Tow hitches

[tom woodward]

My previous used truck came with an installed hitch which used the rail system with pin and clips. It was heavy (maybe 100 lbs) and I used a Transmission lift to get it in and out of the bed. I just bought a 2020 LB Ram 3500 with the puck system. I didn't mind scratching up my old "starter" truck but though this truck is new it only has 15K mile and looks new (damn well cost like a new truck!!). I tow a 2016 Monty 353RL and was wonder if the Anderson hitch, which is only 35 lbs to be up to the job. To me more weight means more strength (and also more strength required to move it in and out of the bed). I've researched the Pull Rite, Anderson, B&W, Denco and Reese hitches but am requesting some real world experience. I've read a lot of the previous posts on the Anderson and wondered if that provides enough twisting support on for the trailer pin box, or do you even need twisting support or is it better to let the trailer twist a little in relation to the truck?
So for those who have used the Anderson, is this an issue? Are there better ones out there? Pull Rite has a gooseneck hitch which seems pretty cool but weighs 74 lbs. I can lift about 100 lbs maybe once a day, but don't want to be doing it all the time. I do like removing the hitch as I use the truck for other things. Any suggestions would help. I might also add that I have a toolbox/aux tank in the truck, or will shortly

[JDDilly]

Tom, I have been looking at the same thing. I have a Reese hitch and my Son-in-laws have to put it in and out for me. I don't need my bed, so I leave it in most of the time. Have you looked at the Reese Goosebox? Those that have them speak highly of them. With LCI not warrantying the trailer frames when you use an Andersen hitch makes me question that. This issue has been beat up a lot with many people on both sides. Not a clear choice for me. Good luck with whatever way you go.

[glb1950]

I too debated which hitch. And I have a tractor with front end loader to remove a heavy hitch from the bed. But what if I'm not home and have to remove the hitch and reinstall it? The Anderson hitch was, at the time of, #### or get off the pot, the only one to my limited knowledge that would fit the bill. Then I learned later about the replaceable goose neck hitches. Probably woulda gone with one of those but I've got the Anderson and I'm happy so far. I'm 72 with 1 titanium shoulder...... and that's the good one. Anderson is no problem lifting it in and out. The aux. tank I've ordered will fit but I had to be very selective with size because the hitch does sprawl out towards the bulkhead a bit much. Good luck with whatever you go with.

[tom woodward]

I called Lippert about the Anderson hitch, as I've read that the warranty on a new trailer would be void if it were used, but I wasn't sure why. According to Lippert if you use any adapter on the pin box, Yes, your warranty would be void should you have any frame damage.This would also apply to Pull Rite Superlite or any other gooseneck that uses an adapter. This is due to the twisting of the frame on the gooseneck, where it has a more stable platform on the typical hitches. Now, if you no longer have a warranty the tech said, "Used whatever you like".
YMMV

[R.S.O'Donnell]

Whatever you get I would make safety my number one concern. I don't know any of the details other than one person was killed.

[432bartman]

Originally Posted by R.S.O'Donnell

Whatever you get I would make safety my number one concern. I don't know any of the details other than one person was killed.

Was that with the use of an Anderson?

[432bartman]

I've been using an Anderson hitch since buying our trailer in May of 2020. I have nothing but great things to say about it, as I have had back surgery prior and didn't want to move a traditional 5th wheel hitch, which I had before. What I'm hearing now is Lippert will not warranty their frames if using an Anderson, or others like it, and will only warranty if you use their Reese Goosebox in place of a standard kingpin. I'm now looking at going to the Reese Goosebox, which will also free up my bed space, and storage of a hitch.

[jsb5717]

The issue with both the Andersen and the Pullrite 2600 isn't whether or not they work well...they both do. Our Andersen has been great to use. The issue is Lippert's warranty. A 2016 5er doesn't have any frame warranty left anyway so I would pick the hitch that works best for you.

[Sparatacus]

I'm running the PullRite Superlite #2600 it's a good hitch that is made out of steel, I'm on my 2nd years now using it and have put a lot of miles on it.

[Rider]

LCI's denial of warranty for using a gooseneck adapter to reach down to the truck bed may be based on what happened to this individuals 5th wheel:

https://www.thedieselgarage.com/thre...-say-no.70978/

LCI is hypocritical to warranty Reese Goosebox, which is exactly what they're denying - a modification of the pin box. Andersen & Pullrite adapters are smaller and put the connection much closer to the kingpin than Reese's. Maybe $ from Reese is a factor?

[CADman_KS]

Originally Posted by tom woodward

... Pull Rite has a gooseneck hitch which seems pretty cool but weighs 74 lbs. I can lift about 100 lbs maybe once a day, but don't want to be doing it all the time. ...

The PullRite model that you're referencing here is the 3900. That is the weight of the just the base. The whole hitch weighs 115 lbs, but it is a 30 second job to separate or reconnect the two pieces.

That's what we have, and I love it. It is very easy for me to put in by myself, and I always separate the two pieces...

[Dreamersandtravelers]

1st thought was why change hitch? Old school & continued use for semi tractors lead me to trust durable timeproven hitches. Very leary & skeptical of these newer lightweight systems. Guess it's your choice. Improvements in brakes have come along like disc brakes on trailers so possible new tow hitches are up to the task.

[richeyb]

I have been using an Anderson hitch to pull my Montana High Country 380. As noted it saves weight and when pulling weight is always your enemy. I’ve had no problems with the Anderson system.

[jwengermt]

We have the BW roll over ball hitch and the Reese Goose Box. Works great and never have to worry about lifting heavy equipment in and out of the truck. I use my truck a lot when not towing so it's very convenient. The Goose Box has an airbag and shock absorbers and rides nicely. We have the 6'6" box so need the 4" extension ball. Very happy with this system.

[MCJones]

I really wanted an Andersen for the ease of in and out placement but it was not rated high enough (weight wise) for me. I settled on a BandW. With the head off I can lift the base clear of the pucks and, using a lifting strap so I can stand more upright, I can move it to the tail gate and then out. I'm 75 and it is a hand full but I can still manage it. The hitch is rated for 24K and that is why I did not go with the Andersen. jmo - mark

[ckclang]

Had the Anderson hitch for more then 3 years. and pulled my 2010 Montana 3150 close to 20,000 miles with no problems. pulling with a Ram 2500 heavy duty short box. Very pleased with the hitch performance.

[Cherokee]

Good morning, I just made contact with Lippert and asked if using my Superglide hitch 2900 would void the warranty on pin box, frame or chassis. Lippert said no, we will be fine,. Plus The only gooseneck hitch they stand by is the Reese gooseneck if we ever decided on switching to a gooseneck.