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Andersen Hitches for Fifth Wheels & Travel Trailers

Andersen Hitches for Fifth Wheels & Travel Trailers

Andersen Hitches is a company that makes some very popular towing gear and trailer accessories.

They’ve got several products that are well-known to RVers. But their two most popular products in the RV industry are the Andersen Weight Distribution Hitch and the Ultimate Fifth Wheel Hitch.

In this post, we’re looking at several products from Andersen Hitches. We’ll offer an overview of each of the most popular hitches among owners of 5th wheels and travel trailers, and we’ll talk a bit about why many people love ’em, while others are less enthused.

What Are the Most Popular Andersen Hitches for RVers?

Andersen Hitches makes several products that are popular among RVers. Let’s take a look at each of these are for and what they accomplish.

Andersen Weight Distribution Hitch

A weight distribution hitch (WDH) can make all the difference in a safe and pleasant towing experience.

The Andersen Weight Distribution Hitch provides sway control through an integrated anti-sway control ball housing.

An Andersen weight distribution hitch

The Andersen Weight Distribution Hitch eliminates the need for heavy bars and greasing of the mechanism due to the grease-free ball and silent friction cone. (Photo source: Andersen Hitches)

So, when the trailer couples to the ball, friction in the ball housing helps to reduce trailer sway by resisting turning. But there’s more that’s appealing about the Andersen WDH, as they’ve raised the bar with this one.

First, it’s a notably lightweight system. It weighs less than 60 pounds, making it fairly easy to install, remove, and store.

Even more important is the fact that Andersen’s weight distribution hitch has an innovative design that doesn’t use spring bars.

A weight distribution hitch requires force to transfer weight from the rear axle to the front axle of a tow vehicle. With a traditional weight distribution hitch, this force is provided by heavy spring bars (weight distribution bars) that are connected to the hitch head and to the frame of the trailer.

When turning, it’s these connection points that make noise due to the movement of the hitch assembly.

However, Andersen’s weight distribution hitch features an improved design that does away with spring bars and instead uses a chain mechanism that’s much easier, lighter weight, and quieter.

This also means that not only will you have no heavy, greasy bars to deal with or to store, but you also don’t need to lube the mechanism due to the grease-free system ball and silent friction cone.

As a bonus, you won’t need to disconnect the Andersen WDH prior to backing up your travel trailer. And removing the hitch from the tow vehicle is as simple as removing the pin.

You can also use an Andersen WDH as a standard ball mount when appropriate.

ANDERSEN HITCHES | 3380 | Weight Distribution Hitch | No Bounce No Sway | Tow Accessories | (8" Drop, 2-5/16" Ball, 2" Shank, 3"-6" Brkt)
  • 🛻[LEVEL TOWING]: This weight distribution hitch offers a smooth ride and improved control by distributing the tongue weight of the trailer across...
  • 🛻[BUILT IN USA]: As a US-based company, we are here to create premier towing products that improve the journey from point A to point B. That’s...

For a review of the Andersen Weight Distribution Hitch based on real-life use, check out this video:

Andersen Hitches Ultimate Fifth Wheel Hitch

Andersen’s Ultimate Fifth Wheel Hitch is rated for 24,000 lbs GTWR and 4,500 lbs tongue weight. However, it’s made of aircraft-grade aluminum, so the base of the Ultimate weighs only 35 pounds.

The Andersen Ultimate Fifth Wheel Hitch

The Andersen Ultimate Fifth Wheel Hitch may – or may not – be the appropriate hitch for use with your fifth wheel. Pay close attention to the manufacturer’s specifications, and be sure to use the Ultimate compatibility tool available on the Andersen Hitches website. (Photo source: Andersen Hitches)

This makes it easier to work with and very easy to move, but it could also have a downside.

There have been some reports of this hitch failing when the vehicle is involved in an accident, or in the event of an emergency stop. In this situation, the hitch can buckle or even separate from the base. That could cause the tongue of the RV to collapse, causing damage not only to the RV but also to the truck.

On the face of it, it might seem that the issue is aluminum not being a strong enough choice for the material from which to construct the hitch. However, this may be more complicated than that.

First, Andersen designed the Ultimate Hitch to collapse in an accident, with the intent of protecting the RV by having the hitch absorb the brunt of the impact force.

Second, most of the failures with Andersen Ultimate Hitches occurred when the pin was overloaded.

If you’re towing a trailer with a tongue weight near, at, or above 4,500 lbs, the Ultimate is not the right hitch for you. That’s because it has a maximum tongue weight rating of 4,500 lbs. So, this is far less likely to be an issue if you’re below the maximum tongue weight.

To know for sure whether the Andersen Ultimate is likely to work well for your fifth wheel, have a look at Andersen’s Ultimate compatibility tool and abide by its guidelines.

There are a few other potential issues as well.

The Lightweight Aluminum Can Bend or Twist

Some Andersen Ultimate users have reported that the hitch bends or twists on the truck bed. Should this occur while you’re driving, your rig could become unstable and begin to sway or cause the hitch to detach from the truck.

Can Be Noisy

Noise is another issue some have reported with the Andersen Ultimate. This is likely caused by the ball moving around inside the hitch.

Not Good for Short Beds

The Andersen Ultimate is available in only one configuration, which doesn’t work well for short-bed trucks.

The most common complaint regarding using the Ultimate in a short-bed truck is the rear window breaking. Here again, though, the compatibility tool should come in handy.

If you use any hitch that, according to the manufacturer’s specs, isn’t compatible with your RV or truck, then any bending, twisting, or collapsing of the hitch may be due to user error.

To avoid this, be absolutely sure not to exceed your hitch weight while using the Andersen Ultimate hitch (or any other hitch, for that matter).

Remember that to use the hitch, you’ll be attaching it to the bed and frame of your truck. If you overload the pin or the weight in your RV isn’t properly distributed, you could damage the hitch and/or the truck bed.

You should never overload your pin weight, regardless of the type of hitch you’re using. This not only puts stress on the hitch, but it can make your fifth wheel unstable, which can cause a loss of control while driving.

All 5th wheel hitches are rated for a stated Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) and tongue weight. You’d think it would go without saying, but the fact that there have been accidents caused by exceeding weight limits means we should say it again: Any hitch must stay within all truck and trailer specs.

So, the bottom line is that the Andersen Ultimate Fifth Wheel Hitch can work very well when installed and used correctly.

ANDERSEN HITCHES | Ultimate Fifth Wheel Connection | Aluminum Gooseneck Mount Trailer Hitch Adapter | Towing Accessories | ONE Person Install or Removal in Less Than 5 Minutes! | 3220
  • [LIGHTWEIGHT]: Made of Aircraft-Grade Aluminum, the Ultimate Connection base weighs only 35 lbs making safe install and removal a breeze for one...
  • [ADJUSTABLE]: Three height level adjustments: 16-3/4" lower position, 17-7/8" middle position and 19-1/8" upper position (from bed of truck to top of...

This couple ditched their Andersen Ultimate Fifth Wheel Hitch, and in this video, they’ll tell you why:

Andersen Hitches Ranch Hitch Adapter

Andersen Hitches’ Ranch Hitch Adapter will allow a standard fifth-wheel hitch to use a gooseneck adapter in the towing truck’s bed, freeing up space to carry/haul other gear.

The Ranch Hitch Adapter fits a 2-5/16 ball hitch and is easily installed and adjustable. Note that this adapter is rated for 24,000 pounds GVW trailer weight and 6,000 pounds tongue weight, and meets VESC-19 standards.

It’s important to note that Andersen doesn’t recommend this adapter for use on a cushioned or moveable pin box, but only on static pin boxes.

It has a remote cable mechanism that allows the user to engage & release the coupler while standing on the ground outside the truck.

Users also like the bell-shaped receiver, which allows for the hitch ball & adapter to be as much as 3″ off-center, and still slide into place.

To see if the adapter will fit your 5th wheel, you’ll need to back your truck into position as though you’re hooking up your 5th wheel, and then measure from the bottom of the pin box, (the “pin plate”) down to the top of the ball in the bed of your truck.

ANDERSEN HITCHES | Towing Accessories | Universal Ranch Hitch Adapter | 24,000 lbs GTWR & 6,000 lbs tongue weight | 3100
  • Fits a 2-5/16 inch ball hitch
  • 24,000 pounds GVW trailer and 6,000 pounds tongue weight

Andersen Levelers

Although this is a post about Andersen Hitches, the company makes a very popular non-hitch item that’s well worth mentioning. (If you’re not yet familiar with leveling, see our post, “Do You Need RV Leveling Blocks?)

The Andersen Levelers are popular for a reason. They’re a great tool for leveling any trailer/RV without leveling jacks, and they’re super easy to use.

Note: Andersen Levelers are designed for use with trailers that weigh up to 30,000 lbs, and with tires up to 32″ in diameter. The radius of a leveler is roughly 15″-16″, which provides a perfect curve for tires up to 32″.

Each kit includes one leveler and one chock, and Andersen recommends using one leveler per axle. (Per Andersen, only one leveler per axle on one side of your RV, motorhome, or trailer is needed. The leveler is placed on the low side of the trailer when leveling side-to-side.)

Andersen levelers offer accurate leveling at any increment between 1/2″ and 4″. They’re sturdy and come with a lifetime warranty.

The curved design of these levelers makes them easy to use to get your rig level, especially when combined with a LevelMatePRO/LevelMatePRO+.

ANDERSEN HITCHES | 3604 RV and Trailer Accessories | Single Camper Leveler Block w/Rubber mat | Camper Leveling System | Outdoor Camping Levels
  • 🛻[MUST HAVE FOR CAMPERS OR FIFTH WHEEL]: Works great on trailers up to 30,000 lbs and with tires up to 32" diameter. The Andersen Camper Leveler...
  • 🛻[FAST & PRECISE LEVELING]: Avoid the hassle of setting up your camper with travel trailer leveling blocks or wooden planks under your tires. Make...

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Final Notes

We want to note that Andersen also makes ball mounts, including their EZ Hitch and Rapid Hitch.

Andersen EZHitch and RapidHitch

Andersen makes two adjustable ball hitches – the EZHitch and the RapidHitch. (Photo: Anderson Hitches)

These are also very popular hitches. (You may want to have a look at our post on trailer hitch locks.)

We also want to point you to our post on how to hitch a trailer to tow it safely, for anyone who might want a refresher on safe hitching/towing.

And finally, if you’ve used an Andersen hitch (or the levelers), how was your experience? As always, we’d love to hear your thoughts based on your own personal use in the comments section below.

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Bill

Tuesday 4th of July 2023

used the anderson weight distributing hitch with a 7500lb gross 29ft overall trailer on a 1000mi trip. The anti sway was just OK but the plastic cone was extruding out after one trip. Weight dist was marginal at best and was deforming the trailer frame where attached. The vertical weight distribution on the truck is converted to horizontal force onto the chains and then to the trailer frame. the lever arm effect on the frame brackets was trying to crush the frame and there was some deformation. Sold it

Lori

Tuesday 6th of June 2023

As a solo female full-timer of a certain age, I love the ease of my Andersen WDH. No bars to wrestle with and no parts to keep up with (other than the pin). The only time I've had a problem hooking back up was when I was in a very tight space and my truck was at a sharp angle to the trailer. I had to disconnect one of the chains and pull up the road to straighten the trailer out so I could hook it back up. I wouldn't have another WDH.

TheRVgeeks

Tuesday 6th of June 2023

That's great to hear, Lori. So glad it's working so well for you!

Peter Burawa

Monday 5th of June 2023

We only beach camp, and often take roads that are the smoothest. Our rig is a 2004 Holiday Rambler Alumascape and a 2006 F350 SRW Bullet Proofed 6.0 diesel. This is my second season with the Anderson Ultimate. The bed of my truck is an aluminum flatbed with a B&W gooseneck that the Ultimate Toolbox Flatbed hitch attaches to. I mention all this because the rig and our intended use is not the usual RVers. Loves: The light weight, stores on the garage wall, no clunking when braking, no clunking on rough terrain, no noise, can unhitch at some tight angles, no jaws to jam up when unhitching.

Dislikes: Takes a lot of bed space, the connection is so tight that you feel every bump, rut, of the fifth wheel and the truck. It makes the ride very uncomfortable. I feel exhausted after a two hour drive on our crappy Long Island roads and the beach. For my rig I’d purchase it again.

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