Andersen Hitch

[jimfa440]

Has anyone any experience with the Andersen Anti-Bounce, Anti-Sway, Weight Distribution Hitch? The ones I'm referencing are the ones that use chains and no spring bars. They also don't use grease!

Andersen 'No-Sway' Weight Distribution Hitch

Thanks
Jim

[Rendrag]

I have actually used one and found it to be a terrific piece of equipment. I do have a more than adequate tow vehicle, which really helps.

[AWCHIEF]

I have also happily used one and will be again. So as to have to not reinvent the wheel once again check out this thread.

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f464...on-101220.html

[dkottum]

We've used one and found it inadequate to restore (distribute) our front axle weight, and it was troublesome. The chains began to wear through the links at the chain guides, and the hitch ball wore badly from the pressure applied to the front of it; lubrication (grease) may help. The friction material began oozing out of the ball mount after extended use and tightening the chains in an attempt to distribute enough weight, and the urethane bushings squished badly. The pressure needed to hold the frame mounting brackets overcame the clamping system they provide, so we drilled the Airstream frame for through-bolts, which began to elongate the holes in the frame. I gave up on it after the light steering from not enough weight distribution made it near impossible to keep the truck on the roadway when semis passed us in a cold light rain, slippery road surface.

Others have used it on very light trailers (Scamp, Casita) and it worked very well. Others have been satisfied with it on heavy duty trucks saying full restoration of front axle load is not as important as lighter duty vehicles.

[AWCHIEF]

Proper set up is key to effectiveness. Andersen has adjusted the angle of the brackets to stop chain wear. They are also using new polymer bushing. A simple and easily removed spot weld fixes any issues of the brackets moving under tension. There are quite a few members here and users on other forums with large heavy trailers that are totally pleased with the performance of the system. Andersen worked closely with several members here to improve the design for Airstream use. I know personally of at least a half dozen users that have the couplers listed and have no problems at all. I spoke with Dave Andersen late last year. He said that they received two complaints about the coupler issue and put the warning in their literature at the advice of their lawyer. They asked for photos of the reported issues and never received any. They have no way of actually knowing if there were additional mitigating circumstances that might of attributed to the coupler failures. They also offered to buy back the systems and both offers were declined. They did receive several legitimate complaints about the bushings and replaced those bushing with the new compound. At the time of our conversation they had no further complaints about chain wear or bushing failure.

Truth in posting is also a positive attribute.

[slowmover]

So would be noting the failure of an Andersen to achieve FALR on any but the lightest trailers.

If they've modified the hitch that would be worth seeing from scale tickets. The low price and low weight make it attractive.

[HowieE]

The hitch is vastly superior in many ways. No porpoising, no sway, light weight, easiest to hitch and unhitch, and lower cost. It is a hitch designed for today's needs.

Now that said there are those that question to limited amount of weight transferring it can previde to the front axle. This is a fact but one that is not as important as it once was. Historically when trailer wee towed with softly sprung cars the preeminent consideration of a WD hitch was just that WD to ensure the tow vehicle's front end geometry was maintained. Now days most are towing with some form of truck, heavier spring sets, and that consideration is no longer the prime consideration. The "Old Guard" is still making that case as a last stand to progress.

Another claim that is made to detract from the Andersen is the type of coupler used on most RV trailers not functioning well over time with the Andersen. It is not uncommon for new and revolutionary concepts to require adaptations. Think of the changes people had to accept when Apple came along. There are still people using Windows and missing out on the improvements.

I have used my Andersen for 3 years now. The overall experience is much better than the experience I had with several bar type WD hitches. And yes I was probably the second person to change out my coupler.

Another factory that speaks well of Andersen is the fact that they have responded to customer comments and adapted several changes to improve the hitch.

[Road Ruler]

Still waiting to see if a new and improved version will ever be introduced??? If they could design one that solves all the issues then they might have something.

[idroba]

I continue to love my Andersen hitch, and I tow a FC 20, 700# tongue weight trailer, and a Jeep Grand Cherokee. I have posted my scale data and will not re post it here. I do not overload or underload either Jeep axle.

Lets not rehash this again. It is all in the extensive older Andersen posts.

[AWCHIEF]

That is why I posted the link to the master thread and then my other post. Unfortunetly nothing can stop the distortions and out right lies by some people.

[Artvez]

We switched to an Andersen hitch on our 19' and for us it is much better and easier to use than the Equalizer the dealer sold us. So we are very happy with it on a smaller trailer.