I may have to get a 68RFE in my new truck.

[Wiredawg]

This discussion about hitches is just like a ping pong match... just back and forth, with a little off scope. Back to the root discussion the OPs hitch appears to be denting the bed... not sure there is an adjustment or configuration to stop it. If it lined up with and/or used the pucks it apprears it could work better. If I were OP, I would contact Anderson technical and see what they say. Whether its Anderson, BW, or another brand, its obviously doing something it's not supposed to.

SO, Stewart, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND you contact Anderson technical AND post their response back here.

No that we're focused back on the issue, maybe we can figure it out.

Cheers, Ron

 

[Cummins2014]

The B&W is severely bent in this picture. I believe the Andersen would have held on tightly to its balls, just articulate a bit differently in its agony after a hit like that.

This whole deal is a loosing discussion ,argument ,or call it what you like. You will not change the mind of this group of non owners. I know several that tow with the Aluminum Andersen, and are very happy, got a good friend that tows a big Montana with one, and has had no issues. I tow with the rail mount Andersen , its tows great. I also tow with a conventional slider hitch, you would not know the difference between the two .

Experience or whatever matters not here with the non owners of the Andersen. Minds are made up. You have "one" Andersen posted here that bent, not folded up, and no damage to truck or trailer. Its just the way it is.

 

[brucejohnson]

This discussion about hitches is just like a ping pong match... just back and forth, with a little off scope. Back to the root discussion the OPs hitch appears to be denting the bed... not sure there is an adjustment or configuration to stop it. If it lined up with and/or used the pucks it apprears it could work better. If I were OP, I would contact Anderson technical and see what they say. Whether its Anderson, BW, or another brand, its obviously doing something it's not supposed to.

SO, Stewart, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND you contact Anderson technical AND post their response back here.

No that we're focused back on the issue, maybe we can figure it out.

Cheers, Ron

Ron,
I thought I read early in the thread that Stuart mentioned he had trailer brake issues that may have pushed the truck a bit hard a couple times, and that he contacted Andersen who mentioned optional pad and possible torque adjustment to the main attaching point. I think Stuart should readdress with Andersen for some kind of resolution to his issue which Andersen may have been aware of on a couple installations from their responses mentioned in some posts. They are a good company to deal with.

 

[Cummins12V98]

Plain and simple FACT the ANDERSEN Ultimate WILL cause bed damage when hard braking occurs. Braking issues or not bed damage should never happen with a hitch.

My 18k Companion was originally designed when beds were thicker. My 11 DRW bed sure was thinner than my 98 it came out of. They corrected the base so the 20k does NOT cause this any longer. ANDERSEN could have fixed this known issue but for some reason they have chosen to ignore this big issue.

I have only pictures so I don’t know any details on the truck in the pics.

 

[Wiredawg]

Y'all know what's crazy here.... a good friend of mine has the exact same setup Stewart, including model and year of RV and is completely trouble free. When I saw his rig in July I commented I never had seen an Anderson hitch before. He has about 3K miles on his no problems. I can't really comment on Anderson as I've only seen two, my friend and Stewart's, and I'm not sure whether Stewart is happy or not with divots in the bed of his $79K trucks bed.

I've only had experience with Reese and B&W turnover ball flatbread version, which I have around 80K miles heavy pulling, and they were rock solid.

EDIT: I'm going to Anderson website and read their info... so I completely understand correct configuration and operation of the Anderson hitch in question.

So, really only thing left is to hear from Stew
Stewart what going on and what's he going to do.

Cheers, Ron

 

[Wiredawg]

Stuart,

Just saw video on how to set up Andersen hitch... do you carry a torque wrench and torque the top bolt to 50 ft lbs and the two lower ones to 40ft lbs every time you take it off and put it back on? And its all squared up when you install it? After watching the installation video, not too much rocket science going on here... just like so many things, it's the details that are important.

I know you're catching a little bit here, but hey, you grew up in New York.... you can handle it.

And, keep that darned brake controller set on heavy electric... you should feel the trailer brakes.

Please keep us advised, it's interesting to see some of the other technology, issues, and fixes.

Cheers, Ron

 

[Cummins2014]

Stuart,

Just saw video on how to set up Andersen hitch... do you carry a torque wrench and torque the top bolt to 50 ft lbs and the two lower ones to 40ft lbs every time you take it off and put it back on? And its all squared up when you install it? After watching the installation video, not too much rocket science going on here... just like so many things, it's the details that are important.

I know you're catching a little bit here, but hey, you grew up in New York.... you can handle it.

And, keep that darned brake controller set on heavy electric... you should feel the trailer brakes.

Please keep us advised, it's interesting to see some of the other technology, issues, and fixes.

Cheers, Ron

I would like to thank you, its refreshing to read your comments. I like your logic ,instead of pounding what a terrible hitch he has .

As far as Stuart, he will get it figured out, and that Andersen will serve him well .

 

[Wiredawg]

I would like to thank you, its refreshing to read your comments. I like your logic ,instead of pounding what a terrible hitch he has .

As far as Stuart, he will get it figured out, and that Andersen will serve him well .

I'm intrigued by different technology and understand not all of us are mechanically inclined. My friend who basically has the same setup as Stuart, and my three other RV buddies are intelligent professionals, but they are not mechanically inclined. I have them bring their trucks and RVs to my house for maintenance inspections and services. They help me by coming over and doing physical things a can no longer do. No one keeps record, its helping when help is needed. One friend hasn't inspected brakes or repacked bearings in 4 years, so over the holidays, I'll go over to his house and teach him how to fish, so to speak. If not, I can do that sit-down work.

So, team, lets focus on helping Stuart figure this out, without asking him to change his setup.

Cheers, Ron

 

[Cummins12V98]

He either replaces the hitch or place spacer blocks so the bed deflection stops.

 

[Cummins2014]

I'm intrigued by different technology and understand not all of us are mechanically inclined. My friend who basically has the same setup as Stuart, and my three other RV buddies are intelligent professionals, but they are not mechanically inclined. I have them bring their trucks and RVs to my house for maintenance inspections and services. They help me by coming over and doing physical things a can no longer do. No one keeps record, its helping when help is needed. One friend hasn't inspected brakes or repacked bearings in 4 years, so over the holidays, I'll go over to his house and teach him how to fish, so to speak. If not, I can do that sit-down work.

So, team, lets focus on helping Stuart figure this out, without asking him to change his setup.

Cheers, Ron

Best approach I have heard. I don't think he needs to hear get the B&W you will thank me later, and remarks like that.

I have a good friend, I pack his wheel bearings , fix his fifth wheel etc. He is a smart educated guy, but mechanic he is not .

 

[Cummins12V98]

I personally know a guy that sells the ANDERSEN. He understands how to install his. He tows a 36’ Mobile Suites with an Ultimate in his RAM DRW. If you ask he will tell you he has dents in his bed.

 

[Cummins2014]

I personally know a guy that sells the ANDERSEN. He understands how to install his. He tows a 36’ Mobile Suites with an Ultimate in his RAM DRW. If you ask he will tell you he has dents in his bed.

Although the dents are crappy , this is not a tragedy, nor the end of the world. Hopefully he will find a solution . The last thing he needs is badgering or bad mouthing. The dents alone are enough to deal with.

 

[Cummins12V98]

MODERATOR!!!????!!!???

WHY when Cummins2014 makes a post I can’t read it???

In a red banner it says. “You are inviting content by this member. Show ignored content”

I did NOTHING to cause or ask for this. Please correct!!!

 

[RVTRKN]

I can't say anything bad or good about the Anderson hitch, however I can give an opinion about what I think about one. Looking at the weak setup and many possible pivot points, it isn't my choice for a hitch. But the structure is a minor point for me, what I wouldn't want is the multible pivot points, which Stuart struggeled with when he first coupled up to it.

I can say as a fact, that the B&W puck system is very heavy, almost prohibitively heavy. I might have just bought the companion base for regular pickups, but because I bought the truck with a puck system, it makes better since to go with the B&W puck system.

 

[brucejohnson]

Stuart,

Just saw video on how to set up Andersen hitch... do you carry a torque wrench and torque the top bolt to 50 ft lbs and the two lower ones to 40ft lbs every time you take it off and put it back on? And its all squared up when you install it? After watching the installation video, not too much rocket science going on here... just like so many things, it's the details that are important.

I know you're catching a little bit here, but hey, you grew up in New York.... you can handle it.

And, keep that darned brake controller set on heavy electric... you should feel the trailer brakes.

Please keep us advised, it's interesting to see some of the other technology, issues, and fixes.

Cheers, Ron

Here is a link to the written instructions showing step by step the setup sequence and notes regarding the three torque procedures: https://static1.squarespace.com/sta...timate+U5+GN+Installation+10-2018+Low+Res.pdf Pretty straight forward and makes sense. If you miss a note or perform out of step you may experience some notable issues. The two step torque on the main shaft should take up almost all slack. As noted in the instructions just be sure the coupler set screws are loose enough to allow the shaft to slide. when setting the shaft torque, a two step process as identified in section 2.

 

[Wiredawg]

Here is a link to the written instructions showing step by step the setup sequence and notes regarding the three torque procedures: https://static1.squarespace.com/sta...timate+U5+GN+Installation+10-2018+Low+Res.pdf Pretty straight forward and makes sense. If you miss a note or perform out of step you may experience some notable issues. The two step torque on the main shaft should take up almost all slack. As noted in the instructions just be sure the coupler set screws are loose enough to allow the shaft to slide. when setting the shaft torque, a two step process as identified in section 2.

Bruce, thanks for posting instructions with proper torque values. The Andersen hitch video I watched was an evaluator for Big Trucks and Big RVs.

I sure don't want to confuse the OP or worse give him bad info.

Cheers, Ron

 

[brucejohnson]

I see that it is denting primarily in the front of the truck bed not in the back in the front because that means when the brakes were not working correctly it was pushing forward which cause that kind of teeter-totter effect and that's why I guess it was bouncing but okay yeah it slips really easy on the truck then we tell you it's easy to move around at the slides and I guess that's not a good thing in fact Anderson does sell a rubber mat for the truck bed obviously this is a serious problem but it wouldn't be that difficult to well maybe on mine would it would be because I have a BW 1322 have a solid shaft going from the gooseneck receptacle up to the Anderson solid shaft that would work but they're not going to make that.

I understand the bottom line is I made a mistake and it's doing well now it's everything's good with it now but still the fact that I have to put a rubber mat or something to protect the truck bed is not a good thing but all right my mistake I didn't understand now when I get the money I'm going to have to put a b w companion and have it set up correctly so the RV rides completely level but the wife doesn't want to spend the money that's I know that he's tired of spending money that maybe in a couple of weeks 3 weeks when she realizes it's not working as good as it can work she'll probably eunos spend the money yeah I know it's only you know 12 or whatever it is but still she's pissed off.

Stuart,
What kind of rubber mat does Andersen have for this hitch. I would try that feature. This may not be feasible, viable, or even a good idea, but I was wondering if a horse stall mat trimmed to fit would be adequate to distribute the load across the bed ribs and minimize or eliminate bent ribs, or would the mat flex too much fore and aft. It seems it would be extremely minimal in flexing. Torqued in place with the hitch would help reduce any twisting and creeping of the hitch assembly. You could query Andersen if their mat is best or the horse stall mat could be a substitute. My guess is the Andersen mat may be more economical and proper in dynamics.

 

[gsbrockman]

MODERATOR!!!????!!!???

WHY when Cummins2014 makes a post I can’t read it???

In a red banner it says. “You are inviting content by this member. Show ignored content”

I did NOTHING to cause or ask for this. Please correct!!!

You’ve been HACKED!!!!!

 

[AH64ID]

Although the dents are crappy , this is not a tragedy, nor the end of the world. Hopefully he will find a solution . The last thing he needs is badgering or bad mouthing. The dents alone are enough to deal with.

Agree dents are not a big deal, it is after all a pickup bed and is meant to be used.

To me the dents are more indicative of a bigger issue, and that’s excessive movement of the hitch. The dents don’t need fixed, but the excess movement does. My 0.02 is that the hitch cannot be made solid, and we should all want a solid hitch. Even the Andersen you run is not prone to movement, so it’s hard to compare the two.

 

[Cummins2014]

Agree dents are not a big deal, it is after all a pickup bed and is meant to be used.

To me the dents are more indicative of a bigger issue, and that’s excessive movement of the hitch. The dents don’t need fixed, but the excess movement does. My 0.02 is that the hitch cannot be made solid, and we should all want a solid hitch. Even the Andersen you run is not prone to movement, so it’s hard to compare the two.

I don't compare the two, I realize there is apparently movement in that style. But lets remember there are a lot of these running around towing fifth wheels with no issues. I believe when he gets it torqued down correctly ,and having his brake controller set right, we can move on here.


Would I buy one ,NO. I have the puck system, I want to be connected at FOUR points, and I am . But the OP has one ,and IMO he will get these things solved, between customer service at Andersen ,and CONSTRUCTIVE advice here, not criticism .