Andersen Ultimate hitch/safety chain question(s)

[EBerning]

Looking to purchase a Reflection shortly, and I'm looking at hitches. I think I've settled on the Anderson, but have a few questions for actual users.
1. Do you use safety chains? If so, how do you hook them up? I have the Chevy 3500 with factory fifth wheel prep, and it would appear the hitch would cover the pucks, negating the ability to use those for anchor points. Pullrite makes a gooseneck ball with safety chain plate, but it appears it's only for Ford (part 4437 for those interested)
2. for those with the short bed, which direction do you mount the adapter? Will the Reflection pinbox hit the side rails in the normal position?
Thanks
Eric

[Jerry & Barbara]

I had the same question. I called Andersen. He said most people simply loop the chains around the rear legs of the hitch. I have a short bed 6 3/4 feet. I have the ball closest to the tailgate. Have not done much towing yet, but it appears to give me plenty of turning room so far. As soon as I get the trailer back form the dealer (brakes), I plan to test out the turning radius etc.

[Paul & Deb]

I've been using the Andersen for over 2 years now. Towing all around the US (over 35,000 miles easy) without ever having a problem or a question. I now have a new Andersen for my new truck and I still will not be using safety changes.

On the rail versions it's actually quite simple just by purchasing a set of chain loops that attach to open slots in the rail (Curt makes them).

[Cate&Rob]

There are a number of threads discussing many aspects of the Andersen hitch, including cutting holes in the hitch frame to access the pucks for attaching the safety chains. Search on Andersen (with two e's) to find these other threads.

Rob

[Texaspsdx]

In Texas any trailer that connect to tow vehicle using a ball, is required to use safety chains. They will write tickets for no chains!

[yattr0]

Sorry if this has been coveted elsewhere but I have bern away from the forum for a while.

Anderson now affers a chain mount that installs under the goose ball in the bed. Just got one and it is a great solution for my application. In the Silverado bed the hitch base does align with the bed attacment points for the chain inserts such that holes can be cut in the flat plate.

I also had one of the heads of the allen bolts split. Called Anderson and they sent me 4 replacements along with 2 longer bolts for the plastic funnel. My origanal hitch came with the metal funnel and the original bolts are a bit short. All at no cost.

I continue to prefer the Anderson over the traditional solutions. Don’t plan on ever going backto the dark side. 😉

[Leon T]

Don't want to start a war with the AUH fan boys, but I have seen enough photos of those hitches crumpling under hard braking that I wouldn't touch one.

I use the Reese Goose Box. Lift the trailer off the ball, and instant clean bed. Nothing to store away except the gooseneck ball.

And no, I wouldn't run one without the safety chains. God forbid something bad happens and it's found you were legally required to have safety chains on a ball hitch but you didn't. They are cheap insurance against lots of bad things, including losing everything you have if an accident went bad and an investigation from an ambulance chaser turned up violations of the law that may have mitigated damages.

My opinion and worth every penny you pay for it.

[jkwilson]

Don't want to start a war with the AUH fan boys, but I have seen enough photos of those hitches crumpling under hard braking that I wouldn't touch one.

I use the Reese Goose Box. Lift the trailer off the ball, and instant clean bed. Nothing to store away except the gooseneck ball.

And no, I wouldn't run one without the safety chains. God forbid something bad happens and it's found you were legally required to have safety chains on a ball hitch but you didn't. They are cheap insurance against lots of bad things, including losing everything you have if an accident went bad and an investigation from an ambulance chaser turned up violations of the law that may have mitigated damages.

My opinion and worth every penny you pay for it.

How up about some links to all these many, many pictures?

[Leon T]

How up about some links to all these many, many pictures?

Do a search on this forum and you'll see some crumpled AUH. Use Duck Duck Go or Google as well. I didn't say "many, many" either, I said "enough" but nice try. Here is one to get you started...Attachment 17198

[Banshee94]

notice its still attached, i'm sure there is a story to go with the picture.

I love my Anderson hitch!