Andersen Issues

[bakken]

So even with a fair bit of pressure on the hitch, the front end was still lightened by 160 lbs?
How much can you tighten the chains before they snap?

[uncle46]

I don't know, but I can still compress the bushings a fair amount. I only have about 5/16ths of an in compression I will double check that. I guess what the real question is how strong is that weakest link?

[SPPD]

Originally Posted by bakken

So even with a fair bit of pressure on the hitch, the front end was still lightened by 160 lbs?
How much can you tighten the chains before they snap?

My guess is that the chains are stronger than the polyurethane spring, so my assumption would be the springs would crumble before the chains break. The Andersen rep that spoke to my dealer said that each 1/4 inch of compression would equal 2k of tension. When I crank down to 7 threads it is exactly 1/4 inch of compression.

SPPD

[bakken]

Originally Posted by SPPD

My guess is that the chains are stronger than the polyurethane spring, so my assumption would be the springs would crumble before the chains break. The Andersen rep that spoke to my dealer said that each 1/4 inch of compression would equal 2k of tension. When I crank down to 7 threads it is exactly 1/4 inch of compression.

SPPD

I imagine Anderson uses a high-grade chain.
But I was just kindof wondering what chain tension it would take to get the front end weight back to stock, considering the OP still had 160 lbs to go with more than 2000 lbs of tension on the chains.

[uncle46]

Oh by the way I also had the Reese setup in the front cargo area of the TT. I will carry it around for awhile but will move it to the rear cargo area. I will sell the Reese once I establish that the Andersen is my hitch of choice.

[SPPD]

Originally Posted by bakken

I imagine Anderson uses a high-grade chain.
But I was just kindof wondering what chain tension it would take to get the front end weight back to stock, considering the OP still had 160 lbs to go with more than 2000 lbs of tension on the chains.

I see what you are saying. The instructions that come with the hitch just say to continue to tighten or loosen the nuts until you reach the desired amount of weight transfer. There is no published limits in the manual. I would be curious to know also.

SPPD

[DDC]

Doubt the chain would be anywhere near it's limit, it is doing a straight pull at about one ton, it will have a lot left.

[jeeplj8]

Originally Posted by uncle46

Ok hitch was installed now we camped in the unit this weekend, full water our gear, 2/3 gray tank 1/3 black tank GVWR 13220, Front axle of truck 2900 Rear Axle 4040 trailer axle 6280. Six threads showing, took it to 9 threads showing front Axle 3120 rear 3840 trailer 6280 GVWR 13220, so the Andersen does work, I than took it out on the highway at 70 the truck was easy to control had no sway, dropped the speed down so a Semi could blow by me and felt a little suction as the semi passed me but it wasn't bad. I will post my experience the next time I tow for a long distance which should be in Mid May. Unhooking is easy loosen chains raise trailer remove plate and unhitch trailer so far I am pleased.

Originally Posted by SPPD

From Uncles previous towing thread.

SPPD

so it looks like you have 1140 tongue weight (probably a little heavy for your trialer, but that old Reece in the front storage is most likely making a difference.) and that with the Anderson at the first adjustment you tired you had taken 380 lbs off the front axle.

With some more adjustment you had that down to 160 pounds off the front axle.

I looked up my weights from last scale crossing and saw that with my 1180 tongue weight my Reece put all but 120 pounds back on the front axle.

So far these numbers look pretty good for the Anderson.

[uncle46]

My trailer dry tongue weight is 920 LBS so only added a couple hundred pounds. I could make further adjustment to the Andersen to put more weight on the front but the truck handles good at this stage.

[thebrakeman]

Proper goal of any WDH is to return all lost weight to the front axle. First check is by height, and this weight check is a great way to confirm/deny.

3280 = Front axle weight without trailer
2900 = Front axle weight with trailer (no WD)
3120 = Front axle weight with WDH engaged

3280 no-trailer weight was not attained. Please continue to adjust until front weight is 3280. Otherwise, the goal has not been attained.

Sure, the hitch works. Nobody doubted that. The question is whether it's possible to transfer enough weight to get back to original front loading/height. So far, the answer is "No".

[bakken]

Originally Posted by uncle46

My trailer dry tongue weight is 920 LBS so only added a couple hundred pounds. I could make further adjustment to the Andersen to put more weight on the front but the truck handles good at this stage.

Just remember that the more you tighten those chains, the more force you apply to the latch mechanism on the hitch.

[SPPD]

Originally Posted by thebrakeman

Sure, the hitch works. Nobody doubted that. The question is whether it's possible to transfer enough weight to get back to original front loading/height. So far, the answer is "No".

I would say so far the answer is "unknown" since nobody here has tried to transfer all the weight with the Andersen.

SPPD

[thebrakeman]

I've hypothesized that this hitch can't return a rig to it's original front axle height (weight), for a significant size trailer (600 lbs TW or more). I suspect the reason why nobody has tried to go any further is for fear of crushing the adjustment system (bushings?). This is likely why Anderson targets removing around half of the rise, not all of the rise.
But yes, it would be nice to have somebody attempt full return of lost front weight. If someone has the confidence to push the system.

[SuwanneeDave]

Originally Posted by thebrakeman

Proper goal of any WDH is to return all lost weight to the front axle. .

I don't think that is a correct assertion, and does not agree with current tow vehicle manufacturers recommendations.