Andersen hitch - nut size?

[tractors1]

"Nut" is apparently too short a word for the search function. What size is the adjuster nut? Somewhere I recall a statement the hitch came with a socket but no wrench - if true, what size socket wrench do I need to bring on pickup day....... 1/2 inch?

[Tonny LR]

Hi Charlie,
It comes with 1-1/4" socket. You will need a 1/2" wrench to tighten the tension nut.

Tonny LR

[Dave&Jane]

Originally Posted by tractors1

"Nut" is apparently too short a word for the search function. What size is the adjuster nut? Somewhere I recall a statement the hitch came with a socket but no wrench - if true, what size socket wrench do I need to bring on pickup day....... 1/2 inch?

I just received my new Andersen hitch.

It came with a 1 1/4 inch aluminum socket, half-inch drive, to adjust the tension nuts.

You also need other tools to install the hitch:
- 5/16" Allen wrench (for the bracket set screws)
- Two 15/16" box end or adjustable wrenches (for the bracket nuts & bolts)
- Two 1 1/8" box end or adjustable wrenches (for the ball housing nuts & bolts)
- Torque wrench of at least 100 ft-lb capacity (the instructions call for 90 ft-lbs for the brackets and "approximately 150 ft-lbs" for the ball housing)
- Measuring tape (to help position the brackets)


-Dave

[paulw]

I bought one of these instead of a 1/2" drive ratchet for the supplied socket.
GearWrench 9038 1-1/4-Inch Combination Ratcheting Wrench - - Amazon.com

Fewer pieces and you can count the threads as you adjust the tension.

[tractors1]

Thanks all, ETI will install for the trailer pickup. I just like to be ready in case I need to disconnect the trailer on the way home.

[padlin]

How about just getting a 1/2" drive torque wrench, kill 2 birds.

[Cypherian]

[QUOTE=padlin;61943]How about just getting a 1/2" drive torque wrench, kill 2 birds.[/QUOTE

You should never use a torque wrench as a standard ratchet wrench it is not designed for that you may damage the torque system.

Cypher

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by paulw

I bought one of these instead of a 1/2" drive ratchet for the supplied socket.
GearWrench 9038 1-1/4-Inch Combination Ratcheting Wrench - - Amazon.com

Fewer pieces and you can count the threads as you adjust the tension.

As a tool to stay with the trailer, dedicated to the WD system, that's a slick solution. I have ratcheting box-end wrenches... I have just never seen one that large, so it would not have occurred to me that it would be available.

The same tool (same brand and part number) is C$43 from Amazon Canada (versus US$24 from Amazon in the U.S.). Andersen users here may find another source more practical, but neither of my usual moderately priced sources (Princess Auto and Canadian Tire) have ratcheting box end wrenches over about an inch... which takes me back to not expecting to find this item.

[batcat]

Doesn't ETI install the hitch if it's ordered on the build sheet?

[batcat]

My wife says I'm dangerous with a screwdriver in my hand!

[tractors1]

Originally Posted by batcat

Doesn't ETI install the hitch if it's ordered on the build sheet?

Yes they do, but if you need to drop the trailer (accident, etc) you have to have the tools to get it off on the trip home. Just being prepared...........

[Brian B-P]

My shot at clarifying this: to unhitch or hitch up a trailer with the Andersen No-Sway requires turning those two chain-tensioning nuts with a 1-1/4" wrench... every time, so that one wrench is something you need to operate the trailer. All the rest of the tools are needed only once, to install the hardware on the trailer (which ETI does for you).

[batcat]

Got it, thanks.

[Donna D.]

Originally Posted by tractors1

"Nut" is apparently too short a word for the search function.

Four character minimum for search. You need to use a wild card. Use as asterisk *.

Nut*
LED*

[FishBioGirl]

My Anderson hitch was installed by ETI. All I have needed so far to hitch and go is the big socket thingy that came with it....hand tighten to one thread showing is what my instruction say.....I haven't use a wrench on it!

[paulw]

Originally Posted by FishBioGirl

My Anderson hitch was installed by ETI. All I have needed so far to hitch and go is the big socket thingy that came with it....hand tighten to one thread showing is what my instruction say.....I haven't use a wrench on it!

Are you sure the one thread showing isn't part of the initial bracket set up?
I was instructed to tighten them so 5 threads are showing by Dennis when he set my rig up, but every set up is different I suppose.

[Cypherian]

OK now I am scared if you have an Andersen Hitch review this http://www.andersenhitches.com/uploa...02013%20sm.pdf page 8 explains the chain tensioning. Watch this

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLlxSmQae9U

Cypher

[FishBioGirl]

I didn't get much advice from Dennis on the hitch. I did ask him to look over my hook up before we drove off. I will reread the manual.

[Tonny LR]

ETI does a good job installing the Andersen DH for you if you provide the parts. ETI charges $100 to install it.

Tonny LR

[tractors1]

The whole point of page 8 is to demonstrate chain tension application; the urethane spring only works in pure compression so the chain needs to pull as straight on the cushion as possible.