Andersen Ultimate Hitch (AUH) Wear Concerns

[BobKilmer]

Hi,
I removed my AUH today and noticed some unexpected wear on both the Curt gooseneck ball and the Andersen coupler tube. Of the two, the coupler tube is a far bigger concern.

Below is a picture of the coupler tube:

The coupler bolts have worn about 2/3 of the way through the coupler tube. The indentations from the coupler bolts into the coupler tube are about 0.15" deep and the material for the tube is only 0.22" thick. I am wondering if other users of the AUH have seen this type of wear as well.

The lesser concern, and maybe more of a curiosity, is the wear on the Curt gooseneck ball. Below is a picture of the ball. I am really surprised to see so much wear on the ball due to the way the hitch connects to the ball. The only point that the hitch connects to the ball is through the pin in the coupler tube, which is only at one point on the ball. I would have expected there to just be wear at a few spots on the ball, not all across the surface as shown in the picture. It looks like the coupler pin is wearing the entire surface, which could only happen if the coupler pin is moving up and down and across the ball. I can't see how this can happen, but it definitely is wearing somehow. I am curious if this same wear is seen by other AUH users as well.

I have contacted Andersen about the coupler tube to get their feedback and ordered a new coupler tube as well. I planned to go on my first trip of 2021 on Sunday but those plans may be on hold until I get the new coupler. Any feedback from AUH users on their experiences will be greatly appreciated!

Bob

[Richter]

We’ve used the Andersen for nearly 9,000 miles and I don’t have any wear on the parts that you do.

[BobKilmer]

We’ve used the Andersen for nearly 9,000 miles and I don’t have any wear on the parts that you do.

Thank you for the feedback. I am glad to hear it is working well for you. This one really has me stumped right now.

[jkwilson]

I can’t see any way the pin can move. Tightening the top bolt should cinch it firmly against the ball. You may want to consider using the Andersen Bed Shaft instead of the standard ball.

[traveldawg]

Hi,
I removed my AUH today and noticed some unexpected wear on both the Curt gooseneck ball and the Andersen coupler tube. Of the two, the coupler tube is a far bigger concern.

Below is a picture of the coupler tube:

The coupler bolts have worn about 2/3 of the way through the coupler tube. The indentations from the coupler bolts into the coupler tube are about 0.15" deep and the material for the tube is only 0.22" thick. I am wondering if other users of the AUH have seen this type of wear as well.

The lesser concern, and maybe more of a curiosity, is the wear on the Curt gooseneck ball. Below is a picture of the ball. I am really surprised to see so much wear on the ball due to the way the hitch connects to the ball. The only point that the hitch connects to the ball is through the pin in the coupler tube, which is only at one point on the ball. I would have expected there to just be wear at a few spots on the ball, not all across the surface as shown in the picture. It looks like the coupler pin is wearing the entire surface, which could only happen if the coupler pin is moving up and down and across the ball. I can't see how this can happen, but it definitely is wearing somehow. I am curious if this same wear is seen by other AUH users as well.

I have contacted Andersen about the coupler tube to get their feedback and ordered a new coupler tube as well. I planned to go on my first trip of 2021 on Sunday but those plans may be on hold until I get the new coupler. Any feedback from AUH users on their experiences will be greatly appreciated!

Bob

We’ve used the Andersen for nearly 9,000 miles and I don’t have any wear on the parts that you do.

2019 Grand Design Momentum 381M (over 44' feet long) vs. 2019 Reflection 303RLS (33' long) -- all on an Anderson hitch -- hardly a good comparison; there are thousands of pounds of weight difference; probably over 1,000 lbs on the hitch alone. I'm reading this thread and trying to find something positive to say. Just be safe.

[BobKilmer]

2019 Grand Design Momentum 381M (over 44' feet long) vs. 2019 Reflection 303RLS (33' long) -- all on an Anderson hitch -- hardly a good comparison; there are thousands of pounds of weight difference; probably over 1,000 lbs on the hitch alone. I'm reading this thread and trying to find something positive to say. Just be safe.

I think there is a lot of good to say. The fact he has had no issues is positive regardless of the weight difference and I appreciate his feedback. I am not looking to see if the hitch can handle the weights, I am asking about normal wear and tear from other users who have experience with the hitch. The positive thing to say is it is good to hear from other users.

[BobKilmer]

I can’t see any way the pin can move. Tightening the top bolt should cinch it firmly against the ball. You may want to consider using the Andersen Bed Shaft instead of the standard ball.

JKWilson, I agree! I have ordered one from a Florida dealer as Andersen says they have a 4-6 week delay right now.

[Johnww]

I have about 15k miles on my Andersen towing a 303rls and I don't see this type of wear on my coupler tube nor B&W turnover ball. What do you torque your coupler tube bolts to? I'm curious what Andersen's response will be.

[BobKilmer]

I have about 15k miles on my Andersen towing a 303rls and I don't see this type of wear on my coupler tube nor B&W turnover ball. What do you torque your coupler tube bolts to? I'm curious what Andersen's response will be.

After seeing your question I checked and I realize now I have been over torquing the coupler tube bolts. I have been going to 60 foot pounds versus the 40 in the spec. I ordered a new coupler tube and will make sure to stay at 40 foot pounds. Hopefully that solves the coupler issue.

I am still completely puzzled by the wear on the gooseneck ball. I am wondering if the dealer put a worn ball in when I bought the hitch. I paid for a new one, but the only way I can see that type of wear happening is if the ball had previously been installed in a different application. I purchased the Andersen Bed Shaft so I won’t know for sure if it wears differently now.

[powerscol]

Should not the coupler ball be greased? See no evidence of that. I grease my goose necks - coupler and ball before used. Use a split tennis ball during storage.