truck. So, be sure you're aware of exactly what your rig weighs and what the maximums are....
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Old 02-13-2020, 02:41 PM   #4
rklus16
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I have the same rig as you do and using the andersen hitch. I have the steel version model 3200 that mounts into the rails. I felt mounting it to the rails was a bit more secure of a connection vs to a gooseneck ball.

With only a gvwr of 10k. I don't think it's anywhere near the capacity of the hitch. I opted to buy the safety chain kit Andersen offers as an added safety precaution.

I've looked into other models of king pins such as the goosebox and trailerair air ride to dampen the ride a bit but haven't pulled the trigger.
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Old 02-13-2020, 02:57 PM   #5
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Our Cougar is very similar in size and weight to yours. We've put over 20k miles on our rig and have had 0 problems. The Anderson Ultimate is everything they claim it is. No chucking or movement of any kind. Easy to load an unload the Cougar. Want to use the truck bed? No problem! The hitch comes out in 5 minutes and just as easy to reinstall.
I'd highly recommend it over the standard hitch for units our size.
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Old 02-13-2020, 03:07 PM   #6
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OP, like you I am getting a new 5th wheel. Always owned bumper pulls. I have read, researched and repeat countless times. They will have an Andersen waiting for me when I get back to get the trailer. Off the top of my head the specs are 4500 tongue weight and 24k for trailer weight. I won't be close to either.

To me the "bulk/weight" of a regular 5th wheel hitch seems reassuring but at the cost of 3-400lbs., which will never get out of the bed of my truck without a hoist, I don't see it. I've watched many videos and read many posts from folks that went to the Andersen and loved it, only one that went back to a B&W if I recall and that was because it had a smaller footprint while traveling - he loved the Andersen and had no issues with it. I've read lots of negative comments about it but they are from folks that have never owned one.

Like you, I need/want my bed. I don't use it for work but when I want to put something in it, I want to do it right now and not after a trip to the hospital to recover from a hernia. I will be ordering the Ram Goose Ball Kit to go in the factory pucks. I like light (if safe and capable - and by every account this is) and simple. I know many don't like them but before I virtually eliminate the use of my bed without pressing evidence otherwise, I'm giving the Andersen a whirl. JMO/YMMV and I know many do.
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Old 02-13-2020, 03:23 PM   #7
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There are a lot of opinions about the engineered strength of aluminum but typically not supported by any science. Structural aluminum has a lot of applications. But there are a lot of good hitch options and a lot of reliable brands to choose from.

Like you, I chose the Andersen for it's light weight as well as its engineered strength. It's easy to install/remove and tows smoothly and quietly.

Most nay-sayers have never used one. Most all of us who use one like them and have had no problems. I'm no where near the published tolerances and you won't be either.

Do your research. You could also look at the Pullrite version, which is very similar in design and also gets good reviews. You could also consider the Demco Recon, which also connects to a goose ball.
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Old 02-13-2020, 04:17 PM   #8
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I got one... and like East Tennessee live on the side of an 1100' hill. Only issues with the Andersen are:
1. I bought the steel version that sits on a a gooseneck ball. The steel version is not for the faint of heart as far as lifting it out; wish I had spent a few more bucks on the aluminum.

2. The receiver part that the Andersen ball goes into will allow some off center as it will draw in the the ball. The one thing I had to learn as I hitch up on a hill is that when you get located and before putting the truck into park to put the emergency brake on as just putting it into park allows the truck to drift back 3-4" and you miss the location point. With practice, I can get the ball on the Andersen right under the receiver part on the fiver.
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Old 02-13-2020, 07:25 PM   #9
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Another thread mentioned that using an Anderson hitch voids Keystone’s warranty. Why?
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Old 02-13-2020, 07:33 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wiredgeorge View Post
I got one... and like East Tennessee live on the side of an 1100' hill. Only issues with the Andersen are:
1. I bought the steel version that sits on a a gooseneck ball. The steel version is not for the faint of heart as far as lifting it out; wish I had spent a few more bucks on the aluminum.

2. The receiver part that the Andersen ball goes into will allow some off center as it will draw in the the ball. The one thing I had to learn as I hitch up on a hill is that when you get located and before putting the truck into park to put the emergency brake on as just putting it into park allows the truck to drift back 3-4" and you miss the location point. With practice, I can get the ball on the Andersen right under the receiver part on the fiver.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Brantlyj View Post
Another thread mentioned that using an Anderson hitch voids Keystone’s warranty. Why?
Don't know why but I know a big keystone dealership near me sell the Anderson hitch’s.
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Old 02-13-2020, 09:36 PM   #11
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Like you Troy, I am waiting for my trailer, only its frozen right now and I don't get it until April.
I too have just purchased the A.U. Given it's weight rating, I am confident it will do the job for my 5er that sits around the same weight as yours.
If big truck big rv liked it, it has to be good
Even though he drives a Ford
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Old 02-14-2020, 05:24 AM   #12
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I have an Andersen on a 15.5k trailer. I love it. The only other hitch I would consider at this point is a Reese Goosebox. That’s because I already have the ball in the bed and the goose is replaces the hitch. It is so much smoother than a pin hitch. I have had both.
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Old 02-14-2020, 06:44 AM   #13
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Hi, I was in your same boat in October 2019. My dealer gave me the Andersen and I had no idea good or bad about them. I have been more than happy with the Andersen. To me it seems easier to hitch up. You don’t have to be right on top of the hitch. That being said, I never used the standard 5th wheel set up either.

I pull a 315 RLS and I think the weight is about 12000 lbs. it’s real easy to remove from the bed of my truck if I need the bed. I also have been watching the hitch and double checking torque on all the bolts before traveling. No issues to date. I do however remove the ball when I’m not towing. The thought of losing that would ruin my day!
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Old 02-14-2020, 06:48 AM   #14
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I also tow with an Andersen and have been pleased although my experience with it is limited. BUT I have found very little concern from actual users. Most of the concern is speculation.
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Old 02-14-2020, 07:34 AM   #15
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I've been running an Andersen for 5 years with a 12K 5er. No problems. The only downside that I can think of is the extra exercise on the landing gear for the lift off the ball every time it is unhitched/hitched.
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Old 02-14-2020, 07:44 AM   #16
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Originally Posted by kfxgreenie View Post
I've been running an Andersen for 5 years with a 12K 5er. No problems. The only downside that I can think of is the extra exercise on the landing gear for the lift off the ball every time it is unhitched/hitched.
What is said above and the fact that most states will not allow towing two trailers at once on a ball hitch are the limiting factors in my mind. No idea if you plan to do that or not but those are the two downfalls in my book. Like I said, I have one and love it but if you have a gooseneck ball already I would go goosebox so there is nothing to remove but the ball.
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Old 02-14-2020, 09:31 PM   #17
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Andersen is AWESOME- I have 38’ 13,000lb and have no problems and after 2 years I am TOTALLY satisfied 😎😎😎
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Old 02-15-2020, 04:33 AM   #18
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Not an Anderson lover. My century plus old tried and well proven B&W design takes me all of 10 minutes to install or remove and weighs about 70 pounds per piece - and for sure I'm not youngster. A slider base is somewhat more weight.

With that said, be aware that in some states safety chains are required with an Anderson - the general definition being that if it has a ball it needs chains(i.e. travel/utility trailer), a pin (i.e. semi trailer) it wont need those pesky chains.

But it's your choice.

Good luck with your new rig
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Old 02-15-2020, 12:09 PM   #19
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I just purchased a 2006 Keystone Laredo and the dealership put in an Anderson Ultimate 2 system. I have a B&W goose neck ball and the Anderson hooked up to that. I was a touch on the nervous side. My previous camper had a gooseneck extension. That thing pulled great and i pulled it for 380 miles. So far I'm happy with it.
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Old 02-15-2020, 02:27 PM   #20
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FYI if you are ordering the ultimate for the oem puck system in a gmc or Chevy and you are getting the safety chains, buy the andersen chains with safety hook catch and buy the bed post. I bought the Curt kit for GM and chain hooks will not fit, have to send it back. Bought chains with hook catch and bed post from company supplying for Amazon.ca and saved money.
Good luck
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