Andersen No Sway Weight Distribution

[HowieE]

HIHoAuRv

A very interesting post and an almost direct comparison to my 91 34fter. and Excursion diesel.

The things I see as different are the 100lbs. plus the Hensely adds to the tongue weight, the foot of leverage the extra length of the Hensley adds to the trailer tongue, the possible difference in the distances from the rear axle to the trailer ball, and possibly different capacity of the rear spring packs of the 2 trucks. While all of these would effect the lifting of the front axle I can't believe they would make that much difference.

It does make one thing clear here. Unless one goes for Overkill some strong do diligence, in finding others who are successfully using your combination, is required before selecting the Andersen.

[star kitty]

If you are reading this thread to help you determine whether or not you should buy an Andersen hitch, just keep in mind once you purchase and install the hitch, you own it.

Andersen nor the distributor will stand behind their guarantee and give you a refund if this hitch is incompatible with your equipment.

[Rendrag]

When did this become a Hensely vs. Andersen contest? Nobody is suggesting that users switch hitches (say that three times really fast). The Andersen provides many benefits and great performance for lots of people. Is it for everyone? What is?

There is no "One size fits all" tow vehicle, trailer, or hitch. If you have an adequate tow vehicle in the first place, then the Andersen works well. If you need the maximum weight distribution with a fairly heavy trailer, then steel bars make better levers than the urethane bushings that the Andersen hitch uses. Really not that complicated.

This whole front axle weight restoration thing is really interesting. Why does my HD2500 with a gas engine and 500 pounds less weight on the front axle compared to the same model with a diesel manage to go down the highway straight as an arrow? Most, if not all, who complain of front end lightness are really feeling the effects of an overloaded rear suspension. If you tow enough miles with enough variety of equipment, you will know what I am talking about.

[el_anesthete]

Originally Posted by star kitty

If you are reading this thread to help you determine whether or not you should buy an Andersen hitch, just keep in mind once you purchase and install the hitch, you own it.

Andersen nor the distributor will stand behind their guarantee and give you a refund if this hitch is incompatible with your equipment.

Unless it is purchased via Amazon Prime....which is what I'm about to do. If the Andersen doesn't fit the bill, I'll return it and get a Reese Strait Line. BTW, I'm a Ford guy but this hitch is for the ML320CDI and a 31' Sov.

Whaddaya think, folks?

[dkottum]

Read the thread, it can't distribute the weight you need with this setup. Save yourself the failed experiment I went through with the Andersen, and get yourself the Reese. Join the thousands who know it will work very well.

[Rendrag]

doug, does this mean that you do not recommend the Andersen hitch? Perhaps you need to repeat it more often. (sarcasm intended)

[SteveH]

Doug has it right, the Andersen hitch works well with small, light tongue weight trailers, but has proven to not be able to distribute the tongue weight correctly of a 31 footer.

[HowieE]

There are several streamers that do not recommend the Andersen hitch. However they are clearly in the minority when compared to those actually using the Andersen. If you have questions I would suggest you read this thread.

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f464...ead-92131.html

There are some TV Trailer combinations that the Andersen will not provide the results some think they need. Most of those requirement are based on Older interpretations of what a WD hitch was originally designed for, very lightly sprung TV. If your combination falls in the grouping I would not suggest you consider the Andersen. However if want a superior system you will find far more satisfied streamers than dissatisfied.

I will advise you that do to the mechanical design of the Andersen that you will eventually have to replace the coupler on the trailer. Even given this addition cost the resulting ride and overall convenience of operation is well worth it.

While I have no knowledge of an attempted return of an Andersen I can say they have a history of above average cooperation with customers to address issues from replacement of shanks that were the wrong size to incorporating design modifications that customers have suggested.

[msmcv51]

I have a 1987 25' Sovereign that has a tung weight of about 900 lbs.( 6000 lbs. X .15 ), This multiplier was given to me by the Jackson Center service manager. When I first installed the Andersen hitch and Quick Bite coupler my TV was a 2001 F150 Supercrew, I added helper springs and the combination worked wonderfully. I then bought a F250 supercab because of lower mileage and a very good price because it is two wheel drive. This truck also does a wonderful job of towing. I will add that on both I had a front 2" receiver hitch for a bike rack and two 26" Schwinns. This adds about 300 to 400 pounds at the front bumper. I would recommended the Andersen hitch when the TV is a beefed half ton truck, 3/4 ton truck or a beefed Excursion - Suburban type vehicle.
May also say that I agree with HowieE and his views about the Andersen Hitch!!!

[ROBERTSUNRUS]

Originally Posted by dkottum

Read the thread, it can't distribute the weight you need with this setup. Save yourself the failed experiment I went through with the Andersen, and get yourself the Reese. Join the thousands who know it will work very well.

Originally Posted by Rendrag

doug, does this mean that you do not recommend the Andersen hitch? Perhaps you need to repeat it more often. (sarcasm intended)

Hi, it is very true that Doug has repeated this comment/opinion/ or similar statements several times. And comments like your's [Rendag] has followed almost every time. Doug has experience with this brand hitch and has as much right to give his opinion, and as many times, as those who favor this brand hitch. Now pardon me while I go back to the Equal-I-zer thread.

[Rendrag]

Do you have personal experience with the Andersen hitch? Doug did So have I and many other happy users. Sorry to distract you from the other forum.

[ROBERTSUNRUS]

Originally Posted by Rendrag

Do you have personal experience with the Andersen hitch? Doug did So have I and many other happy users. Sorry to distract you from the other forum.

Hi, NO! I don't, as a matter of fact, but at one time was interested in possibly changing from my Equal-I-zer brand hitch to an Andersen. So glad that I didn't. Nine years with one hitch, one trailer, and one tow vehicle and my trailer has only swayed violently out of control once in all of that time and in the many thousands of miles we have towed.***


*** My trailer was parked in my driveway during a 5.0 Earthquake.

[Rendrag]

Since you never towed with a Andersen hitch, then I agree that you have picked the best hitch for your application. I have towed with five tow vehicles, four hitches, and five travel trailers in the last nine years. Many who have actually used a Andersen hitch enjoy their benefits. Watch out for earthquakes, fast trains and the women on Bourbon Street. Enjoy your equalizer.

[el_anesthete]

I see it as this:

If the Andersen can level the AS and the TV within 3/4" of an inch of each other, who cares about precise pounds of weight transferred? Mercedes has an amazing ESP system on top of robust turbodiesel power so all I'm concerned about is simply a level ride and anti-sway. FWIW, I'm tugging the AS around less than 100 miles at a time amongst rural hospital, leaving it parked for 3 months at a time then moving on to another place of work. I won't be cruising at 60 in the right hand lane on I-70 during my deferred vacation, getting blasted by big rigs day in/day out like other full timers who are poo-pooing the Andersen. I'll expect automatic entrance to pissing contests with the Ford/Chevy/Dodge contingent and their leaf-sprung, body-on-frame TVs, and I'm chuckling at the fun conversations we'll no doubt enjoy. I have a Ford F350 dually with a 460... and the MBZ is far more capable at most everything, apart from stacking a cord of firewood on the flatbed, or guzzling unleaded at 6mpg. The Ford does have broad shoulders.

So far, I haven't read proof of any correlation between actual pounds of weight distribution (as evidenced by weight tags) and actual happiness of Andersen users vs. other WD hitch users. Has there been a catastrophic porpoise/jackknife event with the MBZ/Andersen/AS combo yet? Is there a scale that will compute a happiness/logic coefficient that we can apply to different TV/TT combos? Using a CAT scale, how can we accurately measure happiness?

If the Andersen levels my rig within 3/4" and I find satisfaction in that balance, who gives a hoot? I just don't see why it won't perform for my intended flipper, er...porpoise, cough PURPOSE, as such. The rebuttals include "...it can't distribute the weight you need with this setup. Save yourself the failed experiment..." and "If your combination falls in the grouping I would not suggest you consider the Andersen. However if [sic] want a superior system you will find far more satisfied streamers than dissatisfied"

Talk about mixing the subjective with the unproven! Here's where we need the coefficient of happiness!

FWIW, an anecdotal towing tale, based purely on the subjective facts as my coral-like prefrontal cortex perceived them: the ML WITHOUT a WD hitch or anti-sway system, I tugged a 1982 Toyota Landcruiser along with an extra set of wheels/tires PLUS a complete 3F motor/transmission stowed aft of the 'cruiser, all loaded willy-nilly on a 24 foot, surge brake-equipped, double axle trailer (all told at least 7000lbs) from Denver to Ouray, traversing the 285 across South park with its insane head/crosswinds, followed by 9% Monarch pass up, over, and down the continental divide... then the smaller "hills" between Gunnison and Montrose, ending with a bonus slog up 3000' to Ouray, deep within the San Juans....without a single thought. No advanced towing gear on that trip, no white knuckles, no drama. What gives?

Tell me how a 6000 pound trailer with even the most rudimentary anti-sway WD hitch can't improve on that experience? I think the Andersen will do just fine. Who's reasonable and who's fanatical? The logic escapes me.

I'm ordering the Andersen from Amazon.com, installing it, and taking a ton of pictures with a measuring tape and level. Then, after all the facts are in, I'll express my feelings. I will then choose to pontificate.

One thing I know for sure, regardless of the outcome, I get free shipping back and forth with Amazon Prime...no questions asked.

[dkottum]

Originally Posted by el_anesthete

Unless it is purchased via Amazon Prime....which is what I'm about to do. If the Andersen doesn't fit the bill, I'll return it and get a Reese Strait Line. BTW, I'm a Ford guy but this hitch is for the ML320CDI and a 31' Sov.

Whaddaya think, folks?

Well, you asked what we thought but didn't get what you were hoping to hear.

My Andersen experience and others who have done the calculations tell us it is unlikely you will be able to distribute the tongue weight of your 31' Sov within 3/4" of original level, unless the tow vehicle has air leveling suspension which of course is not weight distribution. As for leveling the trailer, that's just a matter of moving the hitch up on your draw bar.

The danger is you may be too light on your steering axle when encountering slick road conditions. This can be especially dangerous on icy roads. Nor is there any way to lesson friction sway control to help the trailer follow the truck on icy roads with Andersen, as there is with bar style friction sway control hitches.

[Kevin245]

<<Mod Mode>>

A reminder to keep things in check here folks. Let's keep the snarky comments to ourselves as well as any sarcasm. If we can not or will not keep things nice then we will intercede. We would prefer not to do that so the path going forward is up to you all.

Andersen No Sway Weight Distribution - Page 5 - Airstream Forums


Kevin

[xrvr]

Everyone has their opinion. Some feel strongly about theirs because of safety and other issues. I am trying to take all ideas into account and doing what I think is best for me. I have changed my opinion on repeating posters, many have very valid ideas and should at least be taken into consideration. Remember, these people are trying to be helpful! No matter what the thread is, read and make tour own decisions. Go camping, jim

[kscherzi]

I have a lightly used Anderson hitch I'd like to sell. I found it didn't move quite enough weight (Cat scale verified) for my unique setup. The Atwood coupler incompatibilty issue finished it for me. Other than those two issues the hitch is fine.

[el_anesthete]

Originally Posted by dkottum

Well, you asked what we thought but didn't get what you were hoping to hear.

I gave up hope the moment I started reading this thread.

[SteveSueMac]

Originally Posted by el_anesthete

I gave up hope the moment I started reading this thread.

Don't believe everything you read on the interwebs :-)

Besides - it seems the Andersen (which has weight, simplicity and cost advantages over many other options) may really have a sweet spot for lighter tongue weights on heavier TV suspensions. No solution is perfect. Just know why you do whatever you do and then camp like crazy :-)