Andersen Ultimate 5TH Wheel Hitch

Rimrider23 · 03-16-2015, 10:34 AM

I am buying a new Sierra 377FLIK and will be pulling with the Anderson Ultimate hitch. My truck is a 2012 Ram 3500 dually w/ 4WD. The truck bed is equipped with a rollup aluminum lid. Has anyone had any experiences with this hitch or problems I should know about, ie; backing radius or clearance issues? I appreciate any input.

**Mr. Dan** · 03-16-2015, 10:52 AM

Do a Search for Andersen Ultimate and you will find some answers. Be sure to use an E in the last syllable. AndersEn.

Sent (I think)

**ependydad** · 03-16-2015, 01:08 PM

The people who use them seem to like them. The people who don't think you're insane for considering it. I have yet to read a bad review from an actual user.

OldCoot · 03-16-2015, 01:13 PM

The only concern I would have is the changing of the pinbox from a pin to a socket and it seems to me as hitch line up would have to be much more precise.

**Mr. Dan** · 03-16-2015, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OldCoot

The only concern I would have is the changing of the pinbox from a pin to a socket and it seems to me as hitch line up would have to be much more precise.

The adapter is bolted onto the existing kingpin. The alignment process is almost exactly the same side-to-side and front-to-back as backing a ball hitch under a TT ball socket coupler EXCEPT (to the positive) that you can see the Andersen Ultimate ball and the adapter/coupler socket through the TV back window whereas you can't when hooking up a TT. As with hitching up a TT, there is a little wiggle room since the adapter is able to move in any of the horizontal directions as it is lowered onto the ball.

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OldCoot · 03-16-2015, 03:07 PM

I would think the cantilevered adaptor would put extra stress on the pinbox. Does FR ok that?

Crockett · 03-16-2015, 03:42 PM

thats a pretty cool design. I particularly like the adapter to the gooseneck ball in bed, much easier than a ranch hitch adapter install. I just chatted with Andersen about the need for safety chains, since its a ball and not a pin. Its clear in all states except Indiana. So, no safety chains to fool with...Sweet!

**Mr. Dan** · 03-16-2015, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OldCoot

I would think the cantilevered adaptor would put extra stress on the pinbox. Does FR ok that?

The distance between the center of the adapter's ball socket and the center of the kingpin is 4". And besides the heavy bolts front and back of the kingpin, there are 4 set-screws (two behind the kingpin and two between the kingpin and the ball socket) which are tightened to 40# torque against the bottom of the pin box. This SEEMS (not a definitive term expected by engineers) to distribute weight fairly evenly on the pin box as would a standard 5th wheel hitch.

Regarding your specific question:

I didn't ask F.R. directly but Andersen's propaganda (er, website) says "Keep your 5th Wheel warranty intact!" and I'm fairly certain (and that IS definitive) you can't put anything on the internet that isn't true... at least that's what I read in recent libel discussions.

Ultimate 5th Wheel Connection

OldCoot · 03-16-2015, 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Dan

The distance between the center of the adapter's ball socket and the center of the kingpin is 4". And besides the heavy bolts front and back of the kingpin, there are 4 set-screws (two behind the kingpin and two between the kingpin and the ball socket) which are tightened to 40# torque against the bottom of the pin box. This SEEMS (not a definitive term expected by engineers) to distribute weight fairly evenly on the pin box as would a standard 5th wheel hitch...

Wouldn't be worried if it was attached to the pinbox securely, just the added 4" of length added in front of the pin putting additional load on the pinbox to trailer connection and superstructure. A 1500# pin wt would be an additional 500 lb/ft of torque on the pb connection/superstructure.

5er_tom · 03-16-2015, 04:03 PM

I would be careful about no safety chains. Me thinks that many states would have a real problem without them attached.

**Mr. Dan** · 03-16-2015, 04:11 PM

To the OP:
Here is a thread I found searching for "Andersen Ultimate":
http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...eel-63270.html

Here's one I found searching for "Anderson Ultimate":
http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...ion-71583.html

Maybe 47chevy,
Jeff Auton,
togo444,
Boetim,
sonic2,
Cypressloser,
kohai,
and/or
SKnight,

will chime in.

**Mr. Dan** · 03-16-2015, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crockett

thats a pretty cool design. I particularly like the adapter to the gooseneck ball in bed, much easier than a ranch hitch adapter install. I just chatted with Andersen about the need for safety chains, since its a ball and not a pin. Its clear in all states except Indiana. So, no safety chains to fool with...Sweet!

I bought, installed and use safety chains. I don't want to have this discussion with a Texas or Okie patrolmen by the side of the road.

Crockett · 03-16-2015, 04:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 5er_tom

I would be careful about no safety chains. Me thinks that many states would have a real problem without them attached.

supposedly Andersen has arbitrated with all the states and Indiana is the sole holdout. But on the side of the road, your not really dealing with the state.

OldCoot · 03-16-2015, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crockett

supposedly Andersen has arbitrated with all the states and Indiana is the sole holdout. But on the side of the road, your not really dealing with the state.

Agree, was told many years ago by a learned lawyer (I know, rare) to "Never argue with the police or state patrol, you're in their playground. Argue in court."

**ependydad** · 03-16-2015, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Dan

I bought, installed and use safety chains. I don't want to have this discussion with a Texas or Okie patrolmen by the side of the road.

I feel like the chains would be a hassle to climb 1/2 way into the bed to attach. Is it as bad as I envision?

For perspective, I can reach my fifth wheel handle by stepping on a tire or by stepping on a tire step on my tire. And my breakaway cable is connected to the rear corner tie down in the bed.

OldCoot · 03-16-2015, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ependydad

I feel like the chains would be a hassle to climb 1/2 way into the bed to attach. Is it as bad as I envision?

For perspective, I can reach my fifth wheel handle by stepping on a tire or by stepping on a tire step on my tire. And my breakaway cable is connected to the rear corner tie down in the bed.

Wouldn't think it was a hassle when a trooper handed you a ticket whether deserved or not.

**Mr. Dan** · 03-16-2015, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ependydad

I feel like the chains would be a hassle to climb 1/2 way into the bed to attach. Is it as bad as I envision?

For perspective, I can reach my fifth wheel handle by stepping on a tire or by stepping on a tire step on my tire. And my breakaway cable is connected to the rear corner tie down in the bed.

I'll only be 68 next month so I can't evaluate this process for everyone... but I step on a tire, swing my leg up into the bed, stand on that foot (usually left), put my other (usually right) foot in, hook up both chains and get out. When I can no longer do that, I'll ask DW who is 5' 1.5" tall to do it. She won't be 68 until September!

**ependydad** · 03-16-2015, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Dan

I'll only be 68 next month so I can't evaluate this process for everyone... but I step on a tire, swing my leg up into the bed, stand on that foot (usually left), put my other (usually right) foot in, hook up both chains and get out. When I can no longer do that, I'll ask DW who is 5' 1.5" tall to do it. She won't be 68 until September!

Do you have a SRW or DRW?