Opinions on the Andersen Ultimate fifth wheel

[nhrangerjoe]

I recently ordered an XLR Viper 345v14 so it's a pretty big trailer. I am looking at buying an Anderson fifth wheel set up and putting the b&w turn over gooseneck hitch on my truck. Does any one pull with this set up. If not what do you use. I have just bought a goose neck flat bed so I do need something I can pull in and out when I haul the coach. Any thoughts?


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[ependydad]

B&W has a fantastic fifth wheel hitch that is generally easy to install and remove. This is what I use.

That said, the folks who are using the Anderson seem to love it. Folks who don't have a litany of reasons why they think it's a bad idea.

My main issue with it- being a gooseneck, I think it would be a hassle hooking up the chains (this is likely more an issue with a regular pickup truck bed vs. a flatbed).

I will say, I would recommend contacting XLR and the frame manufacturer to make sure you're not voiding any warranty support by using it. A lot of times people quote that your frame warranty will be void if you pull a fifth wheel with a gooseneck hitch. Don't know if it is true, but I've read it enough that I'd check it out for myself.

[nhrangerjoe]

What do you mean about the gooseneck. I am tracking that I cannot mount a ball coupler to the trailer and straight to a goose neck ball. But it is my understanding that the Anderson in no way shape or form is a gooseneck. It just attaches it's base to the goose neck ball. The rest of the operation is just a different approach to the standard fifth wheel. What are the disadvantages of the Anderson?


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[Jeff Auton]

I went to the Anderson after having a Reese slider hitch. I am pulling a xlr 300x14. I love my anderson. It's so easy to put in and take out of my truck and easy to store in my garage. I actually hang it on the wall when not is use. I don't experience as much bucking and clanking going down the road and it really nice not having to slide the hitch when backing into tight spots. I highly recommend the Anderson.


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[jevanb]

I just watched the anderson video, i really like the concept should of went that route instead of the superglide

[togo444]

Good unit. I have towed a 2006 forest river f37 three times now with no issues. Make sure to retighten the bolts before you tow and follow the instructions. The truck had a goose ball in it when I bought it so I didn't want to remove it and drill more holes in the frame for a standard 5th wheel hitch. It was relatively cheaper than the alternatives and works great. Total weight for the trailer is about 11,000 lbs loaded. I have never towed with a traditional 5th wheel hitch so I can't really compare the two except for the price difference. This is my first 5th wheel ever so I don't know much about hitches but it was simple to install and I get to keep my truck bed when not in use. Hope this helps.


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[nhrangerjoe]

Thank you all for your insight. Where did you all buy your hitch from? I have seen the prices range from$440-$550 shipped for the gooseneck compatible version.


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[Mr. Dan]

I ordered my Anderson Ultimate 5th Wheel Connection - 3225 through Amazon
Sold by e autoaccessories

It cost me $439.99.

I was pleased with the whole "deal"; I am happy with the hitch although I haven't been able to use it much. My new trailer has never left the lot. Service is trying to correct an "issue" with a slide-out.

[togo444]

I bought mine at a local rv dealer for $499.99. Check around the local guys some may stock them.


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[Cypressloser]

Love it;
I do not want another 5th wheel hitch again ever. To make hitching easier I place a pencil magnet on the front of the hitch and I also drilled a hole through the lock handle and secured it with a cotter pin. Send me a PM if you're interested in pictures.

[Cypressloser]

Originally Posted by ependydad

B&W has a fantastic fifth wheel hitch that is generally easy to install and remove. This is what I use.

That said, the folks who are using the Anderson seem to love it. Folks who don't have a litany of reasons why they think it's a bad idea.

My main issue with it- being a gooseneck, I think it would be a hassle hooking up the chains (this is likely more an issue with a regular pickup truck bed vs. a flatbed).

I will say, I would recommend contacting XLR and the frame manufacturer to make sure you're not voiding any warranty support by using it. A lot of times people quote that your frame warranty will be void if you pull a fifth wheel with a gooseneck hitch. Don't know if it is true, but I've read it enough that I'd check it out for myself.

The Andersen is not a Gooseneck hitch it is a ball hitch though and will not void the trailer warranty. It can be ordered with safety cables which I don't see as a hassle since the brake breakaway cable needs to be hooked up also.

[Mr. Dan]

Originally Posted by Cypressloser

The Andersen is not a Gooseneck hitch it is a ball hitch though and will not void the trailer warranty. It can be ordered with safety cables which I don't see as a hassle since the brake breakaway cable needs to be hooked up also.

Exactly!

See this ==>


... and this

[SKnight]

I love mine, easy to hook up, pulls nice and solid. I don't have a lot of traditional fifth wheel hitch experience but I can say I'm happy with what I've got.

I can put it in the bed by myself and with a flipover ball gooseneck hitch I have a mostly flat floor.

[nhrangerjoe]

Mr.dan,
Does the king pin ball attachment come pared drilled for the safety chain kit? Also I have never seen safety chains on a fifth wheel, is there a need for them with the Anderson hitch or just for piece of mind?

Thank you all for your input.


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[SKnight]

It doesn't need to be drilled, there's two bolts that go through the block to anchor against the pin, the bolts with the chain hoops replace them.

And it depends on the state, since it's a ball mount in the eyes of the state it falls under gooseneck rules and thus needs chains.

[Mr. Dan]

Originally Posted by nhrangerjoe

Mr.dan,
Does the king pin ball attachment come pared drilled for the safety chain kit? Also I have never seen safety chains on a fifth wheel, is there a need for them with the Anderson hitch or just for piece of mind?

Thank you all for your input.


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I'm sorry. I hadn't seen this post until just now.

SKnight is right about using the bolts with ear loops to connect safety chains. My Andersen hitch came with ordinary headed bolts to secure the adapter block to the king pin. The Andersen chain set came with loop bolts (see my chain set pic above).

I can't confirm/deny Mr. Knight's comments about 5th wheel/goose neck laws relative to safety chains but as I posted on another forum: "BTW, I bought a set of Andersen safety chains in case the po-po try to apply gooseneck law. 5th wheels don't require 'em - so I'm told." This shows I'm clueless regarding the law but for less than $61, I am attempting to avoid tickets/legal issues.

[wicked1]

I have the Ford Factory 5th wheel setup and I am wondering if I have to drill more holes in the bed to use the chains on the Anderson bc I don't want to do that? Looks to me like the Anderson frame covers my 4 puck holes so that would require me drilling two more holes in my pickup bed, and not doing that. To this point I am looking at the Reese 16K slider to mount in my 2016 F350, can anyone confirm with factory setup that you can use Anderson chains without drilling?


2016 F350 CREW 6.7 PowerStroke Diesel
2015 FR Rockwood Roo 23IKSS

[SKnight]

Originally Posted by wicked1

I have the Ford Factory 5th wheel setup and I am wondering if I have to drill more holes in the bed to use the chains on the Anderson bc I don't want to do that? Looks to me like the Anderson frame covers my 4 puck holes so that would require me drilling two more holes in my pickup bed, and not doing that. To this point I am looking at the Reese 16K slider to mount in my 2016 F350, can anyone confirm with factory setup that you can use Anderson chains without drilling?


2016 F350 CREW 6.7 PowerStroke Diesel
2015 FR Rockwood Roo 23IKSS

Lash the chains to the hitch. The point of the chains is if it comes off the ball, not if the entire hitch comes out. Think of a bumper pull arrangement, you chain up to the hitch. Same applies here.

[wicked1]

Ah I thought it had to be attached to specific points in the bed on a GooseNeck? I am deciding between the Anderson, Reese's Slider, or Curt Slider. Finalizing my deal in. 2016 Keystone Montana High Country this week, numbers just about there then finance the little bit after my trade. Dealer wanted to sell me Curt or Reese for $1300 installed but I have the factory Ford unserved setup already so not much to install.


2016 F350 CREW 6.7 PowerStroke Diesel
2015 FR Rockwood Roo 23IKSS

[SKnight]

That's what I was told by a DOT officer in Georgia, he said this was no different than a bumper pull arrangement. On a gooseneck they do have chain mounts on the hitch but the pyramid is part of the hitch.

I'm sure it varies by state and who knows, the guy I talked to might have been blowing smoke.