Andersen Hitch has upgrade kits for noisy hitch

RogerR · 03-22-2018, 06:59 PM

I got an email back today from Andersen. They now have an upgrade kit for older Andersen WDH that is supposed cut noise and make hitching easier. See below for copy of that email.

The current version of the WD has a redesigned ball housing that gets rid of excess noise from your hitch. The new friction material keeps your ball secure without binding , and the new plate is designed to pivot. This is to take away the issue of the older style plates bending. If you are wanting to upgrade you can upgrade your ball, ball housing, cone, clip, pin, and plate for $100. Please let me know if that is something you want to do.

**Midnightmoon** · 03-22-2018, 08:04 PM

Do you know when the old style was phased out. My hitch is approximately 9 months old. Would it be the new or old style? There are zero issues with it. Just wanting to know what I have.

RogerR · 03-23-2018, 06:40 PM

If your plate pivots you have the newer unit. Mine stays locked in place by the bottom pin and only goes off center when you turn a corner.

This is my guess based on what I know of mine vs. the description of the replacement parts.

You can send an email or call Andersen, they are great about helping out with their hitches. I think they are among the best at customer service.

01tundra · 03-26-2018, 10:29 AM

Ordered - thanks for the heads up!

RogerR · 03-26-2018, 04:01 PM

did they charge shipping, also, when you get it could you post how easy to use vs. prior model? Love to know if it is worth it as mine only scronks occasionally (always a surprise) but like to know if hitch/unhitch any easier.

Compared to my old bar and chain the current Andersen is easy and safer in any case.

01tundra · 03-28-2018, 05:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RogerR

did they charge shipping, also, when you get it could you post how easy to use vs. prior model? Love to know if it is worth it as mine only scronks occasionally (always a surprise) but like to know if hitch/unhitch any easier.

Compared to my old bar and chain the current Andersen is easy and safer in any case.

Looks like they charged $100 flat so shipping must be included in that price.

I'll report back once I receive the parts. Mine has never made noise since I updated the friction cone material, but if it's easier to hook up with the TV at an angle I'd like that since the way I have to connect at home is always at an angle and it's hard to hit the same angle every time. Not a big deal, but worth checking out for me.

**Midnightmoon** · 03-28-2018, 07:36 AM

Do you need to return the old parts or is this all new?

OregonPerson · 03-28-2018, 07:56 AM

When I talked with Steve in Technical Support he said that if the plate isn't bent that I don't need to replace it. Just the replacement with the new ball housing, the ball, and the new friction braking cone/material should eliminate the occasional noise issue.

It would also allow me to adjust the plate easier just tapping with a rubber mallet and not require the precise alignment of the plate with the TV as previously.

They are sending me the new ball housing, ball, and anti-friction part at no cost of parts or shipping and not requiring me to return any existing parts.

Only after I get the new assembly and try it will I know if the adjusting of the plate angle is easier not requiring the untightening of one chain or the other and moving the TV when not in precise alignment.

Not being able to have my TV in alignment with the plate isn't a common problem for me but there has been occasion where I have had to jockey my TV or pull out without being tightened and then tighten after I get the TV in line.

01tundra · 03-28-2018, 09:25 AM

Don't need to return the old parts.

According to Andersen, they send you a complete new ball assembly and plate, all you do is remove the two bolts from the shank, remove the entire old ball assembly and bolt the new one on.

trashman · 04-04-2018, 05:08 PM

Has anyone been able to use the new style ball, cone and plate yet?

01tundra · 04-18-2018, 11:28 AM

Haven't used mine yet, but I can already tell from installing it that it's well worth the $100 for me.

The ball/triangle moves easy by hand now and the biggest improvement is that the triangle has two bushing "ears" that the pin slides through now so there's no wrestling with the triangle to get it off the bottom of the hitch like the original slip fit design.

RogerR · 04-18-2018, 12:06 PM

Could you post a closeup of what the new one looks like? I am thinking of upgrading but wonder what is included. I do not see it online at Andersen.

01tundra · 04-18-2018, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RogerR

Could you post a closeup of what the new one looks like? I am thinking of upgrading but wonder what is included. I do not see it online at Andersen.

It comes with a complete new ball/cone unit (shiny aluminum housing) already assembled, you remove the two large bolts holding your assembly to the shank and bolt this entire new housing on. Also comes with the redesigned triangle plate, you reuse your current clevis shackles.

These are the two parts that come in the box -

OregonPerson · 04-18-2018, 02:31 PM

I searched on the web but I don't find any testimonies about how well the new plate and ball assembly design does in the actual weight distribution or sway control. I was happy with the previous design performance on my 175RD.

RogerR · 04-18-2018, 03:52 PM

I would also like to know if it reduces or eliminates the scrunch sound when you go up a steep drive (or down) and flex the trailer hitch.

Also, do you pull the pin on the bottom of the ball or the two chain connectors to take off the trailer. I use the main pin but it is a struggle to get it back on as it is a really tight fit.

01tundra · 04-19-2018, 06:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RogerR

I would also like to know if it reduces or eliminates the scrunch sound when you go up a steep drive (or down) and flex the trailer hitch.

Also, do you pull the pin on the bottom of the ball or the two chain connectors to take off the trailer. I use the main pin but it is a struggle to get it back on as it is a really tight fit.

It's the exact same procedure, except you don't have to fight to get the triangle on/off anymore. Mine never made noises going up/down hills so I have no idea if this will help with that or not.

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