Anderson Ultimate Fifth Wheel Hitch

[hdrolling]

Sorry to bring back this old post but I have an Andersen Aluminum hitch and safety chains being delivered this week, anyone having any issues? I'm 100% VA disabled so the 35lbs was the biggest bonus for me, that and I already have a gooseneck ball installed in my truck.
Just looking for updates.

[smbrouss70]

I'm glad you brought it back up, I wasn't aware that they made an aluminum version yet.

I have the original version and the only issue that I have had is it wants to turn in the bed of the truck if you don't have a spray-in liner or rubber bed mat to give it some traction. I have a mat in the bed of my truck now and love mine. I even got into a sticky situation in Dallas pulling my 39' Montana (approx. 16K lbs. loaded) and had to do some evasive maneuvering without issue. I admit, I was a little skeptical when I first put it in, but now I trust it completely.

[gkainz]

I just received and installed my new Andersen Ultimate aluminum last weekend. No test pulls yet, but I'm itching to go try it.

My old TV (97 Dodge Ram 2500 CTD) had a Valley (Husky) 16k 2 way pivot 5er hitch on above bed rails. My new to me TV (07 Ram 2500 CTD) has a gooseneck ball in the bed (non-turnover, which will get replaced with a turnover ball soon). I wanted a clean bed when not towing, so a turnover ball and the Andersen seemed like the way to go.

Will update after the first tow or two.

[hdrolling]

Originally Posted by smbrouss70

I'm glad you brought it back up, I wasn't aware that they made an aluminum version yet.

I have the original version and the only issue that I have had is it wants to turn in the bed of the truck if you don't have a spray-in liner or rubber bed mat to give it some traction. I have a mat in the bed of my truck now and love mine. I even got into a sticky situation in Dallas pulling my 39' Montana (approx. 16K lbs. loaded) and had to do some evasive maneuvering without issue. I admit, I was a little skeptical when I first put it in, but now I trust it completely.

Good to know, I do have the spray in bed liner so I hope that isn't going to be an issue!

[gkainz]

Originally Posted by hdrolling

Good to know, I do have the spray in bed liner so I hope that isn't going to be an issue!

I have a rubber bed mat in the truck - I asked Andersen if it was ok to install over the mat or if it should come out. They not only said it was ok to install on top the mat, then encouraged it.

[Desert185]

I have the steel (75#), gooseneck version with a Rhinolined bed. Absolutely no issues. Highly recommended.

Check the torque on the kingpin adapter allen bolts after awhile from the initial installation.

www.andersenhitches.com

[GmaPaTime]

Same here.... Installed with Rhino mat. Very happy with the setup

[GmaPaTime]

Originally Posted by Desert185

I have the steel (75#), gooseneck version with a Rhinolined bed. Absolutely no issues. Highly recommended.

Check the torque on the kingpin adapter allen bolts after awhile from the initial installation.
www.andersenhitches.com

Second that on the checking of torque values, both the coupler and hitch. I've added that to my check-off list before each trip along with lug nut torqueing. Have the wrench out anyway!!!

[gkainz]

Made a trial tow up the little hill just west of me today (I-70 Golden, CO to Floyd Hill - just a short run). Almost all new everything to kick off this camping season. New to me TV - '07 Ram CTD (sold my '97) that came with a gooseneck ball installed. I bought the Andersen Ultimate aluminum hitch and hooked up my '10 Laredo 245 RL.
The hitch, plus the ball to kingpin adapter puts the kingpin about 6" behind the axle, a bit further back than my '97 rode with the Valley 16k hitch but everything cleared tailgate and bed so I'm happy with that.
One little heartstopping "clunk" (aren't we all hair-triggered for "something" to go wrong on a test tow?). Apparently I did not securely latch the tailgate and it fell open with a loud clunk. Whew, minor details and deep breath! However, 5 minutes later something else clunked! Near as I can tell nothing moved or broke, so maybe the hitch just settled in or shifted on the gooseneck ball.
Noticeable lack of chuck or slop in this hitch when compared to my Valley.
Very easy to hook up, easy to line up and back under - just as easy as my traditional 5er hitch.
Still have to control the EGT on the '07 like I did on the '97 for the big pull(s) heading west of here but having the 6 speed manual over the old auto gives me better gear matching now.

[gkainz]

4 pic limit.

[hdrolling]

Originally Posted by gkainz

Made a trial tow up the little hill just west of me today (I-70 Golden, CO to Floyd Hill - just a short run). Almost all new everything to kick off this camping season. New to me TV - '07 Ram CTD (sold my '97) that came with a gooseneck ball installed. I bought the Andersen Ultimate aluminum hitch and hooked up my '10 Laredo 245 RL.
The hitch, plus the ball to kingpin adapter puts the kingpin about 6" behind the axle, a bit further back than my '97 rode with the Valley 16k hitch but everything cleared tailgate and bed so I'm happy with that.
One little heartstopping "clunk" (aren't we all hair-triggered for "something" to go wrong on a test tow?). Apparently I did not securely latch the tailgate and it fell open with a loud clunk. Whew, minor details and deep breath! However, 5 minutes later something else clunked! Near as I can tell nothing moved or broke, so maybe the hitch just settled in or shifted on the gooseneck ball.
Noticeable lack of chuck or slop in this hitch when compared to my Valley.
Very easy to hook up, easy to line up and back under - just as easy as my traditional 5er hitch.
Still have to control the EGT on the '07 like I did on the '97 for the big pull(s) heading west of here but having the 6 speed manual over the old auto gives me better gear matching now.

Looks good, I just received and installed mine last week along with the Timbren SES just in case. My camper got here tonight and I take delivery in the morning so I'll see how I like mine soon.

[T11ravis]

Time to revive this again rather than start a new thread.
Got a new truck coming on Thurs. and am really considering this hitch set up.

Anyone have issues with the aluminum version?

[hdrolling]

Originally Posted by T11ravis

Time to revive this again rather than start a new thread.
Got a new truck coming on Thurs. and am really considering this hitch set up.

Anyone have issues with the aluminum version?

No issues here. It really is a great set up if you already have a goose neck ball in the bed.

I went camping with my brother a couple months ago and he had the 200lb + hitch installed in his 3500 SRW GMC. He couldn't believe how light and easy my Anderson was to install and remove from my truck, you won't be sorry!

[gkainz]

no issues ... I still love mine. I am changing out the fixed gooseneck ball this winter to a turn-over ball so I can have a flat bed when not towing.

[kfxgreenie]

There has been a few Andersen's AL that have bent under hard braking. Andersen has remedied the situation with a longer aluminum sleeve that goes over the ball. See post #275 in link below. I have the older version and will watch it I'm only around 11K.

http://www.cumminsforum.com/forum/20...eviews-23.html

Post #275

[T11ravis]

Originally Posted by kfxgreenie

There has been a few Andersen's AL that have bent under hard braking. Andersen has remedied the situation with a longer aluminum sleeve that goes over the ball. See post #275 in link below. I have the older version and will watch it I'm only around 11K.

http://www.cumminsforum.com/forum/20...eviews-23.html

Post #275

Thanks for the info.

[Desert185]

I have the gooseneck steel version (with a B&W turnover ball) because the aluminum version wasn't out when I bought. Given Andersen's record of excellent customer service, I wouldn't hesitate to buy anything Andersen, including the aluminum version. It's a terrific hitch from a reputable company.