dennysemn wrote:
'Just wondering if I'm missing something here. Provided your hitch is already set up for your situation, and you know how many threads on the bolts should show, why not do this instead: After coupling, raise the tongue to allow easy and fast attachment of the WD chains. This method does not require the use of any long-handled ratchet, and the adjustments are already made.
I used to do the same with my old equalizer hitch on my older TT. Instead of using the snap tool to bring the torsion bars into the L brackets, I would raise the tongue a bit and just slide them in.
The Andersen Hitch has been on my trailer for about a year now and I love it.
'Just wondering if I'm missing something here. Provided your hitch is already set up for your situation, and you know how many threads on the bolts should show, why not do this instead: After coupling, raise the tongue to allow easy and fast attachment of the WD chains. This method does not require the use of any long-handled ratchet, and the adjustments are already made.
I used to do the same with my old equalizer hitch on my older TT. Instead of using the snap tool to bring the torsion bars into the L brackets, I would raise the tongue a bit and just slide them in.
The Andersen Hitch has been on my trailer for about a year now and I love it.
I agree that this would be the ideal way to get the hitch to work, but in my case it didn't matter how high I raised the tongue, it did not un-tension the chains enough to leave the bolts/nuts alone. Maybe there was too much tongue weight for the Anderson hitch, I don't know. Since my dealer was willing to trade me into the Equalizer 4-point for $100, I did that. Through 1 camping trip (2 hours each way), I think the trailer feels more secure and balanced with the Equalizer.
Mike & Tracy Boyd
2013 LaCrosse 318BHS Travel Trailer - Forest River - Prime Time
2006 Silverado 2500HD 4x4 Crewcab SB DMax/Allison
Graduated from 1999 Dodge Ram Extended 2wd 5.9L &
1996 Jayco 1208KB Popup
then from a 2005 Prowler Lynx Ultralite 29BHS
800# tongue weight
Max compression of 1/2" on bushings
Hitch can only return 50% of weight lost back to front axle
Neither axle is close to being overweight
Hitch wins: Lightweight, grease free, quiet, ride, sway control
Hitch fails: weight distribution on my truck
Andersen has admitted as such and offered me a refund of wholesale value. Ultimately the one fail outweighs the wins as that is the main reason for me purchasing the hitch. I really wanted to like and keep it, I spent some time on the phone with their VP who was very friendly and upfront about their goals and design. For me it falls short.
2012 FR Surveyor Sport 295
2015 Nissan NVP 3500 SL 5.6L
Tekonsha P3 / "New" Blue Ox Sway Pro
TomG2 wrote:
As in most forums, if you throw out the extremists on either side of an issue, you might find some truth in between. I understand the limitations of the Andersen hitch and it is a very good product for me. I hope we hear from some new folks. We did in dennysemn's case.
As in most forums, if you throw out the extremists on either side of an issue, you might find some truth in between. I understand the limitations of the Andersen hitch and it is a very good product for me. I hope we hear from some new folks. We did in dennysemn's case.
There aren't any "extremists". Vehicle manufacturers require weight distribution. Anti-sway is optional. This is not in dispute.
Mischaracterizing those involved, or the issue in play, is unworthy of what is at stake.
A hitch that provides only good anti-sway is not a recommendation of this hitch versus competitors if it cannot meet the basic requirement of a WD hitch.
As time goes on we may have a picture of what vehicle type and what trailer TW may be a good match for it IF other concerns -- all legitimate -- about how well this hitch is secured, etc, can be answered. It will be a short list, that seems certain (short of a re-design).
"Can't meet the basic requirement" is an enormous problem. All of us like the idea of a lightweight, low-effort hitch, quiet hitch with decent anti-sway. But this is one that cannot, at present, be called a WD hitch (except for a sub-set of TV & TT not yet defined). It's virtues are completely outweighed by that deficiency.
.
1990 35' SILVER STREAK Sterling, 9k GVWR
2004 DODGE RAM 2WD 305/555 ISB, QC SRW LB NV-5600, 9k GVWR
Hensley Arrow; 11-cpm solo, 17-cpm towing fuel cost
How much does GM "Require" for their 1500 and 2500 HD models? You are making a blanket statement without the facts to back it up. Check out the latest Owner's manuals for the correct information, not just what you think. Hint: It is way less than you think, often zero.
I do not care if Andersen sells another hitch. I commend them for trying. Many owners post their positive experiences. Some post their failures. Glad to read about both.
The Andersen hitch does provide "some" weight distribution, or else why do my scale readings indicate that it does? It has been well documented and restated many times, it is not often enough for some people.
Quote:
"Vehicle manufacturers require weight distribution."
How much does GM "Require" for their 1500 and 2500 HD models?
One also could ask how much does GM require for their 1500- and 2500-series SUVs?"Vehicle manufacturers require weight distribution."
How much does GM "Require" for their 1500 and 2500 HD models?
According to the 2013 Owners Manuals, the answer is:
"When using a weight-distributing hitch, the spring bars should be adjusted so the distance {body to ground at front wheel} is the same after coupling the trailer to the tow vehicle and adjusting the hitch."
That corresponds to 100% Front Axle Load Restoration.
The Owners Manuals also specify a maximum allowable tongue weight of 1000#.
I've not seen any evidence indicating that the Andersen WDH can achieve 100% FALR with a tongue weight of 1000#, in spite of the fact that it has a tongue weight rating of 1400#.
IMO, anyone who is contemplating purchase of the Andersen WDH should be well aware of its weight distribution limitations.
Ron
I have a 2500 HD, had a 1500. Neither "Requires" weight distributing hitch with my trailer. My statement was that not all manufacturers require WD hitches all the time. I heard somewhere that GM (combined) is the first or second largest manufacturer of pickups. When they say WD is not required for a 7,000 pound trailer with their pickups, I listen. Others may choose not to.
Slowmover wrote:
snip....
There aren't any "extremists". Vehicle manufacturers require weight distribution. Anti-sway is optional. This is not in dispute.
Mischaracterizing those involved, or the issue in play, is unworthy of what is at stake.
A hitch that provides only good anti-sway is not a recommendation of this hitch versus competitors if it cannot meet the basic requirement of a WD hitch.
As time goes on we may have a picture of what vehicle type and what trailer TW may be a good match for it IF other concerns -- all legitimate -- about how well this hitch is secured, etc, can be answered. It will be a short list, that seems certain (short of a re-design).
"Can't meet the basic requirement" is an enormous problem. All of us like the idea of a lightweight, low-effort hitch, quiet hitch with decent anti-sway. But this is one that cannot, at present, be called a WD hitch (except for a sub-set of TV & TT not yet defined). It's virtues are completely outweighed by that deficiency.
.
snip....
There aren't any "extremists". Vehicle manufacturers require weight distribution. Anti-sway is optional. This is not in dispute.
Mischaracterizing those involved, or the issue in play, is unworthy of what is at stake.
A hitch that provides only good anti-sway is not a recommendation of this hitch versus competitors if it cannot meet the basic requirement of a WD hitch.
As time goes on we may have a picture of what vehicle type and what trailer TW may be a good match for it IF other concerns -- all legitimate -- about how well this hitch is secured, etc, can be answered. It will be a short list, that seems certain (short of a re-design).
"Can't meet the basic requirement" is an enormous problem. All of us like the idea of a lightweight, low-effort hitch, quiet hitch with decent anti-sway. But this is one that cannot, at present, be called a WD hitch (except for a sub-set of TV & TT not yet defined). It's virtues are completely outweighed by that deficiency.
.
Agree and add that towing specifications/ratings/etc is a system comprised
of many sub-systems and components
Which all have their 'own' ratings
Since a whole system, they all must play in concert and that the old
adage of: "a chain is only as strong as it's weakest link" is correct
The topic you guys are talking about has the receiver label the 'weak
link' over the TV's ratings, or it could be rated for way more than the
TV is rated for
Meaning things are too often taken out of context and referenced as
an absolute...
Take this image of buddies 2007 GMC 2500HD's OEM receiver. It does
have ratings/limits on dead weight and transitions to requiring a
WD Hitch system to go any heavier than the dead weight rating
![[image]](http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bentoy/media/Towing/CIMG00062500HDrcvrlbl.jpg.html)
So if a TV manual says no WD needed, then the receiver rating becomes
the limiting component
My forensic's is good in my professional circles. As the "Law's of physic's"
are the same
Do get 'fine tuning' often, John and Ron are the regular's....
![[emoticon]](http://www.coastresorts.com/sharedcontent/cfb/images/smile.gif "smile")
and learnfrom them
Just found Ron's link to the Airstream thread on this. Will read it later and
respond here, as the bushing pictures and chain bruises telling on the fastidiousness
of design I mentioned earlier
Still think it is elegant design, but lost in the details is their design
are not all the same...
My Suburban's
![[image]](http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bentoy/media/Towing/CIMG1270crprdcdlabel.jpg.html)
My Odyssey and note it does not 'recommend' a WD Hitch system (hope you folks
understand when an OEM 'recommends' something and you don't follow it...they
can deny warranty and/or liability coverage...
![[image]](http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bentoy/media/Towing/CIMG0018Odysseyrecvr.jpg.html)