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Old 02-18-2016, 11:10 AM   #1
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Andersen Ultimate vs other 5th Wheel Hitches

I'm brand new to the Forest River Forum and have been RV'ing for only 3-4 years. I just bought a Rockwood 8299BS...in fact I haven't even picked it up yet. They are installing a couple things...backup camera, class III receiver hitch in the back and moving my Anderson block from my old 5th wheel to the Rockwood. I'm re-thinking the Anderson Ultimate hitch due to what I consider to be excessive tipping on uneven ground. It seems like the standard 5th wheel hitch is more stable in side-to-side movement. If I move to a standard hitch, I'll have to either buy a B&W Companion hitch because of the B&W gooseneck currently installed in the bed to accommodate the Anderson system or start over. I enjoy the utility value of my current system by removing the Anderson hitch, turning the gooseneck ball over and getting my flat bed back for hauling stuff. I would like to take advantage of the Reese Revolution on my new Rockwood but I'm told it's incompatible with the B&W Companion. Any thoughts on this would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance!
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Old 02-18-2016, 08:39 PM   #2
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I can't help your questions, as I am new to fifth wheels (picking mine up Saturday). However, I wanted to ask about the class III hitch install you are having done.

Is the Rockwood new? Is the dealer installing the hitch, and if so did they give you any grief over it? The reason I am asking is because I would like to do the same, but for some reason didn't even think to get the dealer to do it. I figured I would just have a friend of mine (welder / trailer builder) weld it on after the frame warranty ran out.

I hope this doesn't derail your thread too much, and if so we can take it to Private Message.

BTW... I'm planning to use an Andersen.


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Old 02-18-2016, 10:36 PM   #3
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Let's discuss this in private message. I think they'd like to keep the thread pure related to the Anderson vs other hitches. I can answer questions related to my Anderson experiences if you'd....like.
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Old 02-18-2016, 10:51 PM   #4
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If you do any searches on this subject, be sure and spell AndersEn with an "e" in the last syllable the way the company spells it. While some people spell it in their posts with an "o" toward the end, you'll miss some good information if you don't search for "Andersen".

I have used my Andersen Ultimate for 6800 miles of towing with absolutely no issues.
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Old 02-19-2016, 12:14 AM   #5
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Thanks...."e" not "o". I had it correct in the title of the post but goofed later on. I should know that...it's plastered all over the hitch and box I still have. Have you done any off road stuff to unimproved campsites, etc? My experience on paved roads and freeways are also good. The small movements of the camper due to wind, road undulations, etc tend to leave the truck alone and provides a smooth ride.

How much clearance do you have between the bottom of your camper and the truck bed? I've currently got 7 1/2". That seems to be adequate except in bad conditions. I just slow down to a couple miles per hour and that seems to take care of it. Thanks!
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Old 02-19-2016, 02:43 PM   #6
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Hensley BD3 Air hitch

I bought a Hensley BD3 Last year. Also had the MOR ryde IS and hydraulic brakes put on. I believe this is about as good as it gets. Had an onboard air tank and pump put on with internal cab controls for the hitch and the air springs. Wish we had done this several years ago - we are full timers. I recommend this to anyone towing large fifth wheels. We have a 2013 40' Sanibel 3400. Love the hitch - highly recommend it.
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Old 02-19-2016, 05:11 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jstaffon View Post
Have you done any off road stuff to unimproved campsites, etc? My experience on paved roads and freeways are also good. The small movements of the camper due to wind, road undulations, etc tend to leave the truck alone and provides a smooth ride.

How much clearance do you have between the bottom of your camper and the truck bed? I've currently got 7 1/2". That seems to be adequate except in bad conditions. I just slow down to a couple miles per hour and that seems to take care of it. Thanks!
jstaffon, the answer is No... I don't do any off road stuff. I'm too old for that. I don't mind pulling my 5th wheel 1000 miles on good road BUT the closest thing to off-roading I've done is crossing the concrete gullies between the pavement and some gas stations.

I'll have to measure my camper to truck bed clearance in March when I put the Andersen Ultimate frame back in the truck and hook up for a trip. I will say that I have nicked the plastic cover on the top of my bed rail coming out of a gas station but so has uncle Fred who doesn't use an Andersen Ultimate.
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Old 02-19-2016, 09:55 PM   #8
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JohnByers,
Awesome hitch! Thanks for that info. I've seen those from time to time buy never got to talk to the owners. I'll definitely keep that in mind.
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Old 02-19-2016, 10:03 PM   #9
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I like the side movements the Andersen allows. I turn my RV around in a field before backing into my space and need lots of side movement without binding. The Andersen is great for this feature. Love this product.
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Old 02-19-2016, 11:05 PM   #10
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the Andersen doesn't work if you need a slider does it?
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Old 02-19-2016, 11:18 PM   #11
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The Andersen Ultimate won't slide at all. It's fixed. I have a 6.5' bed and don't need a slider especially due to the rounded front corners on my trailer.


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Old 02-20-2016, 08:50 AM   #12
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JohnByers,
Awesome hitch! Thanks for that info. I've seen those from time to time buy never got to talk to the owners. I'll definitely keep that in mind.
I gave you my pitch on the Hensley thinking you were into a large fifth wheel. I should have looked the Rockwood you referred to up. I am not a proponent of the Anderson for a fifth wheel travel trailer even still. Yes - I have looked at them even before I purchased the BD3. I'm not saying it's a bad hitch within its intended use. Around a farm would be a great hitch, but for long hauls and full timing in your fifth wheel, it has much to be desired. No anti chucking - and a large fifth wheel can really beat a truck up without that. Also, undo stress can be caused on the trailer pin box and frame. It really depends on your travel plans and usage for the quality of hitch you purchase. Just a weekend 200 miles away - maybe the Andersen - anymore than that - nah - go get a real fifth wheel hitch. I had a Curt for several years. After major pin box repairs and thousands of uncomfortable chucking miles we went all the way. Save your truck - save your trailer. http://hensleymfg.com/hensley-trailersaver-air-ride-5th-wheel-hitches/ If you want more input from other full timers go to Jack Mayers web site jackdanmayer.com - lot of good info there. There is much more to say on this than what can be said here, but your doing the right thing to check out other hitches. If you are doing serious traveling I would go with a serious traveling built hitch.
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Old 02-20-2016, 09:47 AM   #13
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Originally Posted by johnbyers View Post
I gave you my pitch on the Hensley thinking you were into a large fifth wheel. I should have looked the Rockwood you referred to up. I am not a proponent of the Anderson for a fifth wheel travel trailer even still. Yes - I have looked at them even before I purchased the BD3. I'm not saying it's a bad hitch within its intended use. Around a farm would be a great hitch, but for long hauls and full timing in your fifth wheel, it has much to be desired. No anti chucking - and a large fifth wheel can really beat a truck up without that. Also, undo stress can be caused on the trailer pin box and frame. It really depends on your travel plans and usage for the quality of hitch you purchase. Just a weekend 200 miles away - maybe the Andersen - anymore than that - nah - go get a real fifth wheel hitch. I had a Curt for several years. After major pin box repairs and thousands of uncomfortable chucking miles we went all the way. Save your truck - save your trailer. http://hensleymfg.com/hensley-trailersaver-air-ride-5th-wheel-hitches/ If you want more input from other full timers go to Jack Mayers web site jackdanmayer.com - lot of good info there. There is much more to say on this than what can be said here, but your doing the right thing to check out other hitches. If you are doing serious traveling I would go with a serious traveling built hitch.
Wow...Great review of a hitch you don't have or use. The farm use reference was really useful. I'm glad your hitch works great for you. My Andersen works fine including long multi state travel. Stick with comments regarding equipment you actually have and use.
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Old 02-20-2016, 10:39 AM   #14
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The Andersen Ultimate hitch has absolutely NO CHUCKING. It doesn't need anti-chucking anything. A round ball fits in a round hole. It has no ability to move forward/backward/side-to-side in that hole. NO CHUCKING.
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Old 02-20-2016, 06:12 PM   #15
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Since we are talking Andersen, can anyone tell me if states like California require you to use safety chains since it isn't considered a true fifth wheel hitch?
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Old 02-20-2016, 06:25 PM   #16
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Since we are talking Andersen, can anyone tell me if states like California require you to use safety chains since it isn't considered a true fifth wheel hitch?
There are no "states like California"!

I couldn't find credible information on requirements for a state like Texas... so I paid $65+ for a set of chains from Andersen to keep from having the 'are required'/'are not required' discussion with a trooper on the side of the highway - in any one of several states in which I might be towing.
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Nights Camped: '13 = 49/'14 = 74/'15 = 74/'16 = 85/'17 = 110/'18 = 111/'19 = 86/'20 =108/'21 = 115/'22 = 135/'23 = 78; Booked for 2024 = 69
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Old 02-20-2016, 06:33 PM   #17
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Mr.Dan,

Thanks for the reply, I have been towing with a Reese 16k pro and not happy with the noise and wear from chucking. I just saw the Anderson and interested in the comments here. I just don't care for the idea of getting in the truck bed everytime to hook or unhook chains.
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Old 02-20-2016, 06:39 PM   #18
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Depending on my TV/TT alignment, I can sometimes reach my hook loops over the tailgate. Most times, I step on a TV tire and up into the bed. I've been told here that a dual rear tire TV makes that move harder.
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Old 02-20-2016, 06:45 PM   #19
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Appreciate your input, not sure what I am going to do. I had come to the decision that I would go with a Curt Q20 until I found that they are made in China.
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Old 02-23-2016, 02:36 PM   #20
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I can now weigh in on the Andersen. I used it for the first time Saturday to pick up our new trailer and was very pleased.

I have the rail mount, and it was a little difficult to install at first. I think that was mostly due to it being a perfect fit and getting all four tabs in at the same time was difficult. I used a file to put a small radius on the tabs of the hitch and the slots of the rails. Now it goes in and out smooth.

The adapter box was a simple install, including routing the cable and securing it.

I experienced no "chucking", rattling, banging, etc on the 90 mile drive home. The hitch provided plenty of range for backing into my relatively steep upper driveway off of a normal width two lane road.

Hooking up / unhooking was a simple as you would expect. Back it under the cup and lower the landing gear. Push the cable handle and twist. Connect electrical plug. After I was home, I pulled the cable, raised the trailer, disconnected plug and drove out. I don't have the safety chains, but will add them before we take it camping.

I have the standard Lipert pin box (no shocks or springs) and after towing it have no desire to change it.

This was pulling a 1360 lb fifth wheel with my 2500hd.

Weights before and after...
Front - 3920 (I don't think they waited for me to get back in the truck here)
Rear - 2900

Front - 4180
Rear - 5420
Trailer - 10860

I'm happy with the Andersen.


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