Quote:
Originally Posted by PSFORD99
I'd like to weigh in on the Andersen. I am sure there are others ,but I have towed with both a standard hitch, and the Andersen. Hands down the Andersen is just plain easier, lighter etc. As you say the Andersen could hardly be a show stopper because of the adapter. I can't imagine not having the tools on hand to remove the adapter ,it's not difficult at all .
I have read one report on damage to a pin box, as some know the adapter does centralize the pin weight a lot more in a smaller area ,where as a standard hitch spreads it out more across the pin box . They claimed it deflected ,and put a bend in the plate around the kingpin. What I didn't care for on the adapter is that when the two cross bolts are in ,and the 4 set screws are tightened up, I have 3/16" gap between the adapter ,and pin box. I cut a piece of 3/16 plate 14" x 14" the size of the flat surface on the kingpin area , cut a hole to go around the kingpin, now everything is pretty much flush plus the added surface for the weight of the fifth wheel .
You mentioned overhang on the Andersen ,maybe you could elaborate on that statement . I am assuming you have never towed with or owned an Andersen hitch ??
To sum it up for me ,I will never go back to a standard hitch, there isn't a thing about the Andersen that would make me change back after several years now.
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FYI, MORryde now makes a heavier adapter plate for their pin boxes. On the Anderson site, it lists the compatibility of their hitches with certain pinboxes, and where needed they list the upgraded plates that are recommended including the above.
I still do believe there are advantages to this hitch, and I had nothing but good results with it.
Now, going to a much heavier 5th wheel than our past one (about 4000lbs heavier) I started asking more questions. And again, I am basing my decisions on having a brand new Montana with a 3 year warranty that I do not want to compromise.
As to whether there are risks of the "offset adapters" that hitches like the AUH and the Pullrite SuperLite use, I can see where that may be possible, but I also think the likelihood is low. I guess "use at your own risk", and YMMV, etc
Brad