Andersen Issues

[bakken]

Originally Posted by mtnguy

The way I understand the Anderson system, is that the ball and trailer tongue turn as a unit, so that the pressure against the ball would not change during a turn.

Dang, you are correct!
Another great theory shot to heck!

[thebrakeman]

If WDH kits could be made lighter, you would see more of them. And if they can be made this lightweight, I would expect to see a much lower price. $50-100 more on an Equil-i-zer is well worth the reputation and familiar construction.
At $400 for so little material, Anderson's profit margin must be HUGE!

[jlgail4309]

What if you had a crash?? Do you think it would hold together. Shipping weight is 57 pounds. So it actual weight is less than that.

[MtnGuy]

Originally Posted by thebrakeman

If WDH kits could be made lighter, you would see more of them. And if they can be made this lightweight, I would expect to see a much lower price. $50-100 more on an Equil-i-zer is well worth the reputation and familiar construction.
At $400 for so little material, Anderson's profit margin must be HUGE!

WDHs go through a tremendous amount of stress. I am not so sure that I want that big piece of metal hanging in my receiver any lighter. Sure, you could use lighter metals like titanium, but at what cost ??

[SPPD]

The riser and hitch unit weighs about the same as most I have ever used. The weight savings come from using chains instead of heavy steel bars for weight distribution. I am using the andersen and have no worries at all. It is extremely well built. It is hard to tell this from internet videos and photos. Next time you go to a dealer that sells them or you see someone at a campground using the Andersen. Ask if you can take a look. In person I think you will have a different opinion of the strength and quality of this hitch.

SPPD

[SPPD]

Here are a few shots I took during the install, and all hitched up.

[thebrakeman]

Originally Posted by mtnguy

WDHs go through a tremendous amount of stress. I am not so sure that I want that big piece of metal hanging in my receiver any lighter. Sure, you could use lighter metals like titanium, but at what cost ??

You'll get no argument from me.

[bakken]

Has anyone actually run their unit over the scales to see how much weight is transferred with the Anderson?
I just don't see how it can do the same job as a regular WDH.

[DDC]

Originally Posted by bakken

Has anyone actually run their unit over the scales to see how much weight is transferred with the Anderson?
I just don't see how it can do the same job as a regular WDH.

Yes I agree physical proof of weight distribution would be nice to see.

[myredracer]

I think I am in the same corner of the ring as Bakken.

I am dubious as to how the tension in the chains is supposed to transfer weight like the majority of WDH hitches have that employ round bars or trunnion bars and lever the weight from the rear to front of the TV. If the chain tension pulls the triangle shaped piece continually, isn't there going to be unequal force on the ball's shank from the top to bottom of it?

Just trying to understand the physics/mechanical engineering of this.... Perhaps it is simply some kind of patented magic?

[jeeplj8]

Originally Posted by DDC

Yes I agree physical proof of weight distribution would be nice to see.

Last year I looked at tons of threads about the Anderson. I only recall seeing one person post actual scale numbers, loaded, unloaded etc. He was pulling a fairly small Lance trailer, around 3500 pounds I believe. Not much WD going on.

This is my skepticism of the Anderson. I simply do not see how it can be effective at weight distribution when you get into tongue weights around 1000 pounds or more. And I have not seen anyone post any actual scale numbers with that type of tongue weight.

[uncle46]

I will have some numbers soon, My hitch just arrived at the UPS location. I plan on putting it on and getting some weights Friday.

[SPPD]

Thanks Uncle!

I have been planning to get weights with mine in June. I can see and feel the weight shift, but will be very curious to see your numbers.

SPPD

[SaskCampers]

Check this vid

Andersen No-Sway Weight Distribution Hitch Installation Video - YouTube

Or this one.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7voj1K3yJ-E

[jlgail4309]

Now I know that is a little weight hitch. 23 kilo is 50 pounds. Super thin metal

[ChooChooMan74]

Originally Posted by bakken

Has anyone actually run their unit over the scales to see how much weight is transferred with the Anderson?
I just don't see how it can do the same job as a regular WDH.

I think the same. I can put my bars up and physically lift my TV. I can't see lifting my TV with chains.

[thebrakeman]

It's pure trigonometry.
You are trying to lift the coupler vertically to a point that is level, by pulling horizontally. As the angle between the A-frame and chains gets smaller, more and more force is required to do anything. The harder you pull horizontally, the closer you will get to to your target, but can never actually get there. I do not believe you can ever transfer enough weight to get all lost weight back on the front axle, which is the true goal of a WDH.
Conversely, a traditional WDH is trying to lift the coupler vertically...by actually lifting vertically. It's very simple, and does not fight against itself.

[SPPD]

You have to understand the chains are at the bottom and the coupler is at the top. It is simple push pull. As the chain is pulled at the bottom the coupler pushes at the top of the ball shank. Which in turn pushes the weight onto the front of the tow vehicle. Granted, I have no scale evidence to show yet, but as I tension the chains I can see the front of the truck come down and the measurements prove the front is coming down and the rear of the TV is coming up, so it is working. To what extent I guess only the scales will tell the whole story. Bottom line is we all like what we like and some are creatures of habit and reject a new Idea or product just because it is different from what they know works for them.

Regards,

SPPD

[jeeplj8]

guys - how about we all wait until the poster can put up some scale numbers? It would be particularly helpful if he had the scale numbers from his old set-up.

I think many people are like me, they would like the Anderson to work as it certainly looks easier to set-up and is lighter. But the proof is in the numbers.

[uncle46]

Went to pick up My Andersen Hitch today the UPS doesn't open until 5PM here in Houlton ME. What a bummer.