Andersen vs Fastway WDH

Mrprovy · 08-25-2019, 07:02 PM

First off, I'm a rookie when it comes to towing and camping (outside of some utility trailer use to the dumps). I'm looking to buy and pick up my first camper by the end of the year, but want to have everything in order for the maiden drive home, probably about 10 hours from RVW.

One item I want to have squared away is the WDH/sway control. TV will be a lifted '06 Chevy Trailblazer (Tahoe Z71 springs) and I'm looking to purchase a Geo Pro 16BH (GVRW 3920, Hitch weight 420).

I was initially looking into the Fast way E2 WDH, but just came across a video on the Andersen system. Both seem to work, the Andersen appears to be a little more user friendly and lighter for storage.

Anyone have experience with both? Benefits/pitfalls of each?

wevitt · 08-25-2019, 07:49 PM

I have had both and will say I love the ease and light weight of the Andersen.

deepseadan · 08-26-2019, 01:29 AM

I wouldn’t buy either hitch. Your trailblazer being a suv has a close wheelbase and sway is going to be a pain. Since you have time research and call Hensley and ask about arrow cub. It will eliminate sway and towing will be much safer and enjoyable. I’ve been down that road and without my Hensley I wouldn’t be towing anymore. Sway is a nightmare and the e2 and even 4pt equalizer weren’t anything like the Hensley. Also I’m pretty sure you can get the top model screw jack hensley arrow cub for around $1650. You just have to ask. It’s much cheaper to buy it first instead of buying the e2 and then the 4pt, then realizing you should have just bought the Hensley. Don’t ask me how I know.

Jfkmk · 08-26-2019, 04:38 AM

I have no experiene with the Andersen. However, i used to pull a 3500# tt with an 06 Envoy with the E2 hitch. I had 0 issues with sway, the hitch worked great.

Scottnweeze · 08-26-2019, 02:46 PM

I have an Anderson with our Geo Pro 19 and couldn't be happier. Easy to use and hook up, it also has anti-sway and it's only 60 Lbs.

CurtPutnam · 08-26-2019, 02:56 PM

Not directly responsive to your question - swapped out a Husky Centerline for an Andersen. After 4K miles on the new hitch, the driver says the Andersen is absolutely better. Also easier to hitch and unhitch.

Jpcarroll · 08-26-2019, 03:37 PM

I've used both the E2 and Andersen with my 3500lb 19FD and Mercedes ML350 SUV. Had no sway issues with either and both took care of weight distribution.

My preference is the Andersen due to it's light weight and easier setup. The Andersen also "feels" like a softer pull than the 600lb rated E2 which felt a bit stiff.

I'm not sure I would use the Andersen on a heavier trailer...not for weight distribution anyway.

thebrakeman · 08-26-2019, 03:57 PM

You don't list the max tow rating for the truck, and for a lifted truck, who knows what that is. But for a trailer that will never exceed 4000 lbs, I'm thinking you will have a lot of excess capacity.

I am not a fan of the Andersen hitch, for those who use a good portion of their tow vehicle's capacity. Geometrically, it can't transfer enough weight back to the front wheels if you are using very much of your suspension travel (I won't go into the explanation here).

But again, given your situation, I actually think the Andersen is a good fit. As long as you load the trailer with 10-15% of loaded TW on the ball, and have the trailer tires inflated to max sidewall pressure, you actually will not need much weight transfer, and this kit supposedly does very well with sway control.

If you have $1650, and feel like going overkill, knock yourself out. But if you are like the other 99%, you are already doing enough research, and you will be happy with either of these choices.

woo10-210 · 08-26-2019, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deepseadan

I wouldn’t buy either hitch. Your trailblazer being a suv has a close wheelbase and sway is going to be a pain. Since you have time research and call Hensley and ask about arrow cub.

A Hensley?!!! That Geo Pro is barely 18' and the gvwr is under 4K. The OP could probably get away without a WDH but I commend him for wanting to use one. It will need to be set up with low rate spring bars as the TT frame is very lightweight and could be prone to bend with too much spring.

thebrakeman · 08-26-2019, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by woo10-210

A Hensley?!!! That Geo Pro is barely 18' and the gvwr is under 4K. The OP could probably get away without a WDH but I commend him for wanting to use one.

x10

Mrprovy · 08-26-2019, 04:38 PM

Thanks for the reply's guys.

From my owners manual, with V6 & 3.73 axle ratio (mine):
Max trailer weight is 5700lbs.
GCWR IS 10,5700lbs

Door jamb:
GVWR: 5750lbs

I should have initially included that I am planning on pulling the camper into the beach, and from what I've read this should be done without anti sway so it is free to follow the tracks independently without holding back/pulling the truck as the path shifts.

JROtexas · 08-26-2019, 04:39 PM

On our MiniLite (5800 lbs) we went with the Andersen. Hitching and unhitching is much easier, I can just leave the hitch ball installed, nothing to store away in the vehicle or the trailer, it does a better job on the sway than our sway bars did on our previous R-Pod trailer, and it works for us.

mopwr4me2003 · 08-26-2019, 04:59 PM

I would go with the Anderson. Lighter weight and easy. You won’t use up to much of your tongue weight and payload with it either. Another fairly easy and light weight one to consider is a blue ox. Good luck on your choice.

jboczek · 08-26-2019, 05:29 PM

I got an Andersen when we got a new camper a couple years ago. I'd do it again in a heartbeat. Pulls great, weight distribution is fine with a 6,000 pound trailer, no sway, just a really good hitch, in my honest opinion.

Jfkmk · 08-26-2019, 06:28 PM

Personally, I would never buy an Andersen product after Ryan Andersen was caught defacing Corona Arch. Something to keep in mind while wandering the country enjoying its natural beauty.

Tigger1 · 08-26-2019, 06:42 PM

We’ve had our Andersen for several years now for our Rockwood Mini Lite 2104s and our previous Jayco Hybrid. Our current tongue weight is around 450#.

Very happy with the quality, quietness, ease of hitching and unhitching. Sway control is very good. We previously had an Equalizer 4-point that worked as advertised but the weight of the head housing at 58# became too heavy for me to lift. Andersen is about 60# total including frame brackets. Backing up is no problem at all. Their Customer Service is very good.

jcr59 · 08-26-2019, 06:52 PM

I have the E2 . The weigh distribution is great with my RAM TV coil spring suspension having only 0.5 in. rise in the front. Sway is non-existent.

thebrakeman · 08-27-2019, 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jfkmk

Personally, I would never buy an Andersen product after Ryan Andersen was caught defacing Corona Arch. Something to keep in mind while wandering the country enjoying its natural beauty.

Seems a bit harsh, considering he fully accepted responsibility, apologized publically showing remorse, and paid the maximum fine after prosecution.

Jfkmk · 08-27-2019, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thebrakeman

Seems a bit harsh, considering he fully accepted responsibility, apologized publically showing remorse, and paid the maximum fine after prosecution.

He knew what he was doing and was asked to stop but continued to deface the arch. He isnt some 15 yo kid doing somerhing stupid, he was an adult knowingly defacing the arch. Of course he apologized, he had no choice. I might have more sympathy if he immediately stopped when he was first asked. As for maximum fine, im sure he can afford it.

alvinmb · 08-27-2019, 04:27 PM

Andersen all the way. When I purchased our Apex trailer, I purchased an entry level Husky with round bars and friction sway control included. It actually worked fine for me but it was noisy when wet and a pain in the ass to setup, store. Switch to the Andersen, fast setup, light weight, less bounce. Worth the money for me.

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