Some musings from Mr UK Toad, a complete novice to towing but learning quickly
The Andersen Gambit
Posted 02-22-2013 at 11:14 PM by MrUKToad
First Blog post here for a while.
I've read with great interest the ups and downs experienced by the Andersen Weight Distribution System users. Their solutions to the issues that have arisen have been as novel and practical as the Andersen itself; this is truly a resourceful group.
What made me smile, though, was the dogged defence of the system mounted by some users when faced with a bit of criticism. Things tended to get a little out of shape and some personal comments were made, which is quite out of character for our members - at least according to the moderators it is. Essentially the arguments boiled down to this; if you don't use an Andersen then you're not qualified to comment on it.
Now, I wouldn't normally subscribe to that view as I think everyone has an opinion, whether or not it is well informed. However, it made me think about the select little band that I belong to, the "You'll never tow it with that" group, sometimes known as the "You're going to kill us all" team. I'm regularly assailed by folks on the forum who tell me that I can't tow safely with my set up, that I was duped by a greedy sales person or that I'm an accident waiting to happen. In every case, though, not one of my detractors has actually towed my trailer with my TV, so how would they know? The argument is parallel to the line taken by the Andersen devotees and I think I need to employ it the next time anyone tells me I'm doomed. I shall call it The Andersen Gambit and I will unleash it on anyone unwise enough to tell me that my tow rating is insufficient for my load.
** Please note that this entry isn't entirely serious and I mean no offence to any one. No Andersen WD Systems were harmed in the making of this Blog **
I've read with great interest the ups and downs experienced by the Andersen Weight Distribution System users. Their solutions to the issues that have arisen have been as novel and practical as the Andersen itself; this is truly a resourceful group.
What made me smile, though, was the dogged defence of the system mounted by some users when faced with a bit of criticism. Things tended to get a little out of shape and some personal comments were made, which is quite out of character for our members - at least according to the moderators it is. Essentially the arguments boiled down to this; if you don't use an Andersen then you're not qualified to comment on it.
Now, I wouldn't normally subscribe to that view as I think everyone has an opinion, whether or not it is well informed. However, it made me think about the select little band that I belong to, the "You'll never tow it with that" group, sometimes known as the "You're going to kill us all" team. I'm regularly assailed by folks on the forum who tell me that I can't tow safely with my set up, that I was duped by a greedy sales person or that I'm an accident waiting to happen. In every case, though, not one of my detractors has actually towed my trailer with my TV, so how would they know? The argument is parallel to the line taken by the Andersen devotees and I think I need to employ it the next time anyone tells me I'm doomed. I shall call it The Andersen Gambit and I will unleash it on anyone unwise enough to tell me that my tow rating is insufficient for my load.
** Please note that this entry isn't entirely serious and I mean no offence to any one. No Andersen WD Systems were harmed in the making of this Blog **
Total Comments 5
Comments
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Interesting read UK. I spent most of a 30 year career working with levers and mechanics. When I had a chance to look at the design of the Andersen I didn't care for it. There is stress and tension in that design that bothered me. I don't need to be an owner or user to lack appreciation of the Andersen.Posted 02-28-2013 at 07:08 PM by Road Ruler 
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Quote:Originally Posted by Road RulerInteresting read UK. I spent most of a 30 year career working with levers and mechanics. When I had a chance to look at the design of the Andersen I didn't care for it. There is stress and tension in that design that bothered me. I don't need to be an owner or user to lack appreciation of the Andersen.
Thanks, Road Ruler. Personally, I don't want an Andersen because even with my rudimentary grasp of physics I can see that a pull back motion isn't as an effective method of generating torque as the lift up method used by the traditional spring bar systems. My little Eaz-lift set up generates huge amounts of torque, as witnessed by the final position of the hitch head when it's under load; I don't see where the Andersen can match that in its present form. I also don't think the Andersen is sufficiently revolutionary to justify hacking off a serviceable Atwood coupler to replace it with a different model. But then I haven't tried an Andersen so my "napkin engineer" comments are meaningless and must be disregarded - which is all fine and dandy because that qualifies me to pull the Andersen Gambit when people tell me I can't tow with my Sienna!
Posted 03-01-2013 at 08:02 AM by MrUKToad
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LOL: and some still say that bumblebees can not fly.Posted 03-01-2013 at 08:22 AM by AWCHIEF
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Quote:Originally Posted by AWCHIEFLOL: and some still say that bumblebees can not fly.
Certainly, but they do fly, eh Chief?
I'd never say that the Andersen doesn't work, I would only say that it isn't an efficient generator of torque compared to the traditional spring bar system; it's about leverage is all.
Nope, I'm happy that the Andersen works for people, I just think it's a shame that some have stifled the debate a bit. Still, each to their own and at least I can still legitimately use the Andersen Gambit when told "you can't tow that with that"
Posted 03-01-2013 at 12:36 PM by MrUKToad
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Some don't! LOLQuote:Originally Posted by AWCHIEFLOL: and some still say that bumblebees can not fly.
Posted 03-02-2013 at 10:53 AM by Road Ruler
