Coast Resorts Open Roads Forum: Towing: New Andersen WD hitch

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Topic: New Andersen WD hitch

Posted By: Bruce H. on 03/11/12 10:19am

Ron Gratz wrote:

If you adjust your new WDH so the front end of the TV is returned to a height of 1/8 - 1/4" above the unhitched value,
you would be achieving a good compromise between what Equal-i-zer and Ford now specify.

Hi Ron,

Thank you very much for your information and advice. It inspired me to spend much of yesterday trying to fine-tune the measurements and weights. Thank goodness the nice folks at the Flying J are tolerant of my numerous trips through their CAT scale.

You suggested that 1/8 to 1/4" increase in wheel well height over the unloaded height would be optimal.

I focused yesterday on the measurements and weighs with 1/8" and 3/16" spring compressions. At 3/16" spring compression, the front wheel well was 1/4" higher than the unloaded height. At 1/8" spring compression, the front wheel well was 7/16" higher than the unloaded height.

I have updated the spreadsheet with the new information and again attached it as a photo. Hopefully sized correctly this time.

Thanks again for your great help.

Bruce H.

[image]

2012 Lance 1575 TT pulled by 2013 4WD Expedition with HD Tow Package

Posted By: Bruce H. on 03/11/12 10:55am

Ron,

We are leaving on a several day camping trip tomorrow--about 400 miles total. I will try both 1/8" and 3/16" urethane spring compression settings, and maybe even something in between, and and see if I can find that sweet spot where everything seems just right.

Thanks,

Bruce

Posted By: JBarca on 03/11/12 08:58pm

Bruce H wrote:

Hi Bruce,

Just made it back from camping and it seems you have been busy. Super data! [emoticon]

You are on the right track, best of luck to you. You are now starting to understand how WD works. Good for you.

For us techy types, your data is the 1st we have actually seen on how this hitch works with WD. We now have some folks out there using the hitch and are responding back which is really good.

If I added up the users right we have 2 ORF members using 2500 suspension towing , 1 using a F150 and you on your Honda Pilot. That is a range...

It would be interesting to see the scale data with spring compression like you have listed on a 800#, 1,000# or 1,200# tongue weight as a comparison.

You used 1/4" of compression on a 400# TW. Small rear overhang, short WB and short ball to TT axle distance. According to this sales video it was listed 1/4" is about 2,000# (see at the 3:22 time mark) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvM7mCnqmwo&feature=related

There is no reference to what TV, TW or trailer that 1/4" = 2000# lines up with. If you where using 1/4" and now on 3/16 to 1/8", really curious on what the higher TW's would use.

I have used urethane springs as punch strippers in the past. Very common and Andersen even states this. http://www.polyprod.com/closed-end-punch-inch.html

Just I have not used these like a compression spring as being used here. The durometer, free length and size changes the force. On the bottom of this page are some force graphs of these common in the industry. http://www.polyprod.com/inch-tube-springs.html We do not know which spring Andersen is using other then 1/4" compression is about 2,000#.

Hopefully one of our members with a heavier TW can make it to the scales and report back.

This same hitch has a max rating of 1,400# tongue weight and there does not seem to be a change in ordering for any size less then this. At this point we can see it goes down to a 400# TW.

Thanks for sharing and good luck on your trip.

John

* This post was edited 03/12/12 10:17am by JBarca *

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!)

Posted By: PHS79 on 03/12/12 04:31pm

I am in the market for my first WD hitch and I am seriously considering the Andersen hitch. Granted my TT (2012 Grey Wolf 26BH) is fairly light with a gvw of only 7500 lbs and a "dry hitch" weight of 402 lbs. And my 2004 F150 FX4 towed it home easily even with 35 mph crosswinds for about 10 miles the day we picked it up.

I was also thinking that for me hooking and unhooking I may not even have to loosen the chains at all. I have Ride-Rite bags under the rear of my truck, so between the bags and the electric tongue jack I should be able to just set up the tension on the chains once and shouldnt have to mess with them again. Maybe....

But if I keep hearing reviews like the few I have read here I think I may take the plunge and order the Andersen.

2004 F150 FX4, with lots of mods and way too much money dumped into the truck for said mods
2013 Passport 3220BH
old TTs:
2012 Grey Wolf 26BH
2001 Kodiak K215

Posted By: Clanton24V on 03/12/12 05:00pm

I got back from my second trip out with the new trailer and hitch. I am very happy with this hitch. I am tempted to try and not have to mess with the chains but they really haven't been a big hastle I just crank it the same amount as before. And because it's still so new to me I take quick measurements of the wheels to make sure I'm still within specs. My next trip out will be about 2.5hrs 1 way with varrying road conditions and curves so it should be a food test. I have that trip coming up in about a month.

Posted By: PHS79 on 03/14/12 06:43pm

On Monday night I emailed Andersen Hitches with a few questions. I today I got a call from their area rep. After talking with Jason Green for about 30mins I decided to order the Andersen WD hitch. Jason with very informative, he answered all my questions and the some. I should have the hitch early next week. I won't be able to post back about how it actually does for a while, but once I get a chance to use it I will let you all know.

Posted By: Clanton24V on 03/14/12 06:46pm

That's good to hear. Look forward to hearing your impressions

Posted By: mrad on 03/15/12 01:32pm

I ordered one of these hitches yesterday. it should ship by the end of the week. I am anxious to see how it works. My 1,000/10,000 lb. equalizer is not big enough for my new TT.

Posted By: rexlion on 03/15/12 09:35pm

Ok, if you have an Andersen, will you please try undoing and redoing your coupler latch while hooked up? You may recall I posted earlier that the guy at the local trailer repair shop claimed there was no pressure put on the latch pawl by the chain tension. I'd sure like to find out if he was telling me straight.

Posted By: BenK on 03/16/12 09:49pm

rexlion wrote:

Yes, please post and note the milage on both the Anderson an trailer
coupler

That latch is where I feel will become an issue over time. It will NOT
fail instantly, nor soon, but all too soon.

Ask if you can re-latch it too.

Suggest anyone who has this WD Hitch system to re-check their latch
often and inspect for wear and tear.

The worry is not just a busted latch, but that is where the ball has
to be in order to allow the ball to drop out of the coupler dome...back
away from the front of the coupler dome

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