Rumored New Andersen Ultimate Fifth Wheel Hitch?

[Catholic for a reason]

So, I'm not sure what to do...

I was ready to pull the trigger on the Andersen Ultimate and in doing some last minute research on the Cummins Forum, I learned that Andersen is apparently releasing a "puck" version of the Ultimate hitch that interfaces (connects) directly to the OEM fifth wheel system in my 2016 Ram 3500. Apparently it is supposed to be out in Feb. 2017.

I was planning on simply buying the model that attaches to the goose neck ball. Seems everyone who has one is quite happy with it.

Now I'm not sure whether I should wait for the new model that is essentially taylor-made to work with he fifth wheel system in my truck or just pull the trigger on one that's been out for a while That everyone is so happy with.

Anyone have 2 cents to contribute to the conversation?

[Tunce the traveler]

Originally Posted by Catholic for a reason

So, I'm not sure what to do...

I was ready to pull the trigger on the Andersen Ultimate and in doing some last minute research on the Cummins Forum, I learned that Andersen is apparently releasing a "puck" version of the Ultimate hitch that interfaces (connects) directly to the OEM fifth wheel system in my 2016 Ram 3500. Apparently it is supposed to be out in Feb. 2017.


Anyone have 2 cents to contribute to the conversation?

Only God knows and that's my .02

[Jagiven]

Do you need a new hitch now? If not hold off.

Call Anderson and find out if it is a rumor or real. Maybe they can help give you some pros and cons of this "new" hitch.

[Catholic for a reason]

Originally Posted by Tunce the traveler

Only God knows and that's my .02

Should have asked Him first.

[Ela1948]

In your case I don't think there is much advantage to waiting for the puck system over the gooseneck ball. I have a 2016 Ford which uses the Reese puck system. The problem is that the Andersen base covers up the the pucks which is where you would connect the safety chains. Dodge uses a wider puck system which exposes the pucks for the safety chains. If Andersen is building a unit that uses the pucks then where do you attach the safety chains?? Some states look at anything with a ball is considered a trailer and requires safety chains. In truth safety chains on that hitch doesn't make it any safer but tell that to police that wants to nitpick. My point is that I would want the pucks available for the chains if I owned a Dodge. Another reason that I wouldn't want the Andersen on the puck system is the amount of room it takes up. That frame would have to be even wider and deeper then the one they use now. We pack a fair amount of items in front and around the hitch. We have lost quite a bit of room in the bed because of the size of the hitch base. That puck hitch would have to be even larger!!

[Catholic for a reason]

Originally Posted by Ela1948

In your case I don't think there is much advantage to waiting for the puck system over the gooseneck ball. I have a 2016 Ford which uses the Reese puck system. The problem is that the Andersen base covers up the the pucks which is where you would connect the safety chains. Dodge uses a wider puck system which exposes the pucks for the safety chains. If Andersen is building a unit that uses the pucks then where do you attach the safety chains?? Some states look at anything with a ball is considered a trailer and requires safety chains. In truth safety chains on that hitch doesn't make it any safer but tell that to police that wants to nitpick. My point is that I would want the pucks available for the chains if I owned a Dodge. Another reason that I wouldn't want the Andersen on the puck system is the amount of room it takes up. That frame would have to be even wider and deeper then the one they use now. We pack a fair amount of items in front and around the hitch. We have lost quite a bit of room in the bed because of the size of the hitch base. That puck hitch would have to be even larger!!

Thanks, Ela. Those are good points. I thought about the size...it is going to have to be larger than the current hitch. Meaning it's probably a bit heavier and I'll give up some bed room with the larger footprint. I've been.readibg a lot from folks debating about the Ultimate hitch. I'll probably err on the side of installing the chains...it's better than trying to fight a ticket from an officer who doesn't agree with the notion that chains aren't required. I hadn't thought about losing the chain anchor points with the puck system (although I'll bet they build in some place to attach them on the new hitch). Thanks for the input. It really helped.

[Ela1948]

Originally Posted by Catholic for a reason

Thanks, Ela. Those are good points. I thought about the size...it is going to have to be larger than the current hitch. Meaning it's probably a bit heavier and I'll give up some bed room with the larger footprint. I've been.readibg a lot from folks debating about the Ultimate hitch. I'll probably err on the side of installing the chains...it's better than trying to fight a ticket from an officer who doesn't agree with the notion that chains aren't required. I hadn't thought about losing the chain anchor points with the puck system (although I'll bet they build in some place to attach them on the new hitch). Thanks for the input. It really helped.

They probably will built something to attach the chains to. I emailed them when I found out that the puck holes were covered on my truck. There reply was to go to a frame shop and have new lugs put thru my brand new bed!!!! Or wrap the chains around the main pedestal. I could see me explaining to a cop how that attaching that to a fixture that is not part of the truck is a safety measure!
The weight won't be an issue, the size might!!