Anderson hitch memo from Keystone

[ChuckS]

For those using the Anderson hitch

[Montana Man]

Thanks for posting this! Keystone should send this out to every owner on file.

[jsb5717]

Thank you for posting this. If I am reading this memo correctly then Keystone has previously considered the AUH as an acceptible solution and would investigate a frame failure for warranty purposes when one was used. It also appears that the continued use of the AUH that was installed prior to 3/15/21 is acceptible? Am I reading this correctly or do I need to go shopping?

[432bartman]

Well that sucks. Anybody on this forum have any kind of frame or sidewall damage who has been using an Anderson?

[432bartman]

Originally Posted by jsb5717

Thank you for posting this. If I am reading this memo correctly then Keystone has previously considered the AUH as an acceptible solution and would investigate a frame failure for warranty purposes when one was used. It also appears that the continued use of the AUH that was installed prior to 3/15/21 is acceptible? Am I reading this correctly or do I need to go shopping?

Prior to 03/15/21 would be, but following that they will not warranty your rig, if damage occurs and you're using an Anderson. Looks like only the Reese Goosebox is our only other option. Very frustrating to read this. I'm sure anti Anderson people are rejoicing in this decision. This doesn't only include Anderson, but the Pullrite 2600, which is another nice hitch. If Anderson wants to keep cutomers, they're going to have to state they will warranty your rig should any damage occur while using their product.

[432bartman]

I just wrote Anderson and included the Keystone statement. I have an extended warranty on my Montana, and I simply asked if they will cover customers if any damage occurs to the frame or sidewall when using their product. I don't see how they can say NO if they want to keep customers or get any new customers.

[Champ]

Is this real? They spelled Andersen wrong every time in that memo.

[ChuckS]

YES.. the MEMO is real.. I verified this BEFORE I posted and I spoke with Keystone Customer Service (Elizabel) and she stated the Memo is factual and accurate...

[MT167]

The memo states Anderson Goose Neck Adapters Anderson makes a goose neck adapter as well as the Anderson Ultimate Hitch. They are not the same. Seems to me that Keystone and Lippert need to make some clarifications.

[jsb5717]

The 2nd paragraph makes it pretty clear that they are talking about the Ultimate Hitch specifically as well as all other adapters except the goose box.

[rames14]

I have the Pullrite 2600. I have forwarded the memo to Pullrite. I also contacted my dealer.

[Dave W]

The way that the Keystone letter said is that ANY RV with an LCI frame, not just Keystone, and using an Andersen hitch will no longer be warranted for frame or sidewall damage. I would suspect that Forest River dealers as well as any other manufacturer using that frame company product are or will be getting a similar letter from LCI. Recall folks that frame warranty is a pass through and that LCI foots the cost of frame and other repairs, not Thor/Keystone. LCI made a financial decision to maintain their bottom line, probably with some evaluation.


I guess that if you are happy using an Andersen, and your RV is pre 15 March 2021, it will be your decision to continue use or not.

[rames14]

I guess at the National Rally we should put Andersen and Lippert next to each other in the vendor building. Since I have a new trailer being put into service after the effective date, it is concerning. Interesting, but they never mentioned reversing the adapter plate. And, two points from my dealer. First, evidently Lippert tried buying Andersen. Second, they still have to prove that the hitch caused the damage.

[BB_TX]

OK, everyone settle down and reread the statement. It specifically says the Anderson Ultimate 5th Wheel Connection Goose Neck Adapter is an approved adapter. The Anderson straight gooseneck adapter is not on the approved list.

"There are various brands of goose neck adapters in the industry, none of which have ever been “authorized” or “approved for use” by Keystone, except for the Reese Goose Box and the Anderson Ultimate 5th Wheel Connection Goose Neck Adapter."

[rames14]

Bill, continue reading to the second page. Any Andersen Hitch put into service before 3/15/21 with documentation will be covered. See below:
Any Anderson Goose Neck Adapters installed after March 15, 2021, will not be eligible for warranty consideration. Proof of the date of the Anderson installation will be required as part of any claim submission.

[mlh]

It looks like Lippert thinks a goose neck adapter puts too much strain on the frame. They are caught between a rock and a hard place. We demand enough head room in the front of our campers to walk around and they have a height requirement for the camper. The only way to have both is to make the frame as thin as possible. In doing so some strength is removed. A goose neck puts more torque on the frame than it’s designed to handle. This is what Lippert is trying to avoid. You can’t blame them for that.
Lynwood

[rames14]

Lynwood, I think the issue for many, is the blanket statement. I specifically worked through Lippert and Keystone less than two years ago before purchasing my hitch and they said it wasn’t an issue. One other thing, for those who have not seen the Andersen or Pullrite hitches. There are four possible combinations of install on these hitches. Two of the combinations involve the base. The base can be mounted either closer or further away from the cab (in front or behind the ball in the bed). The orientation of that should not affect the pin. Now, the funnel (or ball in the case of the Pullrite) can be mounted in front or behind the kingpin. My belief (without doing FEA analysis) is that if the funnel/ball is in front of the kingpin, it would potentially add a lever arm creating more stress. (How much and is it critical would require advanced analysis - not just anecdotal.) However, if the funnel/ball is behind the kingpin, I would believe it would reduce that stress. But, as pointed out by my dealer, they would have to prove the hitch caused the issue (Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act). So, for me the issue is do I want to roll the dice on my new fully loaded Montana or do I want to buy another new hitch?

[Bad Moon]

I’m shocked, shocked I tell you. Keystone coming up with another reason to deny warranty claims? Tell me it ain’t so.

[BB_TX]

Originally Posted by rames14

Bill, continue reading to the second page. Any Andersen Hitch put into service before 3/15/21 with documentation will be covered. See below:
Any Anderson Goose Neck Adapters installed after March 15, 2021, will not be eligible for warranty consideration. Proof of the date of the Anderson installation will be required as part of any claim submission.

You are correct. I was thinking of those who have already been using the Andersen.

[432bartman]

Guys/Gals, I just put out a new thread with Andersen's warranty for when Lippert/Keystone denies a warranty with the use of their product. I think we will be fine. They are also amending the document to include the proper steps to take for their customers