I have just deleted the picture in the post about the tow dolly because it was off topic and has resulted in a hy-jack of the original post. I am sorry so many of you spent time on this thread and had your posts disappear along with it, but it was not fair to the OP to let this thread get so far off track. Hope you all understand and get back to the discussion of the Andersen hitch.
Barney
* This post was edited 02/20/12 06:17pm by BarneyS *
2004 Sunnybrook Titan 30FKS TT
Hensley "Arrow" 1400# hitch (Sold)
Not towing now.
Former tow vehicles were 2016 Ram 2500 CTD, 2002 Ford F250, 7.3 PSD, 1997 Ram 2500 5.9 gas engine
To continue . . . I received my Andersen weight distribution hitch last evening at 7:30 pm, I guess we're at the end of UPS's delivery route here.
The hitch was packed very well and all pieces look to be expertly manufactured. The design is heftier than the impression I got from the pictures. That is good, I'm not saying it is over bulky. All welds look professional and I have no doubt they will perform according to design.
The only concern I have is the space between the shackle ends that attach the chain to the plate below the ball. The plate is about 1/4 inch thick and the space is about 11/16 wide. The hole in the plate is larger than the pin in the shackle so when tension is applied to the chain it'll pull the shackle to one end of the pin and cause it to pull unevenly. I don't know if this situation is worthy of concern but it just doesn't look to be as well thought out as the rest of the device. I think I'll go to the hardware store and find some stainless washers to sandwich in on both sides of the plate to keep the shackle centered.
I am looking forward to giving this thing a whirl, possibly this weekend.
I'll post when I have more to tell.
2015 Tiffin Allegro Open Road 36LA
To Infinity, and Beyond! - Our Campsites (Bing Maps)
Is this being anal or a reasonable "mod?"
![[image]](http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j230/newsomer/phoneUpload/2012-02-21_18-13-18_151-1.jpg)
Also, does anyone think this could constitute an alteration that would void the warranty?
Clanton24V wrote:
Honestly you have only strengthened the product by going to the bigger shackles . . .
I see by the picture you may think I am adding bigger shackles. This is not the case, the right shackle is identical to the left, it just appears larger because it is closer to the camera. What I was talking about was adding the washers you see on the left shackle pin and the better alignment as opposed to the shackle pin without the washers. Sorry for the confusion.
Honestly you have only strengthened the product by going to the bigger shackles . . .
newsomer wrote:
In reference to my previous post. I set up a demo of what I was talking about concerning the shackles (see picture below).
Is this being anal or a reasonable "mod?"
Also, does anyone think this could constitute an alteration that would void the warranty?
In reference to my previous post. I set up a demo of what I was talking about concerning the shackles (see picture below).
Is this being anal or a reasonable "mod?"
Also, does anyone think this could constitute an alteration that would void the warranty?
Hi Newsommer,
The shackle being able to flop around is a common thing when the are used in other applications. Your shim washers are OK as long as you have not stuffed them in so hard they are spreading the shackle apart.
I myself see no problem if you want to shim as long as you leave clearance still once the center bolt is tight. The washers can still spin.
I would hope that Andersen would not void a warranty because you shimmed a shackle. Others have reported they respond well to email questions. Send them a pic and ask them if they feel it would void your warranty.
Looking forward to seeing your install and the WD set you end up with. Please measure your front and rear fenders height before hitching and after. That will help tell us a lot. I do it like this right through the center of the tire. Air up your tires for towing before setting up.
![[image]](http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b378/JBarca/Hitch%20Setup/Fendermeasure.jpg)
Also do you know your loaded tongue weight? This will give us a good comparison of how it does on WD.
Good luck and hope this helps
John
John & Cindy
2005 Ford F350 Super Duty, 4x4; 6.8L V10 with 4.10
CC, SB, Lariat & FX4 package
21,000 GCWR, 11,000 GVWR
Ford Tow Command
1,700# Reese HP hitch & HP Dual Cam
2 1/2" Towbeast Receiver
2004 Sunline Solaris T310SR
(I wish we were camping!)
gijoecam wrote:
It's not going to make any significant difference with or without the washers. However, if you sleep better knowing you use them, go for it. It' not going to hurt anything.
It's not going to make any significant difference with or without the washers. However, if you sleep better knowing you use them, go for it. It' not going to hurt anything.
X2.
Jeannie