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

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Topic: New Andersen WD hitch

Posted By: Ron3rd on 04/15/12 12:15pm

Atlee wrote:

I was in the process of hooking up my Andersen WD hitch today. Everything was going pretty smoothly, and then BOOM.

The standard frame brackets that are shipped fit 5" or 6" frames. I had measured the A frame on my trailer previously. It will need the 4 3/8" brackets.

I've sent an email to RadAuto and Andersen to figure out what I need to do.

What a PITA this has turned into.

So did you have the wrong size brackets for your frame? Perhaps that was the problem. Also, as posted above, what went "boom"?

2016 6.7 CTD 2500 BIG HORN MEGA CAB
2013 Forest River 3001W Windjammer
Equilizer Hitch
Honda EU2000

"I have this plan to live forever; so far my plan is working"

Posted By: PHS79 on 04/15/12 12:47pm

It sounds like you ordered the wrong kit for your application. You need kit number 3344 or 3348, and more than likely you ordered the standard 3350 or 3380. I would think that you should be able to order the correct brackets from directly from 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 04/15/12 12:47pm

logistic wrote:

Hey, I used the andersen for 2100 mile trip last month and loved it. That said, I'm buying a 5th wheel now and am selling mine.

have you looked at the andersen 5th wheel hitch? i know i'd get it if i were going to get a 5th wheel.

Posted By: Atlee on 04/15/12 06:25pm

zues wrote:

What went boom?

When I said BOOM, I didn't mean something broke. What I was trying to say was my nice orderly install came to an abrupt stop, when I discovered I needed 4 3/8" brackets rather than the standard 5-6 inch brackets.

At this point I don't know if I can get the parts swapped out in time to have the hitch installed by Thursday of this week.

I still have my Class B, so I may have to make the Spring Game trip in it.

Erroll, Mary
2021 Coachmen Freedom Express 20SE
2014 F150 Supercab 4x4 w/ 8' box, Ecoboost & HD Pkg
Equal-i-zer Hitch

Posted By: Atlee on 04/15/12 06:28pm

Ron3rd wrote:

Atlee wrote:

So did you have the wrong size brackets for your frame? Perhaps that was the problem. Also, as posted above, what went "boom"?

Yes, I have the wrong size brackets. Nothing broke. It was just an overly dramatic description of my orderly install that came to a screeching halt.

Posted By: zues on 04/15/12 10:01pm

On our trailer I through bolted the brackets.

I helped a friend install the brackets for his hitch, and I welded the brackets to the frame.

I don't like the idea of the allen bolts to secure the brackets.

Posted By: logistic on 04/15/12 10:11pm

I used the allen set screws and they really crushed in the frame rails. The good news is they haven't moved at all in 2600+ miles. If I were to do the install again, I'd thru-bolt them too.

Clanton, I've seen Andersen's 5th wheel hitch and agree that it's a slick solution. I have a new F350 with factory hitch already installed though...

2004 Keystone Cougar 294-RLS (6125 lbs/675 lbs dry)
2011 Ford Expedition EL XLT HD Tow
2012 Ford F150 S-Crew EcoBoost XLT Max Tow

Posted By: daystrom on 04/18/12 07:03am

The Andersen hitch has really intrigued me. Don't know if anyone has seen the full report from Mr. Truck with lots of pictures and video of it in action...Link Here

I happen to be shopping for a new WDH. I currently have a Robin Industries 1000 lb trunion bar with a single friction sway control bar.

The weight distribution is fine for my setup. It's the anti-sway that I have issues with. Any little bit of wind pushes the front of the trailer/rear of the truck causing me to constantly correct while on the road. With no winds my towing experience is fantastic. Even a passing truck is no real big deal. It's just the crosswinds that I have problems with.

This past week was an uncomfortable ride home. A combination of poor bumpy roads and crosswinds really gave me a work out in controlling the combo.

I'm looking at either the Equal-I-zer or the Andersen. What would be a better choice for me? Which would control crosswind movement better?

You can see my setup in my sig. Trailer weighs 6140 as built from the factory. No dealer installed options. I estimate loaded with food/clothes/supplies I am near 7000 lbs. Tongue is between 900-1000 lbs.

I'd like to stay under $500 for a new hitch setup so a Hesnley or ProPride is out of the question!

2012 Crossroads Zinger ZT26BH
2012 Ford F350 Lariat 4x4 6.7L PSD SRW
11,500 GVWR, 3522 lbs of payload

Posted By: mrad on 04/18/12 07:40am

My Anderson is supposed to arrive today. I will be making a 140 mile round trip to a campground this weekend and will be able to report on Monday. I currently have an Equalizer.

Posted By: daystrom on 04/18/12 07:43am

What was your reason to change to the Andersen from the Equalizer?

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