Is the Anderson hitch good enough for a Rockwood 8311ws.

[Red dog]

I have purchased a 2016 Rockwood 8311ws, The dealer through in a Anderson hitch to close the deal for us. I've read a lot of reviews and most of them are positive but this trailer weighs about 7700 lbs dry and is about 35ft long, A lot of the reviews comment about this hitch working good on a lighter weight travel trailer but I'm hoping this set up will work being they included it with The travel trailer. I will be bringing the trailer home in a few days, I guess I will be finding out soon.

My TV Will be a 2015 Chevy 2500HD crew cab 6 1/2 foot box with the Duramax engine.

[Wobbles]

Your TV sounds right. My first reaction is that you will be OK.

I cannot speak to the Anderson but use the "Search" feature at the top of the web page. Everything under the sun has been looked at and commented on, here on the forums.

Until you know more about it's operation in your circumstances, It may be hard to take away from what you read, regarding performance/issues. It may just sound like folks singing about or trashing a product. Keep reading and you will find posts that speak to you.

After a few trips you will have an Aha moment about a post that you did not understand.

This was my experience... Hope yours is great.

[uhduh camping]

I would think with a 2500 you might be ok. It is depending on ACTUAL tongue weight and if you don't need weight distribution. I am guessing you will be at or over 1000 lbs. TW. Might want to keep options open just in case. My actual TW is 1100 lbs. though brochures list it at 883 lbs.

[jlgail4309]

Hensley Mfg., Inc. - Trailer Sway Eliminated...Guaranteed
Trailer Sway Control Hitch Guaranteed to Eliminate Trailer Sway - ProPride 3P

Two of the safest hitches on the market. More money but the safest by far none. food for thought . You have a lot of truck and a lot of trailer.

[Red dog]

Thanks for the responses guys,that was one of my thoughts when the dealer showed me this hitch. I just couldn't see it giving much weight transfer but maybe it will work good.
I used one of the tow calculators from this form and entered as much information about the trailer and truck that I could, looks like I might be ok but not by much.
As I look back on some of the loads I pulled I have really overloaded some of my trucks before according to that calculator. I was a lot younger and dumber them plus didn't have a family.

[uhduh camping]

Originally Posted by jlgail4309

Hensley Mfg., Inc. - Trailer Sway Eliminated...Guaranteed
Trailer Sway Control Hitch Guaranteed to Eliminate Trailer Sway - ProPride 3P

Two of the safest hitches on the market. More money but the safest by far none. food for thought . You have a lot of truck and a lot of trailer.

WOW went there did ya! OK, you are right, they do make for a great drive. I really like mine.

[jlgail4309]

Originally Posted by uhduh camping

WOW went there did ya! OK, you are right, they do make for a great drive. I really like mine.

I really like mine too !! Worth every penny in the wind !!

[jlgail4309]

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...tch-96984.html

Here is one for sale used for 800.00 . Great deal !!

[lbrjet]

Give the included hitch a shot. No need to spend money on a different hitch at this point. You will probably like it.


2010 F250 5.4L 3.73
2011 Flagstaff 831FKBSS
Equal-i-zer 4pt 12K

[uhduh camping]

It is a undermount style it won't fit on 8311 without different brackets. The brackets are like $170 shipped.

[uhduh camping]

Originally Posted by lbrjet

Give the included hitch a shot. No need to spend money on a different hitch at this point. You will probably like it.


2010 F250 5.4L 3.73
2011 Flagstaff 831FKBSS
Equal-i-zer 4pt 12K

X2

[HONDAMAN174]

You should be just fine


2014 Evo 2850 "Woodstock"
2011 Toyota Tundra "Clifford"

[Red dog]

I think I'm going to try the Anderson first, I have about a 40 mile return trip from the dealer to my house if it goes well I will probably use it this spring some and see how it does at a few local campgrounds. If I'm not happy I would consider a Hensley. You fellas that have them do they react well to backing the trailer up into the campsite I saw a YouTube video and it looks like they kind of oscillate differently when you're backing them up?

[uhduh camping]

Yes they backup about the same. There are other systems that work well like Equalizer, Reese and Blue Ox at a much lower price point.

[madmaxmutt]

Originally Posted by Red dog

I think I'm going to try the Anderson first

Ebay and the two words "Make Offer" will save you money on the Andersen.

[HONDAMAN174]

One of my vendors has my same unit @ 31 ft and 7500 with f250 has pulled 3k miles in last 6 months and loves it. No difference in backing up. Try it and if you don't like it, someone will gladly buy it from you.


2014 Evo 2850 "Woodstock"
2011 Toyota Tundra "Clifford"

[jlgail4309]

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...n-98755-3.html might take a look at this post about the Andersen and problems they have had ..

[goduc]

I towed a SOB that was 31', 7300lbs and had a TW of 900lbs with a 2012 Ram 2500 CTD CC LB using an Anderson WDH. I though it was the best I had used. I previously had an Equalizer WD with the built in 4pt sway. It was noisy and the ride was a little jerky. I had used the EQ with a 2010 F150 and that same TT and had decent results. I just wanted to try something lighter, quieter and easier so I sold the EQ and got the Anderson.
With the heavy diesel up front on the Ram I didn't need to transfer much weight at all. Not like my F150. The front of the Ram only went up about 1/2" and I was able to crank it back down to 1/4" with the Anderson. Your Dmax should give the same results I would think.
The ride with the Anderson was really smooth. Had good sway control and the best part was it was totally silent. Not like the EQ that even after greasing up the sockets would eventually squeal.
Like others have said give it a try. If it doesn't workout then just sell it.

[Red dog]

Thanks for the advice guys I really appreciate all the input and good thoughts. I think I'll give the Anderson a shot and see how it does, if it doesn't feel good well then I will just give something Else a try, thanks again guys. Please keep the posts coming I'll let you all know sometime next week how the 40 mile trip home went.

[lakejumper]

I'm going to chime in because I haven't seen any responses from someone that actually has the Anderson hitch. I love mine. It is easier to hitch up. My sister and BIL have one and with my BIL's bad back, My sister (72 yrs old) can attach it without an issue. I have the Travel trailer in my signature. It weighs over 10,000lbs loaded and the tongue is about 1200-1300 lbs. We have towed in 20 MPH winds, had big trucks pass us with no sway. Several of our RV club members also have the same hitch on lighter trailers and recommended it to me. The Hensley and other brands are also good. Try it and see.