Andersen Ultimate and Curt Helux Warranty Concern

[Winz1]

I am sure this one has been discussed at length, just adding my recent experience. I have spent about 3 hours researching this topic and the conclusions are pretty varied.

I just bought a 2026 3100 RL. It is equipped with the Curt Helux pin box, and I was planning to use it with an Andersen Ultimate (newest gen). I called Andersen yesterday to discuss the combination. They informed me that it works fine, however due to the forward tilt of the Helux pin when not under load, hitching and unhitching MAY be problematic. They recommend the use of a lockout (basically a shim) they sell to keep the helux level when hitching.

Received a call from the Montana Dealer (prepping the trailer) today informing me that the 5 year structure warranty would be voided if I use the Andersen according to Keystone/Lippert as it places undue stress on the frame of the coach.

Long story short - I am swapping the pin box from a Curt Helux to a Curt Gooseneck. This gives me a few advantages

1. This approach is "factory approved" if using Curt or Reese gooseneck pin box and the frame warranty stays intact
2. While the gooseneck is ~30lb heavier than the helux pinbox, the fact that I don't need the Anderson actually saves me 10lbs payload
3. The bed is basically clean when I unhitch, albeit removing/storing the Andersen is pretty straight forward

The big disadvantage is that my wallet is about $2k lighter....

Moral of the story - had I known this ahead of time, I would have negotiated a large discount on the pinbox swap from the dealer.

Winz

 

[LeftOverParts]

Good to know and thanks a lot! Betcha you could sell your Helux pretty quickly.

 

[Route 66 Rambler]

It's not what the dealer tells you it's what the manufacturer tells you!

 

[jsb5717]

I know that Lippert, and therefore Keystone and the other OEMs, have a very limited acceptance for which pin box configs they will support with warranty. Andersen is definitely problematic. Have you confirmed that the Curt Gooseneck hitch is still covered? I know that Lippert approves their own Goosebox but just wondering.

 

[Winz1]

Yes, all covered.

I replaced a Curt 5th wheel pinbox with a Curt gooseneck pinbox. Curt is owned by Lippert and both pinboxes retain the Lippert Frame warranty (now 5 years) on my Montana. By switching from 5th wheel pin box to gooseneck pinbox, I eliminated the need for a hitch (Andersen) as the new pinbox attaches directly to a ball in the truck bed. Ironically, the ball is also manufactured by Curt (Lippert). Come to think of it, the factory puck system in my RAM is made by Curt as well, meaning all components frame to frame are under the Lippert banner!

 

[Winz1]

Good to know and thanks a lot! Betcha you could sell your Helux pretty quickly.

Thanks for the comment. I had the dealer set aside the Curt Helux Pinbox (unused) - hoping I can do someone a favor by selling it. It seems like it would be a nice upgrade for someone's trailer