Who's got an Anderson WDH? I'm curious about feedback on how this type of WDH can distribute the weight back to the truck without bars? I currently have an Equalizer 10,000 set up and it works great, but the idea of ditching 50lbs hitch weight in favor of the Anderson is very appealing. If it can do the job just as good it would save me 50lbs on tongue weight and save my back on moving that hitch head around of the Equalizer.
Anderson Weight Dist users
- Thread starter Fasttimes
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JasonH
Full Access Members
I don't have an Anderson, but I read up on it when researching hitches. It uses the chains to lift the rear of the truck by pivoting the chain's hitch side on the triangle plate. It's not "distributing weight back to the truck." It's lifting the rear to return weight to the front axle. It also has some element in the head to increase friction for additional anti-sway. Some people choose them over the bars because they hate the snap, crackle, pop noises that the bars make. I use a Centerline w/ bars so yes, the bars are very noisy when turning at low speeds. I'm sure there is some sort of guarantee with the Anderson. Try it out and see if it works. I've never seen anyone with a scale ticket complain that their WDH isn't working. Usually people complain, but don't have a scale ticket showing that their weights are adjusted correctly.
I have been interested in the Anderson WDH for awhile. I bought an Equalizer when I bought my TT but I wish I would have bought the Anderson. I would like to hear how well it works from someone who uses it and has it set up correctly.
I have one pulling a 6800 to 7000 pound loaded 28 foot travel trailer with a 2022 expedition max filled with our family of 7. Given that we use so much payload for people, I also wanted the weight savings the Anderson provides. It is easy to setup, levels my rig, and gets all of the numbers within spec on the scale. So it does the job well, though I have no bar-based setup to compare to.
I’ve been towing our 4000 lbs TT with an Andersen and pretty happy. I don’t really have a frame of reference with other WDH, but it tows great and can’t really feel any sway. I do disable the sway control on the Expy towing screen.
KFordEx8
Full Access Members
No experience with the Andersen but considered switching to it. Used the Husky Centerline TS for about 5 years with a lighter travel trailer. Then replaced the spring bars and used that WDH for about a year with the a new trailer.
Decided to go with the Blue Ox SwayPro instead. It is quiet, returns to center after turns, transfers weight better, and slightly lighter.
Decided to go with the Blue Ox SwayPro instead. It is quiet, returns to center after turns, transfers weight better, and slightly lighter.
Joey Smith
Well-Known Member
I have been using the Andersen on my 2019 Expy XLT Max 4x4 with HD Tow with ~5600Lb travel trailer.
I have posted my tuning efforts with CAT scale data here:
https://www.expeditionforum.com/threads/tuning-andersen-wdh-2019-expy-max-xlt.44539/
It has towed well over the past few years now. I have not observed sway so far.
The only downside is that it has seemed limited in terms of shifting weight to the front. However, given the 50% FALR mentioned in the Expy manual, it seems I should not be shifting more anyways.
My main problem now is we always want to bring more ‘stuff’ camping with us but given we need to keep the numbers safe, payload (actually it is the rear axle weight rating-RAWR) that I am limited by. Now I have an order for a truck with higher payload and RAWR.
I have posted my tuning efforts with CAT scale data here:
https://www.expeditionforum.com/threads/tuning-andersen-wdh-2019-expy-max-xlt.44539/
Performance Testing The Andersen Hitch - Airstream Forums
I removed the Blue Ox hitch I had been using since we bought the trailer and installed and Andersen Hitch. Setup: I drilled out the hole in the shark fin coulpler lock retainer to match the hole size
www.airforums.com
It has towed well over the past few years now. I have not observed sway so far.
The only downside is that it has seemed limited in terms of shifting weight to the front. However, given the 50% FALR mentioned in the Expy manual, it seems I should not be shifting more anyways.
My main problem now is we always want to bring more ‘stuff’ camping with us but given we need to keep the numbers safe, payload (actually it is the rear axle weight rating-RAWR) that I am limited by. Now I have an order for a truck with higher payload and RAWR.
AdamNeedsInfo
Member
How's your sway? We have the Andersen on our 6500 loaded TT and experienced significant sway on our first trip. Had to keep it under 55. I've moved some cargo around and has improved, but still a bit of sway. Enough that my wife wants an entirely different WDH before our next trip.
JasonH
Full Access Members
Usually excessive sway means that you don't have enough of the trailer weight on your tongue. If you have a buffer in your payload, you can move things in the front of the camper to increase tongue weight. If your sway is reduced, then you know that was likely the issue. Airing the tires fully helps, but doesn't address the root cause. Visiting the scale helps, as it is difficult to know your camper's loaded weight otherwise.
Good info from Jason above. To answer your question, I’ve in the past experienced only the most minimal of sway with very strong wind gusts or being passed by semis. It was tolerable and I was always comfortable going 70 or so.
We are now just completing a 2-week trip to various national parks, and prior to leaving, I installed hellwig anti-sway bars front and rear as well as sumo springs on the rear. I would say on this trip, I’ve experienced essentially no sway at all. I’ve cruised at 80 a few times given the high speed limits in Wyoming and Montana. No sway and comfortable towing. I forget it’s back there other than on hills or when watching the gas mileage. For extra info, I’ve averaged about 7 mpg for the trip with mixed highway cruising, 65-80. My travel trailer has wide-spaced tandem axles, which may help my stability some. If you haven’t been to the CAT scale, I’d highly suggest it as Jason mentioned above, as your tongue weight may be close to or under 10% of your trailer weight.
At the CAT scale, all my numbers are easily in spec, other than my max rear axle weight, which is usually right at the max.
I want to add to my post above. Before I ever towed a trailer, I switched my Expedition Max to load range E tires. I air up the rears to 45 psi, as using the tire pressure chart for my tires, this gives me the full weight loading capacity of my rear axle rating. I also switched out my TT tires for Goodyear Endurance and run them at the max of 65 psi. So I have several mods, but my towing experience is sublime.
Truthfully, the only problem I’ve had is coming down Teton pass into Jackson, I was engine braking by locking out down to second gear. This would keep me at 35 or so. However, a FedEx truck in front of me was going only 25. I found myself on the brakes way more than I’d like, and on a whim, I decided to pull over after awhile. Sure enough, I could barely stop, and my pads started smoking. I waited 15 minutes to cool and returned to the road with pure engine braking and no further problems.
jhkaplan
Member
Bumping up an old post, but wondering what Hellwig and SumoSprings models you're using. Went to both of their sites but Expedition doesnt seem like one of the models that they support.
Fasttimes
Full Access Members
I got my Hellwigs from Summit...
Hellwig 7696 Hellwig Anti-Sway Bars | Summit Racing
Free Shipping - Hellwig Anti-Sway Bars with qualifying orders of $109. Shop Sway Bars at Summit Racing.
Hellwig 7688 Hellwig Anti-Sway Bars | Summit Racing
Free Shipping - Hellwig Anti-Sway Bars with qualifying orders of $109. Shop Sway Bars at Summit Racing.
For the SumoSprings, there are too many variables I think with regards to gaps in the springs. So I believe on the Sumo site there is instuctions to measure the gap between your rear coils and using that measurement is how you determine which version of product to buy.
HI, I've been using an Anderson since 2018. My father-in-law purchased a 25' Airstream & Yukon XL that came with one, and after driving it I purchased one for my Tahoe & 27' Outback toy hauler (7,400 lbs). I've since used it on my Navigator, Exp Max, and Excursion Diesel. I'm extremely pleased w/the Anderson - much lighter than bar setups, does the job well, and you can back the rig w/o disconnecting. The pivot plate is really nice. I've previous experience w/a variety of bar WD hitches, and I prefer the Anderson. So far no issues. The anti-sway is inherent via the nylon insert in ball mount, so that's a wear item that should be monitored and replaced as needed. Good luck w/your choice
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