** Andersen Ultimate HELP! **

[madmaxmutt]

Brand new trailer and Andersen hitch. Disconnected yesterday to load the trailer. Put it back on the ball today. The cable handle won't move more than an 1/8" I can feel the cable moving in the sleeve. I cannot feel the pin move at all.

It is 28 degrees with rain/snow mix, so I thought maybe it had frozen. I put a little WD 40 in there on the pin. Still no movement.

Of course it is Sunday, so my dealership and Andersen are both closed. . .


Any ideas?

[Springhook]

Try loosening the nut on the cylinder that connects to the red block. That cylinder contains the pin that locks the hitch. Turn the cylinder one way and try the "T" handle. If no luck, turn the cylinder the other way.

[madmaxmutt]

Originally Posted by Springhook

Try loosening the nut on the cylinder that connects to the red block. That cylinder contains the pin that locks the hitch. Turn the cylinder one way and try the "T" handle. If no luck, turn the cylinder the other way.

Temporarily solved: I tried what I think you are telling me. It didn't change anything. It was either frozen or the tolerance is too tight for the pin in the cylinder. We fired up the generator, plugged in the heat gun and aimed it at the cylinder. About a minute later it moved freely. We got to the storage area and the same thing happened when it pin was in. Did the heat gun again, and it was again free to move.

I cannot imagine this thing should freeze up, but I realize it is metal. I sent a note to Andersen, well more of a plea for help. I will see what they say tomorrow.

[Springhook]

When the nut is loose, you should be able to unscrew the cylinder out of the block. Look for debris or anything else that might obstruct movement of the piston. Run a rag or round wire brush into the hole where the piston slides. Good luck.

[Springhook]

I had a similar problem. I called Andersen and they immediately sent out a new cable. In the meantime, I took my original apart, wire brushed, cleaned and oiled it. Been working fine since. Now I have a spare.

[madmaxmutt]

Originally Posted by Springhook

I had a similar problem. I called Andersen and they immediately sent out a new cable. In the meantime, I took my original apart, wire brushed, cleaned and oiled it. Been working fine since. Now I have a spare.

Thanks for the help. It is supposed to get back above freezing today, after a low of 16 degrees. I will check it out.

[madmaxmutt]

Andersen is sending me a replacement cable. As always, their customer service is second to none.