Andersen Issues

[SPPD]

Uncle,

It seems like a lot of confusion over this system will be remedied by you getting some actual weights with this system. Thanks in advance for you sharing your data with us.

Regards,

SPPD

[thebrakeman]

Originally Posted by SPPD

...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.

My reasoning is not based on rejection of a new idea, simply because it's new. It's based on an analysis of the product.

Anyone that does not want to take part in a civil discussion does not have to participate. As long as nobody is being nasty, I see no reason why we can't debate here.

[SPPD]

Originally Posted by thebrakeman

My reasoning is not based on rejection of a new idea, simply because it's new. It's based on an analysis of the product.

Anyone that does not want to take part in a civil discussion does not have to participate. As long as nobody is being nasty, I see no reason why we can't debate here.

My comments were not directed at anyone in particular. And as far as I am concerned nobody has been nasty here. In general I have discovered that many people dismiss things they have no real world experience with and I have done the same at times in my life. I understand how the Andersen system works, I have held it in my hands, I have installed it, have adjusted it, and made the choice to go with it over other systems I have had success with. I like the light weight, how quiet it is, how easy it is to hitch and dial in. Again I have not hit the scales yet, so the real benefits of this system have still not been proven to me.

Let the ideas flow,

SPPD

BTW Brakeman my college roommate is from Canton. George Duncan is his name. I believe he is a Police Officer there now.

[comfun1]

I bought a new trailer last spring and was trying to decide on a WD hitch. It seemed to me that those who had not tried the Andersen had mixed feelings about it. Those that had tried both were in favor of the Andersen. I bought the Andersen and am 100% satisfied with it and their customer service. I previously had a Reese WD and sway bar. I would never want to go back to the spring bars. I'm not saying there is anything wrong with the old style but if you are looking for a hitch you may wish to carefully read the comments.

[bakken]

comfun, when you tighten up the chain bolts, does the rear of your TV rise? Say it drops 4 inches when you lower the camper onto it, can you raise the TV back up to level?

[jeeplj8]

Originally Posted by comfun1

I bought a new trailer last spring and was trying to decide on a WD hitch. It seemed to me that those who had not tried the Andersen had mixed feelings about it. Those that had tried both were in favor of the Andersen. I bought the Andersen and am 100% satisfied with it and their customer service. I previously had a Reese WD and sway bar. I would never want to go back to the spring bars. I'm not saying there is anything wrong with the old style but if you are looking for a hitch you may wish to carefully read the comments.

This response is representative of most I see in favor of the Anderson. If you are happy, great. But the engineer in me wants to see some real numbers to back up your evaluation.

[uncle46]

I found this an interesting read on this subject. I realize we are talking about much larger TV and TT but the scales don't lie.
Lance Owners of America: A new Weight Distribution Hitch (WDH)

[jeeplj8]

Originally Posted by uncle46

I found this an interesting read on this subject. I realize we are talking about much larger TV and TT but the scales don't lie.
Lance Owners of America: A new Weight Distribution Hitch (WDH)

I have read that post before, which is why I really wanted to see numbers on a large trailer. In my mind what works for a trailer that weighs 3500 pounds may not be close to working on one that weighs almost 10, 000 pounds.

[bakken]

I think I can finally picture how the Anderson would impart similar forces to the TV hitch, and indeed transfer weight.
My only suggestion would be for Anderson to design a new ball coupler with the locking latch at the front, rather than at the back where all of the force is applied from pulling the camper forward.

[uncle46]

Got my hitch, if we have a good day tomorrow I will do the install.

[uncle46]

Received my hitch yesterday. Today I went through the box to make sure that all parts were included and look over the instructions. Everything was in order but I found a couple of things Items that you all might want to see so I am going to try and attach a PDF Document. Ok that got done. If it warms a bit I will get it hook up today. It's 29 now springtime in Canada.

[SPPD]

Originally Posted by uncle46

Received my hitch yesterday. Today I went through the box to make sure that all parts were included and look over the instructions. Everything was in order but I found a couple of things Items that you all might want to see so I am going to try and attach a PDF Document. Ok that got done. If it warms a bit I will get it hook up today. It's 29 now springtime in Canada.

Interesting,

I just purchased my Andersen recently and it did not include this document. That is good information.

Thanks,

SPPD

[jeeplj8]

The question has now become how common is that Atwood 88XXX series coupler?

[SPPD]

Just checked my coupler and I am all good.

[uncle46]

Snowing again here in Canada. New Andersen Hitch is installed. Haven't got it adjusted yet it turned to cold. I will get to the scales as soon as I can. Wife and I are at a local campground spending the weekend in the camper. It is cold but we will manage. Heat is on 70 but it must drop to the mid 60"s before it kicks on. Filled my water tanks today I just hope we don't have a hard freeze.

[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.

[SPPD]

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.

Awesome! It is great that you took the time to share your numbers. Thank you!

SPPD

[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.

What are your unloaded weights for the truck?

[SPPD]

Originally Posted by uncle46

Got my starting weight of truck. 3280 front 2520 rear 5800 gross. That was with full tank of fuel, me and the spouse in the truck, no other luggage.

From Uncles previous towing thread.

SPPD

[uncle46]

With this type of hitch you can make adjustments on the fly if the TV doesn't feel right you can tighten or loosen the chains very easily. Will it last that remains to be seen.