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]

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]

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

[Ed C]

Originally Posted by 432bartman

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

Yes, my 2019 3700LK Monty has a broken strut/stud in front of the bed slide-out. I believe the damage occurred in 2019 on a trip to Alaska. It is currently in the shop for repair, under warranty. I first took it in for analysis in October 2019, and they said it was only a piece of trim missing. I took it in again in December 2020 because the trim piece was gone again. The service manager said "Oh, no, that is not just a trim issue. I believe you have a broken strut/stud." The entire front cap has to come off, as well as the exterior side in front of the bedroom slide, and a new strut/stud has to be welded in. I do not believe this was a result of Anderson vs. plate hitch. My Anderson hitch has served me well for the past two years!

[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...

[Slugchick]

OMG.. I just checked and your so right!

Maybe one is a French/ Canadian spelling- lol
How could a large corporation distribute a memo not even properly spelling the name?? Oops..

[mlh]

Originally Posted by Slugchick

OMG.. I just checked and your so right!

Maybe one is a French/ Canadian spelling- lol
How could a large corporation distribute a memo not even properly spelling the name?? Oops..

If the name isn’t spelled correctly and you took this to court could this be enforced. After all this isn’t the same company. On the other hand if Montana says warranty denied what are you going to do. Unless of course you have really deep pockets.
Lynwood

[mudrockatc]

I have used the Anderson hitch on the last two fifth wheels, and have always liked it, but with this latest Montana, the weight is considerably more, and I am having second thoughts. At 75 years old I am still concerned with being able to get the hitch out by myself. I was thinking about the Demco recon attached to gooseball, only about 90lbs, and in three pieces. I then starting asking myself if this would be considered a gooseball adapter? What do you guys think? My 2019 model is about at the end of the warranty on frame, but I don't want to do any damage!

[hemiallen]

I believe, and I have used an anderson on 2 5th wheels, that the letter and concern is with the adaptor block, not the Anderson hitch itself.

I looked over the Demco last night and think it is very lightweight compared to all other options I can find. The reese goosebox
https://www.etrailer.com/Gooseneck-a...e/RP94720.html

might be the best option, although it is a beast weight wise but not a problem once installed. One You tuber mentioned he had to reduce the bag air pressure to unhitch, but that is the only negative I can find, and he might have a unique setup needing more air causing this mentioned problem for him. I think I posted his review on this or the other Anderson post.

The next lightest option I have found , Curt for Ram, the legs and main body is posted as #125 once the head part is removed. Guess I am getting a hoist once home.

Good luck. I am setting my Anderson aside for use on my old Rockwood, until I am happy with the 3120, and I might still keep the Rockwood for it's smaller footprint for fall season. It has been perfectly modified for that use.

Allen

[sourdough]

Originally Posted by mudrockatc

I have used the Anderson hitch on the last two fifth wheels, and have always liked it, but with this latest Montana, the weight is considerably more, and I am having second thoughts. At 75 years old I am still concerned with being able to get the hitch out by myself. I was thinking about the Demco recon attached to gooseball, only about 90lbs, and in three pieces. I then starting asking myself if this would be considered a gooseball adapter? What do you guys think? My 2019 model is about at the end of the warranty on frame, but I don't want to do any damage!

Mudrock, my emails from Lippert indicate they are concerned about "attachments" to the kingpin not the goose ball. The Demco Recon attaches to the ball but then has a regular connection for the pin which by every statement from Lippert I've received should be good.

I have zero problems using the Andersen with my current trailer and weight. If I moved up to something like yours I anticipate I would move to a different hitch. I won't go with a 2-300lb. 5th wheel hitch due to health and prior injuries. The Demco looks like something I would consider although reviewing it, the installation and how it's constructed sure looks like it would induce a lot of noise, chucking etc.

[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.

[N. Hall]

I contacted MorRyde about their pin box, they told me I had to install a new thicker plate for the Andersen 5th wheel connection to keep any warranty. I have the new thicker plate to install and I will, but someone needs to be responsible for their products should something fail.