Great video, I love how you kept it real by sharing your challenges with the installation. Most would edit it out, always making it look easier than it really is. I’ve had my gen 2 for over 6 years and I love it. Just a couple of pointers: There’s usually no need to completely remove the sleeve when installing. Just loosen the top bolt until the lower hole clears gooseball. I don’t usually bother torquing the rear bolts until after I have the trailer connected. They recommend retorquing these when there’s a load. I too had the same issue with my 1/4” hex being slightly too short. I just hogged out the hole of the red cone with a 1/2” drill bit. Fortunately I’ve never experienced the hitch rotating while towing. Using a paint pen I’ve outlined the 4 corners on the bed so I’ll always know the hitch is centered when installing. When reaching my destination the hitch has always stayed put. I agree that Andersen has the best customer service. They currently have an upgrade offer for existing Andersen hitch owners. You can upgrade to the gen 3 for about $500. Knowing how well Andersens customer service is, I’m sure they’ll honor it if you inquire about it. Happy camping. Keep those vids coming
We're a 1st time 5th wheeler to be. Looking forward to this new experience. We're currently on our 3rd rv pull behind. I've been researching 5th wheel hitches and honing in on the Anderson. Your video is the most comprehensive and informative video I have watched! Great job sir! I know now that as a 100% DAV, I will have made the right decision purchasing a Anderson hitch! Thx Thx Thx
Thank you for explaining the RV hitch vs gooseneck adapter. I have the Anderson Ultimate RV Hitch 2.0 and had a hard time explaining why we had a gooseball connection to our truck but an RV hitch using the kingpin connection but not a goose adapter. Thank you. We also like the ease of using our Anderson RV Hitch for connecting our 5th wheel.
Thank you for this very thorough review of the Anderson Hitch. I’m newly retired. I’m been looking at 5th Wheel campers and researching different hitches. I’m glad I found your review. Very detailed and nicely done.
Being and existing Andersen hitch owner, I called Andersen yesterday, and here's the REAL deal... The upgrade path from 2.0 to 30 is, you have to cut off one of the legs of your 2.0 hitch and send a photo to them, then you can order the 3.0 hitch for only $500, BUT, here's the catch, you're already $750+ invested into you 2.0 hitch, and another $500 would put you at $1250+ for the 3.0 hitch, which in my case, the #3220 is only $999 on Amazon, hmmm... The question you have to ask yourself, why would you pay more for a hitch then your previous hitch cost AND destroy your original hitch... I truly wanted one of these, but not at the expense of trashing my #3217 and paying MORE than the original cost... Come on Andersen, you can do better by your existing customers...
@@rvfamilylife Dead serious...they wanted to make sure that the hitch was permanently disabled and unusable...And in my case, from Amazon, I paid $1202 with tax, so an extra $500 would make the new hitch cost $1702, nice customer service, reminds me of verizon's upgrade path for existing customers, there was none... I'll keep using my hitch, but Andersen won't get any new business from me...
I'm going to have to do more research on that 4 inch offset ball. Sounds interesting. I wonder if that would have saved our back window when I crunched it.
@@rvfamilylife It's been years since I started using it. I had talked to Andersen about how close mine was to the glass on truck and they had suggested the offset.
so you use an offset ball with the offset andersen hitch? how far back does it move the king pin behind the rear axel? im interested my B&w slider is way to big and bulky. i have a 2016 ram 3500 SB.
Great tutorial. I think you covered this very well. I don’t ever do the commission thing on products we review. I will share a discount code if the company gives me one, but I don’t take any compensation. I don’t do the Amazon thing either. Started to in the beginning of our channel and then they pulled the affiliation from me🤷🏻♀️ But it’s fine. I’d rather not mess with it anyway. Anyway, your vid was quite thorough. Think you did a nice job.
Ok my brother, first of all, love Tania's hair. 👍 I watched this entire video because I love you guys and honestly, I have no experience in installing the hitch and was interested in seeing it done and I know your a fan. As your aware, I own a mega cab, so "back in the day", when I was in research mode I was concerned about choosing a hitch that wouldn't allow the rig to hit my cab. Subsequently I ended up going with the pullrite super glide. Over the years I have seen two people with shortbeds using the Anderson hit their cabs. You, and Adventure Endeavor. So for me, it's just a no go. I have never experienced an issue like Nate did when they were in Idaho. But he has a different slider. In any event, great install video. 😁 Sean
Yeah, when using a short bed with the Andersen, gotta be more careful, that is so true. Another comment here is talking about a 4 inch offset ball, I bet that could help even more.
Rob said you are a genius for using your chair 14:16 to do that 😂 I happen to agree! We just got a new truck & going to have to get a new hitch. We're trying to decide what kind to get 🤔
With a heavier toy hauler toy hauler I'm not sure I'd want to go with the Andersen. I know it says 24k, but I'd probably go Gooseball and put a Gen-Y pin box on the RV.
When I was getting into camping and towing a 5th wheel I looed at the Anderson hitch but I have heard a few bad storys about them so I got something else, and I know that some people love them, so this Gen 3 looks like it's better I will be following your review after you have tow some miles with it. If it look like that it will be okay or your review is good I might look at getting one.
Thank you. This is the first video I have seen on your channel. I have the gen 2 hitch and absolutely love it. I just went from a Ram 2500 short box to a GMC 3500 long box. I didn’t realize you could mount the king pin mount backwards the way you did? Interesting! I may have to look at the directions since my original hitch was installed at the dealership. I’m a little Leary of how close the trailer hitch box get to my tailgate, but I am also Leary of how close I can back up to the trailer to hitch up when the tailgate is down. Did you find the space too close there after reversing your connector? I’d sure like to get the newer gen 3 hitch. It looks a lot beefier, but that’s a lot of money on top of the original purchase. Thank you for your great video!!
I want to caution against using any type of ball and socket connection without safety chains. There are three main concerns: one is the ball not going all the way into the socket and still closing the pin (not really possible with this ball and socket design), two is the retention pin becoming removed (possible with this design but unlikely), and three is a physics issue more associated with an accident: ball and socket joints can be leveraged open more easily than many other types of mechanical connections. For these reasons many states mandate safety chains on all ball style connections, and the terminology gets in the way when they start using words like gooseneck connections, etc. For your safety and that of others on the road, recognize that no matter what you call it, the second and third issues mentioned above still exist for the Andersen Ultimate design, and please go ahead and pop for the safety chains e’ryone.
The deformity causing the pins to require the use of a mallet to remove them is disturbing. You definitely had one of the nicer newer sites at Lake Conroe seeing that you’re on a concrete pad. We were there back at end of February in the older are by cabins. Lots were larger up on top, but gravel/rock pads and road ways with potholes.
Great video, I love how you kept it real by sharing your challenges with the installation. Most would edit it out, always making it look easier than it really is. I’ve had my gen 2 for over 6 years and I love it. Just a couple of pointers:
There’s usually no need to completely remove the sleeve when installing. Just loosen the top bolt until the lower hole clears gooseball.
I don’t usually bother torquing the rear bolts until after I have the trailer connected. They recommend retorquing these when there’s a load.
I too had the same issue with my 1/4” hex being slightly too short. I just hogged out the hole of the red cone with a 1/2” drill bit.
Fortunately I’ve never experienced the hitch rotating while towing. Using a paint pen I’ve outlined the 4 corners on the bed so I’ll always know the hitch is centered when installing. When reaching my destination the hitch has always stayed put.
I agree that Andersen has the best customer service. They currently have an upgrade offer for existing Andersen hitch owners. You can upgrade to the gen 3 for about $500. Knowing how well Andersens customer service is, I’m sure they’ll honor it if you inquire about it. Happy camping. Keep those vids coming
I love these tips, and I love that you've been using one for 6 years. Are you thinking of upgrading?
We're a 1st time 5th wheeler to be. Looking forward to this new experience. We're currently on our 3rd rv pull behind.
I've been researching 5th wheel hitches and honing in on the Anderson. Your video is the most comprehensive and informative video I have watched! Great job sir!
I know now that as a 100% DAV, I will have made the right decision purchasing a Anderson hitch!
Thx Thx Thx
Thank you for explaining the RV hitch vs gooseneck adapter. I have the Anderson Ultimate RV Hitch 2.0 and had a hard time explaining why we had a gooseball connection to our truck but an RV hitch using the kingpin connection but not a goose adapter. Thank you. We also like the ease of using our Anderson RV Hitch for connecting our 5th wheel.
@@amybrodkorb3653 it can be hard and confusing to try and explain the Gooseball situation.
Thank you for this very thorough review of the Anderson Hitch. I’m newly retired. I’m been looking at 5th Wheel campers and researching different hitches. I’m glad I found your review. Very detailed and nicely done.
Thank you so much. What Fifth wheel are you considering for your travels?
Good Job, I bought a Gooseneck adapter for when I tow a Gooseneck trailer, My Anderson Hitch is for my Fifth wheel.
I don't have any experience with these hitches, but this was a very detailed review. Great job on all of the details.
Thank you. I was delighted Andersen was willing to work with me so I wanted to make the best video I could.
Being and existing Andersen hitch owner, I called Andersen yesterday, and here's the REAL deal...
The upgrade path from 2.0 to 30 is, you have to cut off one of the legs of your 2.0 hitch and send a photo to them, then you can order the 3.0 hitch for only $500, BUT, here's the catch, you're already $750+ invested into you 2.0 hitch, and another $500 would put you at $1250+ for the 3.0 hitch, which in my case, the #3220 is only $999 on Amazon, hmmm...
The question you have to ask yourself, why would you pay more for a hitch then your previous hitch cost AND destroy your original hitch...
I truly wanted one of these, but not at the expense of trashing my #3217 and paying MORE than the original cost...
Come on Andersen, you can do better by your existing customers...
WOAH, are you serious? They told you to cut one of the legs? That's ridiculous, why would we... How would we do that? That's nutz.
@@rvfamilylife Dead serious...they wanted to make sure that the hitch was permanently disabled and unusable...And in my case, from Amazon, I paid $1202 with tax, so an extra $500 would make the new hitch cost $1702, nice customer service, reminds me of verizon's upgrade path for existing customers, there was none... I'll keep using my hitch, but Andersen won't get any new business from me...
I've had the Andersen hitch for many years. I really like mine. I use mine in a short bed truck with a 4" offset ball. I think mine is version 2.
I'm going to have to do more research on that 4 inch offset ball. Sounds interesting. I wonder if that would have saved our back window when I crunched it.
@@rvfamilylife It's been years since I started using it. I had talked to Andersen about how close mine was to the glass on truck and they had suggested the offset.
so you use an offset ball with the offset andersen hitch? how far back does it move the king pin behind the rear axel? im interested my B&w slider is way to big and bulky. i have a 2016 ram 3500 SB.
@@mavucci I have a video with how mine is set up using the offset ball. th-cam.com/video/ADm9WFwVIvg/w-d-xo.htmlsi=Wr7WnahfhX9OoUf1
Great tutorial. I think you covered this very well. I don’t ever do the commission thing on products we review. I will share a discount code if the company gives me one, but I don’t take any compensation. I don’t do the Amazon thing either. Started to in the beginning of our channel and then they pulled the affiliation from me🤷🏻♀️ But it’s fine. I’d rather not mess with it anyway. Anyway, your vid was quite thorough. Think you did a nice job.
I am really honored Andersen was willing to work with us, I wanted to make the best possible video I could.
Ok my brother, first of all, love Tania's hair. 👍 I watched this entire video because I love you guys and honestly, I have no experience in installing the hitch and was interested in seeing it done and I know your a fan. As your aware, I own a mega cab, so "back in the day", when I was in research mode I was concerned about choosing a hitch that wouldn't allow the rig to hit my cab. Subsequently I ended up going with the pullrite super glide. Over the years I have seen two people with shortbeds using the Anderson hit their cabs. You, and Adventure Endeavor. So for me, it's just a no go. I have never experienced an issue like Nate did when they were in Idaho. But he has a different slider. In any event, great install video. 😁 Sean
Yeah, when using a short bed with the Andersen, gotta be more careful, that is so true. Another comment here is talking about a 4 inch offset ball, I bet that could help even more.
Rob said you are a genius for using your chair 14:16 to do that 😂 I happen to agree! We just got a new truck & going to have to get a new hitch. We're trying to decide what kind to get 🤔
With a heavier toy hauler toy hauler I'm not sure I'd want to go with the Andersen. I know it says 24k, but I'd probably go Gooseball and put a Gen-Y pin box on the RV.
@rvfamilylife Rob ended up getting just a non sliding hitch similar to the prior one. Same brand and everything. Now to install it 🙃
When I was getting into camping and towing a 5th wheel I looed at the Anderson hitch but I have heard a few bad storys about them so I got something else, and I know that some people love them, so this Gen 3 looks like it's better I will be following your review after you have tow some miles with it. If it look like that it will be okay or your review is good I might look at getting one.
I've only ever seen the 1 photo of a really bad story. So far I've put about 400 miles on the new hitch since I got it. Doing great thus far.
Thank you. This is the first video I have seen on your channel. I have the gen 2 hitch and absolutely love it. I just went from a Ram 2500 short box to a GMC 3500 long box. I didn’t realize you could mount the king pin mount backwards the way you did? Interesting! I may have to look at the directions since my original hitch was installed at the dealership. I’m a little Leary of how close the trailer hitch box get to my tailgate, but I am also Leary of how close I can back up to the trailer to hitch up when the tailgate is down. Did you find the space too close there after reversing your connector? I’d sure like to get the newer gen 3 hitch. It looks a lot beefier, but that’s a lot of money on top of the original purchase. Thank you for your great video!!
Always put light grease when putting two metal pieces together
I thinking that would be a good idea in a few spots here.
Thanks, you saved me.
Good evening Rv Family. Life
Happy Easter to you and your family.
I want to caution against using any type of ball and socket connection without safety chains. There are three main concerns: one is the ball not going all the way into the socket and still closing the pin (not really possible with this ball and socket design), two is the retention pin becoming removed (possible with this design but unlikely), and three is a physics issue more associated with an accident: ball and socket joints can be leveraged open more easily than many other types of mechanical connections.
For these reasons many states mandate safety chains on all ball style connections, and the terminology gets in the way when they start using words like gooseneck connections, etc.
For your safety and that of others on the road, recognize that no matter what you call it, the second and third issues mentioned above still exist for the Andersen Ultimate design, and please go ahead and pop for the safety chains e’ryone.
The deformity causing the pins to require the use of a mallet to remove them is disturbing. You definitely had one of the nicer newer sites at Lake Conroe seeing that you’re on a concrete pad. We were there back at end of February in the older are by cabins. Lots were larger up on top, but gravel/rock pads and road ways with potholes.