Andersen Hitch

[footz1941]

Originally Posted by dfb

Im going back to a conventional 5ver hitch.. i had the cable break and they charged me fo a new one..

What cable?

[dfb]

Originally Posted by footz1941

What cable?

There is a cable with a handle that opens and closes the block to the ball. The cable broke at the block. Andersen charged me for a new one... 70.00....

[Ed C]

Just completed our maiden voyage with a 2019 Montana 3700LK, on an Andersen hitch. We loved it. Formerly had a Pullrite slider with the old 5er. The Andersen is so much better, lighter, easier to install and remove, and I don't have those confounded permanent rails in the bed of the truck. I can remove the Andersen without help from Dianne and a handtruck! Love it, and can't wait for our next adventure!

[kozzy]

Not for anything, but I have the Pull rite auto slide, and have been trying to decide to go to something lighter, like the Andersen or the Pull Rite super light. I have researched everything I could ,and eventually asked LCI directly what I had to worry about, regarding the different stresses on any part of the frame of the camper, as well as a different pin box perhaps, since I have a short box truck and turning clearance is an issue. Here is the response from LCI:

Thank you Edward,
> Anything that uses an adapter like the Anderson Ultimate Hitch is not recommended as it puts too much stress on the upper deck and chassis. If your looking for a goose style hitch, look at the Reese Goose box which has extra shock, spring value that works well with our chassis.
>
> On any pinbox that has a turret, just be aware that when backing your unit with this style of pinbox, if you try to force a 90 degree backing turn, you may damage the chassis spring hangers, structure, and or wing set of the pinbox.
>
> Thank you,
>
> Brian O’Rourke
> Technical Service Representative
> w: 574-537-8900 | f: 574-534-7161

Also, in a subsequent email, the dont consider a capture plate, like that used on the pull rite auto slide as an "adapter" and state that is fine.

Im not staying not to use these super light hitches, im just passing along what the frame manufacture says about it. In any event, im done looking for a different solution, and will stick with the conventional fifth wheel connection. its heavy, but oh well i guess.

[PNW Fireguy]

This is a sad tactic used by far too many companies today. The Magnuson Moss Warranty Act of 1975 was passed by the US Congress to prevent this companies from doing this. While they are free to make these types of recommendations they may just be directed to folks fears. The act specifically precludes manufacturer's from denying or invalidating a warranty soley due to use of an add-on product unless the manufacturer can specifically prove that the add-on product caused the damage.

[kozzy]

I agree with you, am I am familiar with that law, but LCI never did say that it would not be warranted, they just said they do not recommend that style. They DID however, recommend a Reese goose neck adapter. So I have to think that in this case, they are not full of BS if they are willing to recommend a different third party vendor. just wanted to pass along the info for others to aid in their decision making process.

[PNW Fireguy]

LCI has been a good company to work with for me. There are a few hot button topics here in the forum that tend to produce shall we say some spirited exchanges and misinformation. I think the Andersen hitch is one of those topics. I was very interested in purchasing one and found both negative and positive information here in the forum. Quite a bit regarding the warranty issue. So I decided to do my due diligence as an informed consumer and obtain some first hand information. Finally, after consulting with an attorney that was knowledgable on the subject I felt very comfortable making an informed decision to purchase an Andersen hitch with no worries regarding warranties. I like you simply wanted to share the experience for others interested. I think it is very important that you point out what they did not say as well as their not recommending an add-on product. Thanks for sharing.