Is the Popular Andersen Hitch Worth All that Money?

If you’re part of the RVing community, chances are good you’ve heard fellow campers hyping up Andersen brand fifth-wheel hitches.

However, the company is expanding its reach with a versatile range of products to cover most towables.

Today, we’re discussing what makes the Andersen hitch so popular and whether or not it’s worth your time and money.

Let’s hit it!

No matter the camper, you'll want a high-quality hitch, such as an Andersen, to pull it.

Who Owns Andersen Hitches?

Andersen Manufacturing, Incorporated, is an Idaho-based company that’s been in operation for over 50 years. Its 102,000-square-foot facility fabricates and manufactures all the products. Even its customer service team is in the US, unlike other brands that outsource representatives to different countries.

From ball mounts and fifth-wheel hitches to tire jacks and other accessories, Andersen is dedicated to making the best products for the camping community. And its massive fan base will back the company up on that!

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How are Andersen Hitches Different From Other Models?

To comprehend how Andersen developed a cult following, it’s essential to understand its product history. Here’s a look at the company’s most popular creations throughout the years.

AlumiStinger Ball Mount Hitch

The AlumiStinger hitch was Andersen’s first big break in the industry. This S-shaped aluminum device looks like a shiny tail gracefully following your tow vehicle. But its popularity is about more than just aesthetics.

Andersen’s flagship product fits all standard two-inch receivers and can accommodate various ball sizes. Best of all, it’s rated at 8,000 pounds of gross trailer weight (GTWR) and 800 pounds of tongue weight.

Andersen ‘No-Sway’ Weight Distribution Hitch

The company really stepped up its game when it introduced the No-Sway system. They ditched clunky, unsightly sway bars in favor of a sleek chain design that eliminated the sway and bounce you get with outdated options. The patented motion-dampening springs and chains provide a supremely comfortable ride by shifting the tow vehicle’s weight forward.

In addition to the practical perks of this setup, it also reduced the amount of guesswork required for RVers to find suitable bars for their rig.

Although it’s less than 60 pounds, it’s rated for up to 16,000 pounds of GTWR and 1,600 pounds of tongue weight. Plus, the grease-free ball allows for silent towing.

Learn from our blunders. We Didn’t Use an RV Weight Distribution Hitch…It Was a Mistake!

Andersen Ultimate Fifth-Wheel Hitch

Finally, we have the highly coveted Andersen Ultimate Fifth-Wheel Hitch. This aluminum design weighs less than 40 pounds, a massive improvement from competitors that can easily clock in at 100 pounds more. Its bed footprint is also six inches smaller than other models. Despite these stats, it can still haul 24,000 pounds of GTWR and 4,500 pounds of tongue weight.

One of the Ultimate’s most convenient features is the kingpin coupler block, which allows for a three-inch offset. That means you don’t have to line up your truck precisely beneath your fifth wheel’s receiver to hook up successfully.

Andersen offers five different Ultimate models, each with their own variations, so every camper can find a design that meets their needs.

Hungry for more? Here are 7 Tips for Hitching Up an RV Camper that Actually Work!

How Much Does a Typical Andersen Hitch Setup Cost?

Naturally, prices will vary based on the setup you choose. However, you can expect to spend a bit more for an Andersen hitch than competitor models. After all, you’re paying for ease, comfort, and revolutionary advancements in towing technology.

The classic AlumiStinger will cost less than $100, no matter which drop-rack size you choose.

Once you level up to the Weight Distribution Hitch, you’ll need to shell out somewhere closer to $700. Of course, so many options mean the price scope covers quite a range.

Lastly, the Ultimate Fifth-Wheel Hitch will run anywhere from $800 to $1,300, depending on the model. For example, the Rail Mount option is much cheaper than the Lowered Flatbed Mount.

A fifth-wheel in the forest next to its tow vehicle.

What Do Customers Say about Andersen Hitches?

You won’t have to search very hard to find personal opinions on Andersen hitches. We’ve read tons of glowing assessments about the lightweight Ultimate model. Many love how effortless it is to install and hook up. Some reviewers note that the ability to connect from any angle is a big perk. Others appreciate that it’s completely silent and smooth on the road.

However, we’ve found some potentially damning criticisms, as well. A couple of users complained that the ride isn’t as sleek as the ads claim. We’ve heard that some buyers felt the Ultimate wasn’t sturdy enough to haul particularly heavy rigs, and they felt more secure with a 200-pound setup.

Some reviewers note that decoupling can be tricky. Meanwhile, others say the locking mechanism on the coupler is hard to manipulate.

That being said, it’s hard to determine how many of these issues were caused by user error. Plenty of folks on the Internet just want to complain, so you don’t want to rely on the impressions of faceless strangers hiding behind their keyboards.

Since we don’t have much hands-on experience with the Andersen Ultimate Fifth-Wheel Hitch, we’ll let you be the judge.

Ready to take the plunge? Snag your Andersen Ultimate Fifth-Wheel Connection here!

Are These Setups Worth It?

Andersen has certainly made a name for themselves in the world of trailer hitches. From fifth-wheel connections to lightweight towable hookups, they manufacture pretty much any hitch you could need.

We suggest reaching out to your friends in the camping community to see who’s used these products. We’re sure they’re out there, and they can give you guidance as you shop for the best solution for your setup!