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Old 03-23-2014, 02:28 PM   #1
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Anderson WDH question

Our Escape 19 was delivered with the Anderson WDH partially installed - the brackets are on the frame and the hitch ball is attached to the shank at the second and fourth holes down from the top. On level ground that puts the hitch ball at about 19" from ground to the top of the ball, but the Anderson installation guide recommends that the hitch ball be 1 to 1.5" higher than the trailer's coupler. Our trailer isn't on level ground right now so I can't be exact, but I believe the ground to the coupler is usually about 19". I know ETI recommends a hitch height of about 19", but I am presuming that doesn't apply to the Anderson. Can anyone confirm that I should/should not change the ball height? Is there any concern about hooking up the system at this height and then changing it later (I don't have the required torque wrench and would have to take it so someone) or is it okay to use the hitch ball without the rest of the system (just as a plain hitch ball, but without grease)? I'm hoping to do this today as we have a DMV appointment tomorrow. Many thanks!
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Old 03-23-2014, 02:44 PM   #2
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Hi JaneM,
I just have been playing with my Anderson a great deal trying to track down a vibration that set in above 55 mph....

To check the level of your trailer, measure from the ground to the belly band at the front and rear of the drivers side.
Then you can get an actual measure to the top of your coupler.
Choose the holes in the hitch head that puts the ball 1 1/2" higher and continue with your set up.
Use the belly band measurement to check your set up. You should be level when you are towing. I had to move the ball up one set of holes to get to level after towing home.

BTW - the vibration I was chasing was the lid of the storage box . At speed it started flapping up and down and the whole bax started bouncing around. I tightened the latches and the vibration was gone. At least I didn't go buy a new truck to 'fix' it.
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Old 03-23-2014, 03:55 PM   #3
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For future reference this video is the best install demo of the anderson WDH.
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Old 03-23-2014, 04:19 PM   #4
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Thank you Paulw and 7th Heaven. Yes that's a great video and I've watched it. I understand how to install the WDH, but I don't have a 100lb torque wrench so can't change the hitch ball / shank set up myself. My question is - can I temporarily connect the WDH even if it is a little low or can I use the hitch without the rest of the set up (chains) until I get the ball at the correct height? Thanks!
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Old 03-23-2014, 04:59 PM   #5
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Yes, provided your tug has the carrying capacity. If you aren't quite level, I wouldn't go far tho'.
Reace's biggest concern was don't tow tongue low. He said it has undesirable effect on tongue weight.
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Old 03-23-2014, 06:08 PM   #6
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You can use theAndersen as a regular hitch (without the chains) according to the video. The trailer should be level or a little low vs a little high. If you need to change the height, take to your mechanic, it is quite easy to disassemble and adjust.
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Old 03-23-2014, 06:30 PM   #7
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Thanks everyone! We took it down to the local high school parking lot and found level ground. The hitch ball height was fine (about an inch higher than the coupler when level. I feel silly - I should have know ETI would have set the ball and shank at the right height as I had given them the Tacoma's hitch receiver info) and hooking up the system was easy. I think I worked myself into a minor tizzy because it sure looked like the hitch ball was going to be too low and I didn't have a torque wrench. All set - trailer and Tacoma level and ready. :-)
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Old 03-23-2014, 06:32 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JaneM. View Post
Thanks everyone! We took it down to the local high school parking lot and found level ground. The hitch ball height was fine (about an inch higher than the coupler when level. I feel silly - I should have know ETI would have set the ball and shank at the right height as I had given them the Tacoma's hitch receiver info) and hooking up the system was easy. I think I worked myself into a minor tizzy because it sure looked like the hitch ball was going to be too low and I didn't have a torque wrench. All set - trailer and Tacoma level and ready. :-)
good news
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Old 03-23-2014, 08:18 PM   #9
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Wdh

Jane as you may know 100# at 1 foot is 100 foot lbs. Have a 1 foot wrench and put your 100# on the end, that's it. I apply 400'# on a axle nut with a wrench and a 4' pipe. Works well for many of us with old cars.
Jack
P.S. Happy Birthday and congrats on having your new trailer.
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Old 03-24-2014, 10:10 AM   #10
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Jane as you may know 100# at 1 foot is 100 foot lbs. Have a 1 foot wrench and put your 100# on the end, that's it. I apply 400'# on a axle nut with a wrench and a 4' pipe. Works well for many of us with old cars.
Jack
P.S. Happy Birthday and congrats on having your new trailer.
Seriously, where was my brain?! Of course it is, I've got a foot long pipe I could have put on the socket wrench... Brain freeze on a Sunday.

Thanks and we hope to see you soon!
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Old 03-24-2014, 11:20 AM   #11
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azjack;s method is one way, but a torque wrench is a pretty inexpensive (and very accurate) tool to have around--good for lug nuts especially.
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Old 03-24-2014, 04:19 PM   #12
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Wdh

A 500# torque wrench is expensive and heavy to carry in a 1800# old car.
Jack
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Old 03-24-2014, 09:24 PM   #13
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azjack;s method is one way, but a torque wrench is a pretty inexpensive (and very accurate) tool to have around--good for lug nuts especially.
You're right and we'll get one.
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