Anderson hitch goose neck versus rail

[DeeDee]

Ok we just made a deal for a 5.0 and now we need input on the Anderson fifth wheel hitch. Mike wants to info on the difference between the goose neck and the rail hitch and the Reece hitch. Anyone with experience that would like to share?

[ReagentGrade]

The Anderson for a goose neck attaches to a ball mounted on the floor of the truck bed. The rail hitch attaches to rails mounted in the floor of the truck bed. The Reece is completely different. Reece may have/probably has multiple models, all of which are very different than an Anderson fifth wheel hitch.

I have the rail mounted Anderson and I love it! It's easy to put into the truck and easy to remove.

[Brian B-P]

I suggest separating the discussion of choices within the Andersen Ultimate 5th Wheel Connection system (or just Andersen Ultimate") from discussion of fifth-wheel hitches (such as those from Reese), because the details are so different.
Notes:

• the Andersen Ultimate is not actually a fifth-wheel hitch
• it's Reese, not "Reece", to get the right spelling for searches

I know it's a lot to read, but there are some extensive discussions here in EscapeForum of the Andersen Ultimate. A Google search for "Andersen Ultimate" should find them. Unfortunately, they're usually buried in discussions of the suitability of a particular pickup truck for towing an Escape 5.0 or 5.0TA.

[Sandyb12]

I have the Andersen rail version. I love it. It's easy to hook up and unhook.

[Starbrightsteve]

The rail mount Andersen has, I think, a 9" offset. Does it get offset to the front or rear? Does the box that mounts on the trailer point to the front or rear. (Sorry I don't have the terminology correct). Does anyone know if there are any issues with the aluminum bed on the new F-150?

[DeeDee]

I posted this in the wrong place but I couldn't figure out how to take the post down. Sorry


Edit: I moved the thread... Donna D.

[DeeDee]

Thank you for all your input I'll spend some time tonight searching for those discussions.

[nathanj04011]

We too have the Andersen Ultimate Hitch paired with the B&W Turnover Ball in the bed of the pickup. Works wonderfully! I like that it's lightweight, simple to use, is quiet while in use and requires no grease.

[ReagentGrade]

Nathan, that sounds great! When the hitch is out, you have a flat floor on your truck bed.

My rails are not perfect, but they are ok. In any case, any way you roll it, the Ultimate is a dandy hitch!

[nathanj04011]

Originally Posted by ReagentGrade

Nathan, that sounds great! When the hitch is out, you have a flat floor on your truck bed.

My rails are not perfect, but they are ok. In any case, any way you roll it, the Ultimate is a dandy hitch!

I was a little leery of the Andersen Ultimate at first, thinking the traditional 5th wheel hitch was somehow better. But the flat bed and the positive impact on payload won out.

The only downside we have found is that to hookup most effectively (which means as fast as possible so as not to stay past checkout time ), 2 people need to be part of the process. It functions in that manner pretty much exactly as a tow behind.

I've heard that one person can connect a traditional 5th wheel hitch without help or guidance. If you do that with the Andersen, it requires you to hop out, look, back up, hop out, swear, pull forward and re-angle and try again. Not that its that hard, once you get the alignment correct.

[ReagentGrade]

Nathan, I did that back up, look, etc routine twice. There's only me, so I had to find a better way. This is what I did...

It works great for one person. Note: it's a spring steel wire on the cab side of the hitch, it flexes when needed and springs back into place.

Now I plan to get a cam for inside my back window. It will be on a switch with the back up cam on my license plate. Switch one way when not towing for the back up cam, switch the other way when towing to see the hitch.

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by nathanj04011

I've heard that one person can connect a traditional 5th wheel hitch without help or guidance. If you do that with the Andersen, it requires you to hop out, look, back up, hop out, swear, pull forward and re-angle and try again. Not that its that hard, once you get the alignment correct.

I almost always hook up to the Andersen myself. I think on average it takes about 3 checks to get it right, if I am lined up straight to the trailer, as I just use my side mirrors to reverse straight in line. The front to back distance is the tough one, not being able to see, but this is no different than a bumper hitch with no camera. Still, it takes less than a minute to get into the right spot.

Originally Posted by ReagentGrade

Nathan, I did that back up, look, etc routine twice. There's only me, so I had to find a better way. This is what I did...

I have been thinking of getting a camera, but this seems like a decent idea to try. Nice an simple.

What camera are you considering? I was thinking of just doing a WiFi camera that used my phone or a tablet as the screen.

[nathanj04011]

Originally Posted by Jim Bennett

I almost always hook up to the Andersen myself. I think on average it takes about 3 checks to get it right, if I am lined up straight to the trailer, as I just use my side mirrors to reverse straight in line. The front to back distance is the tough one, not being able to see, but this is no different than a bumper hitch with no camera. Still, it takes less than a minute to get into the right spot.

I have backed up/hooked up myself successfully several times without much drama, probably to the disappointment of the crowd who gathered in anticipation. I have the tempered glass manufacturer info in the middle of my back window that I use to line up the hitch. Like you say, the front to back is where it gets hard, as depth perception while using mirrors doesn't reflect reality.

[escape artist]

Originally Posted by nathanj04011

I have backed up/hooked up myself successfully several times without much drama, probably to the disappointment of the crowd who gathered in anticipation. I have the tempered glass manufacturer info in the middle of my back window that I use to line up the hitch. Like you say, the front to back is where it gets hard, as depth perception while using mirrors doesn't reflect reality.

Hi: nathanj04011... Some times it takes me longer to find the right words to use, than finding the pin!!!
Don't ya just love being the days entertainment for the neighbourhood? Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie

[Scuba55]

I find it easier to hook it up myself, too much miscommunication when trying to let others guide me. As far as the Anderson (rail version) compared to traditional 5th wheel, I much prefer the Andersen. Previously, I had a Reese 5th wheel slider, it weighed 150 lbs, was very noisey and the king pin would bounce both up and down and forward and aft. When the Andersen you have none of that and it only weighs 40 lbs. A much superior design in my opinion.

[nathanj04011]

Originally Posted by escape artist

Hi: nathanj04011... Some times it takes me longer to find the right words to use, than finding the pin!!!
Don't ya just love being the days entertainment for the neighbourhood? Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie

It gets so bad that just to keep the crowd under control I have to stand on a picnic table with a megaphone and announce "It's ok folks! I'm here all weekend. Plenty of time for everyone to see as many screw ups as you want, so please, let the kids in back get in on the jeering"...

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by nathanj04011

It gets so bad that just to keep the crowd under control I have to stand on a picnic table with a megaphone and announce "It's ok folks! I'm here all weekend. Plenty of time for everyone to see as many screw ups as you want, so please, let the kids in back get in on the jeering"...

Much different than my approach... I just start throwing rocks at them 'til they back off.

[Donna D.]

When I finally get in... straight... and I see I have an audience, I get out of the truck and bow. Then do the "Rocky" dance by throwing my arms straight up. True story. I don't know of anyone born with a "back-in gene."

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by Donna D.

When I finally get in... straight... and I see I have an audience, I get out of the truck and bow. Then do the "Rocky" dance by throwing my arms straight up. True story. I don't know of anyone born with a "back-in gene."

Looking forward to seeing your dance.

And yes, reversing is a learned skill, not a natural one.

[Donna D.]

Thankfully I've gotten better over time. The very FIRST time I had to backup the Scamp was into a 90 degree site, over my right shoulder. I drove over grass, nearly jack-knifed the trailer and was sweating bullets. Yes, there was a large group of people watching. THAT's when I decided I'd never be embarrassed by my lack of skills but take it in stride. Hence the bow and Rocky dance. The group actually applauded my efforts and gave me a beer!