Andersen Hitch Coupler Position with Super Duty and 337RLS

[Dale G]

This question is to anyone using an Andersen Ultimate Hitch with a newer Super Duty and a 337RLS.

I have a 2021 Ford F-350 diesel CCSB and a 2022 337RLS. I also have the Bak-Flip bed cover. I have been towing it with an Andersen Ultimate Hitch with the coupler installed in front of the kingpin. The hitch is amazing but I have one problem. When I make a semi-tight turn the fifth wheel structure hits the rails for the Bak-Flip. No major damage yet, just cosmetic that a can of Rust-Oleum was able to fix. I have been reading post where people have installed the coupler to the rear of the kingpin to create more room with the bed rails. I have flipped mine around and will try it on our first trip in April.

My question is to anyone using the Andersen Hitch with the coupler installed aft of the kingpin and towing with a newer Super Duty and a 337RLS. Does installing the coupler aft of the kingpin give the side rails adequate clearance and how close does the nose of the camper come to the cab and at what angle are you able to get before contact is made? I try never to turn too sharp, but sometimes you have no choice in some of the older state parks or when some idiot blocks you in at a gas station.

Thanks,
Dale

 

[Skilletface]

Greetings Dale, I have a similar set up Bak-Flip included. When I turned the red coupler to be behind the king pin, I was not comfortable with the tailgate and bumper clearance to the front bay, I call it a tool bay. If I remember correctly, that would move the trailer “6-“8 forward. I guess the only short coming to the AUH is that the king pin supports get mighty close to the side rails.

 

[Dale G]

Greetings Dale, I have a similar set up Bak-Flip included. When I turned the red coupler to be behind the king pin, I was not comfortable with the tailgate and bumper clearance to the front bay, I call it a tool bay. If I remember correctly, that would move the trailer “6-“8 forward. I guess the only short coming to the AUH is that the king pin supports get mighty close to the side rails.

Thanks for the response. Did you keep it setup with the coupler behind the kingpin or did you move it back to in front of the kingpin? I am concerned with moving the trailer 8” closer to the truck. With the coupler in front of the kingpin there is adequate room with the tailgate down. Moving the coupler behind the kingpin might solve the side rail problem but cause more issues. I think I will try it to the rear for this first trip and then compare the pros and cons of both ways.

Thanks again,
Dale

 

[Skilletface]

Thanks for the response. Did you keep it setup with the coupler behind the kingpin or did you move it back to in front of the kingpin? I am concerned with moving the trailer 8” closer to the truck. With the coupler in front of the kingpin there is adequate room with the tailgate down. Moving the coupler behind the kingpin might solve the side rail problem but cause more issues. I think I will try it to the rear for this first trip and then compare the pros and cons of both ways.

Thanks again,
Dale

I returned the coupler back to the forward position mostly because with the tailgate down, my skinny legs would not fit between the tailgate and the tool bay.

 

[Dale G]

I returned the coupler back to the forward position mostly because with the tailgate down, my skinny legs would not fit between the tailgate and the tool bay.

I was concerned about that, I might just put it back and watch my turns closer. I have a few weeks to think about it.
Dale

 

[RV2600RB]

Use a regular fifth wheel hitch maybe?
Rich

 

[CedarCreekWoody]

Mine is installed with the coupler in the rearward position. Needed for truck bed side clearance. As you stated there are tradeoffs either way.

 

[Dale G]

Use a regular fifth wheel hitch maybe?
Rich

They are just too heavy for me. I like how light the Andersen Hitch is.
Dale

 

[Dale G]

Mine is installed with the coupler in the rearward position. Needed for truck bed side clearance. As you stated there are tradeoffs either way.

I think I will try it in the reverse position for this first trip to see which way has the least problems. How is your cab clearance with it reversed?
Dale

 

[CedarCreekWoody]

I think I will try it in the reverse position for this first trip to see which way has the least problems. How is your cab clearance with it reversed?
Dale

I've only used it reversed so I'm used to it in that position. I keep an eye on it when backing so it has been adequate. Had I become used to it forward I might feel differently. I don't know.

 

[Dale G]

I've only used it reversed so I'm used to it in that position. I keep an eye on it when backing so it has been adequate. Had I become used to it forward I might feel differently. I don't know.

Thanks for the first hand knowledge. I might post my findings comparing the two when we get back the end of April.
Dale