|
|
01-16-2023, 04:54 AM
|
#1
|
Established Member
Join Date: Jan 2023
Location: Brandon
Posts: 26
M.O.C. #32175
|
Follow up questions now that I have purchased one
Hi again, okay so I purchased a 2022 Montana 3231ck. Two questions, the dealer has the Anderson hitch, which I like, but read that it is flimsy for the weight of the camper. I am also purchasing a 3500hd sb from a dealer and I think they sell the curt hitch. Any suggestions or info on these two or others would be helpful.
Secondly, I have an ice maker and want to add a water filtration system. I am not sure what I need and wondering do the dealer have some or what kind do you suggest. Side note I am not really handy and it will only be me.
Thank you in advance!
Lynne Beers
|
|
|
01-16-2023, 05:35 AM
|
#2
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Salem
Posts: 7,550
M.O.C. #2283
|
Do a Google search for trouble with Andersen hitch. See what you find. Everybody likes the hitch they have that why they bought it.
Lynwood
|
|
|
01-16-2023, 06:19 AM
|
#3
|
Established Member
Join Date: Jan 2023
Location: Brandon
Posts: 26
M.O.C. #32175
|
Lynnwood, thank you, I will do that.
Lynne
|
|
|
01-16-2023, 07:31 AM
|
#4
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Catoosa
Posts: 780
M.O.C. #18384
|
Any thing can fail and I don’t think that the Andersen’s is any worse than the others. One thing I can tell you for sure is that your chances of dropping your trailer on your bed rails with a conventional hitch is much greater than a failure of the Andersen.
As Lynwood says, do your research as it seems to be a very controversial subject based mainly on conjecture rather than facts. I absolutely love mine, but will say that it isn’t as easy to hookup with as a conventional hitch. Since it’s basically a ball hitch you have to be more accurate when lining it up with the trailer. The light weight and consequential ease of handling easily makes up for that.
__________________
2015 3100RL legacy...2005 Ford F-250 CC SB. Tows like a charm! 4/19 Updated to 2017 Chevy 3500 CC SB SRW -hope it tows as well as my F 250 did!
|
|
|
01-16-2023, 09:48 AM
|
#5
|
Seasoned Camper
Join Date: May 2020
Location: TAHOE VISTA
Posts: 60
M.O.C. #26330
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Theunz
Any thing can fail and I don’t think that the Andersen’s is any worse than the others. One thing I can tell you for sure is that your chances of dropping your trailer on your bed rails with a conventional hitch is much greater than a failure of the Andersen.
As Lynwood says, do your research as it seems to be a very controversial subject based mainly on conjecture rather than facts. I absolutely love mine, but will say that it isn’t as easy to hookup with as a conventional hitch. Since it’s basically a ball hitch you have to be more accurate when lining it up with the trailer. The light weight and consequential ease of handling easily makes up for that.
|
love my Anderson Hitch...you can be off quite a bit and it moves (or slides) right into place.....
|
|
|
01-16-2023, 01:09 PM
|
#6
|
Established Member
Join Date: Jan 2023
Location: Brandon
Posts: 26
M.O.C. #32175
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Theunz
Any thing can fail and I don’t think that the Andersen’s is any worse than the others. One thing I can tell you for sure is that your chances of dropping your trailer on your bed rails with a conventional hitch is much greater than a failure of the Andersen.
As Lynwood says, do your research as it seems to be a very controversial subject based mainly on conjecture rather than facts. I absolutely love mine, but will say that it isn’t as easy to hookup with as a conventional hitch. Since it’s basically a ball hitch you have to be more accurate when lining it up with the trailer. The light weight and consequential ease of handling easily makes up for that.
|
What do you mean by conventional hitch? I used to have a gooseneck horse trailer with just a ball in the bed.
I have done some research on the Anderson hitch and I like it for the fact that it is light and I will be able to put it in and take it out.
Thank you for your help!
Lynne
|
|
|
01-16-2023, 07:48 AM
|
#7
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: Milwaukie, OR
Posts: 1,469
M.O.C. #23668
|
The Andersen works great. I had one for a few years and it always performed well. The issue you currently have is Keystone's and Lippert's frame warranty. The Andersen hitch, and any other hitch that requires a pin adapter, will void that warranty. You are better off using a hitch that has a conventional connection to the pin.
Which Curt hitch does the truck dealer have? Curt is a good brand and would serve you well as would all of the other mainstream hitches. I like the Demco Recon because it comes apart in 3 pieces making it easier to install and remove. Pick the one you like best.
__________________
Jeff & Sandi (and Teddy - 7lb Schnorkie)
2018 Montana HC 305RL / HW Progressive EMS
2015 RAM 3500 Laramie Longhorn Crew Cab 4x4 DRW / Demco Recon Hitch on RAM Puck Ball
|
|
|
01-16-2023, 01:11 PM
|
#8
|
Established Member
Join Date: Jan 2023
Location: Brandon
Posts: 26
M.O.C. #32175
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by jsb5717
The Andersen works great. I had one for a few years and it always performed well. The issue you currently have is Keystone's and Lippert's frame warranty. The Andersen hitch, and any other hitch that requires a pin adapter, will void that warranty. You are better off using a hitch that has a conventional connection to the pin.
Which Curt hitch does the truck dealer have? Curt is a good brand and would serve you well as would all of the other mainstream hitches. I like the Demco Recon because it comes apart in 3 pieces making it easier to install and remove. Pick the one you like best.
|
I'm confused because the Anderson hitch is the only one the RV dealer has.
|
|
|
01-16-2023, 08:43 AM
|
#9
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: Anderson
Posts: 2,587
M.O.C. #22835
|
I am also in the Demco Recon hitch group. Not too terribly expensive, comes apart 3 pieces, and each piece by itself is not all that heavy. All 3 pieces combined are probably not over 75 pounds. It works well.
If you are purchasing your camper from a dealership, the dealership can install the hitch for you. It's actually better if they do it, opposed to a car/truck dealership, because the hitch needs to be raised and fit for the camper height. That can only be done with the camper right there. Yes, you can do all the math, do all the measuring of heights before. But once the trailer is attached, your truck will have some squat. Depending on the actual truck suspension will determine how much. Adjustments need to be made based on the truck "squat" for bed rail clearance, and the truck and trailer running level.
Just my 2 cents here.
Good luck!
__________________
Who you are right now is a sum total off all you use to be.
2019 Montana High Country 375FL
2014 Chevy Silverado Duramax, 6.6L Dually
|
|
|
01-16-2023, 09:01 AM
|
#10
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2022
Location: Shingle Springs
Posts: 2,233
M.O.C. #30417
|
The Anderson (can) fail during emergency stops. Also check with Montana. Last I heard & read, using the Anderson will void your frame warranty. Some have said that Lippert will cover but I'd have the conversation before I made the decision.
I know the odds are in your favor under normal circumstances, but put in a panic situation I'd prefer the peace of mind knowing my hitch isn't going to buckle. Just my 2 cents....
__________________
Tony & Donna
2022 Montana HC, 295RL, Solar Flex 400, Onan 3600 LPG, 2K inverter, 200AH Lithium. 2020 GMC Denali 2500 6.6 Duramax, Demco 21K Auto Slide
|
|
|
01-16-2023, 09:34 AM
|
#11
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: Milwaukie, OR
Posts: 1,469
M.O.C. #23668
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Foldbak
The Anderson (can) fail during emergency stops. Also check with Montana. Last I heard & read, using the Anderson will void your frame warranty. Some have said that Lippert will cover but I'd have the conversation before I made the decision.
I know the odds are in your favor under normal circumstances, but put in a panic situation I'd prefer the peace of mind knowing my hitch isn't going to buckle. Just my 2 cents....
|
This pic has been around for some time and is about the only one that shows a buckled Andersen hitch. In all fairness I don't believe this was an emergency stop, but an accident. In an accident all bets are off. Who knows what will give and break first in a collision given all the variables of speed and point of contact. At least the coupler didn't let go of the ball.
If I were in a bad accident and my hitch maintained control of my trailer I'd say it did its job.
I'm not worried about the Andersen. Still, if I were buying a new trailer today I wouldn't get one simply because of the warranty issue.
__________________
Jeff & Sandi (and Teddy - 7lb Schnorkie)
2018 Montana HC 305RL / HW Progressive EMS
2015 RAM 3500 Laramie Longhorn Crew Cab 4x4 DRW / Demco Recon Hitch on RAM Puck Ball
|
|
|
01-22-2023, 01:30 PM
|
#12
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Hagerstown
Posts: 866
M.O.C. #16013
|
uh huh
Quote:
Originally Posted by Foldbak
The Anderson (can) fail during emergency stops. Also check with Montana. Last I heard & read, using the Anderson will void your frame warranty. Some have said that Lippert will cover but I'd have the conversation before I made the decision.
I know the odds are in your favor under normal circumstances, but put in a panic situation I'd prefer the peace of mind knowing my hitch isn't going to buckle. Just my 2 cents....
|
I had the Andersen for 3 years, didn`t fold up on me, can`t imagine why. Most people that bad mouth the Andersen just can`t stand the fact that the boat anchor they bought is such a hassle in many ways and use a photo of one that was in an accident to try and get their point across. I've personally have seen many trucks with caved in beds from dropping the trailer on it far far more than the single photo of a broken Andersen. The best was down in Myrtle Beach, a brand-new dodge dually still with the new trucks tags still on it had a mashed bed from dropping the trailer on it made himself look good in front of the wife didn`t it. I look in the bed as I walk by, it was a Curt. If it was a panic situation it would have folded to the front don`t you think? instead of the trailer pulling it to the rear as shown from an accident.
If you have a short bed you need a slider like the PullRight Slider. Wonder why no one suggested that to you instead of trying to promote their idea of the perfect hitch.
I currently use the Reese goose box, now that`s the perfect hitch.
__________________
2018.5 3791 Rear Den Montana, on the lake no 3rd A/C, Mini Split, just do it
Electric Brakes ..... Disk Brakes, it`s the only way
F350 Ford Dually 4:10`s w/bags (payload 5595 lbs) Sumo Springs 63 gal aux tank
Reese Goosebox Mor/Ryde SRE 4000 X Factors Monroe shocks.... real smooth ride
|
|
|
01-22-2023, 07:45 PM
|
#13
|
Established Member
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: O'Fallon
Posts: 38
M.O.C. #23886
|
Andersen steel Ultimate hitch.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Foldbak
The Anderson (can) fail during emergency stops. Also check with Montana. Last I heard & read, using the Anderson will void your frame warranty. Some have said that Lippert will cover but I'd have the conversation before I made the decision.
I know the odds are in your favor under normal circumstances, but put in a panic situation I'd prefer the peace of mind knowing my hitch isn't going to buckle. Just my 2 cents....
|
I have seen the picture for years and it may or may not be a structural failure. I have an Andersen Ultimate mounted on a Reese Rail to the pucks on a Ram 3500 LB. It is not aluminum and does not connect to the goose ball. My hitch is made of steel. It is heavier than the Ultimate 3200 pictured. I also have a letter from Keystone saying they would honor the warranty. Andersen has a warranty that covers any damage as well. The Keystone dealer that sold me the 5th wheel sold and installed the hitch 4 years ago.
__________________
Stu and Deb
O'Fallon, IL
2020 Montana HC 331RLS
2017 Ram 3500
|
|
|
01-16-2023, 01:12 PM
|
#14
|
Established Member
Join Date: Jan 2023
Location: Brandon
Posts: 26
M.O.C. #32175
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by DutchmenSport
I am also in the Demco Recon hitch group. Not too terribly expensive, comes apart 3 pieces, and each piece by itself is not all that heavy. All 3 pieces combined are probably not over 75 pounds. It works well.
If you are purchasing your camper from a dealership, the dealership can install the hitch for you. It's actually better if they do it, opposed to a car/truck dealership, because the hitch needs to be raised and fit for the camper height. That can only be done with the camper right there. Yes, you can do all the math, do all the measuring of heights before. But once the trailer is attached, your truck will have some squat. Depending on the actual truck suspension will determine how much. Adjustments need to be made based on the truck "squat" for bed rail clearance, and the truck and trailer running level.
Just my 2 cents here.
Good luck!
|
Thank you Dutchman, the RV dealer has the Anderson hitch.
|
|
|
01-16-2023, 09:33 AM
|
#15
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Mesa az
Posts: 2,952
M.O.C. #5651
|
Boy, I would not want to hitch up 14K or more to that flimsy hitch in the picture above!!!
__________________
Tom and Gail
2013 Mountaineer 362
2012 Silverado 2500
|
|
|
01-16-2023, 09:52 AM
|
#16
|
Site Team
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Carmichael - CA
Posts: 7,364
M.O.C. #4831
|
The announcement letter from Keystone about the Andersen hitch (and others) voiding the frame warranty is here:
https://www.montanaowners.com/forums...ad.php?t=83693 Post #1
There was a subsequent letter from the Andersen folks saying that if Keystone denies a warranty claim and it is proven that the Andersen Hitch caused the problem they will pay for repairs. That letter came be found here:
https://www.montanaowners.com/forums...ad.php?t=83697 Post #1)
The question is how much time and effort are you willing to expend should a frame problem occur?
__________________
Carl (n Susan)
There is more to life than fuel mileage.
2012 Montana 3700RL Big Sky Package towed by a 2015 Ford F350 6.7L PSD 4WD CC LWB
|
|
|
01-16-2023, 01:15 PM
|
#17
|
Established Member
Join Date: Jan 2023
Location: Brandon
Posts: 26
M.O.C. #32175
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Carl n Susan
The announcement letter from Keystone about the Andersen hitch (and others) voiding the frame warranty is here:
https://www.montanaowners.com/forums...ad.php?t=83693 Post #1
There was a subsequent letter from the Andersen folks saying that if Keystone denies a warranty claim and it is proven that the Andersen Hitch caused the problem they will pay for repairs. That letter came be found here:
https://www.montanaowners.com/forums...ad.php?t=83697 Post #1)
The question is how much time and effort are you willing to expend should a frame problem occur?
|
Carl and Susan, thank you for the information from Montana and Anderson!
|
|
|
01-16-2023, 10:13 AM
|
#18
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Kansas City, Missouri
Posts: 2,707
M.O.C. #7992
|
I have a Curt hitch and it has performed well for many years. Only beef, it is pretty heavy, even breaking it down into the two pieces. The Anderson has always intrigued me particularly after talking to several people who have them. They love them. Getting ready to make the switch when MOC member RichardD ask, "if your fifth wheel gets rammed from the rear end at a high rate of speed which hitch is best going to keep the fifth wheel out of the cab of the truck and maybe the back of your head?" Convinced me to stay with the heavy Curt.
__________________
2006 3000RK
2009 Ram 2500
|
|
|
01-16-2023, 11:16 AM
|
#19
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2022
Location: Shingle Springs
Posts: 2,233
M.O.C. #30417
|
Agreed, how much time and energy are you willing to expend? All I know is my Demco isn't going to buckle. It will stay with the trailer!
__________________
Tony & Donna
2022 Montana HC, 295RL, Solar Flex 400, Onan 3600 LPG, 2K inverter, 200AH Lithium. 2020 GMC Denali 2500 6.6 Duramax, Demco 21K Auto Slide
|
|
|
01-16-2023, 12:25 PM
|
#20
|
Montana Master
Join Date: May 2019
Location: Alton
Posts: 2,694
M.O.C. #24086
|
If your rig GROSS weight is 16,000 lbs. Get at least a 20,000 lb hitch.
__________________
Daryl and Marianne,
2019 3130re 20th Anniversary Edition
2016 F350 Lariat
|
|
|
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
» Recent Threads |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|