Common Andersen Weight Distribution Hitch Problem & their Solution

Weight distribution hitches are an essential component of towing, and are being used extensively.. The Andersen Weight Distribution Hitch is a popular option among RVers and trailer owners, but it is not without its problems. 

I know that Anderson hitches work fine, but they start producing problems, and they can leave you stunned. But don’t worry, every problem has a solution. In this blog post, I will give you the details of common issues associated with the Andersen Weight Distribution Hitch and provide solutions for each.

Before I take you to the main part, you should know the common issues and problems that you can face; 

• Extreme Noise
• Swaying while driving
• Difficulty in leveling the trailer
• Difficulty in adjusting the tension
• Loose Connection Issue
• Frame or Fishplate Dysfunction
• Truck bed damage

Are you confused to your extreme? Hahaha! That’s common to newbies, but don’t worry as I am going to give you a complete solution that will remove all of your confusion. Stay connected.

Related Article: Is the Andersen 5th Wheel Hitch Short Bed Truck Friendly?

Common Problems of Andersen Weight Distribution Hitches and their Solutions 

In the introduction of this blog post, I’ve given you an overview of some common problems that most of Andersen’s hitches users face. If you’re going to buy the same hitch, then it is very important for you to have in-depth knowledge about the problems and the solutions so that you don’t remain confused. Before you go down, here is the table that will give you an overview; 

Problem	Solution
Extreme Noise	Use spring clips or reinstall the mount ball.
Swaying While Driving	Properly adjust the hitch and consult a professional mechanic.
Difficulty Leveling the Trailer	Use a level and jack to ensure proper weight distribution.
Difficulty Adjusting Tension	Consult manufacturer instructions or professional mechanics.
Loose Connection Issue	Use less grease, and oil &  tighten all connections.
Frame or Fishplate Dysfunction	Use minimizing or maximizing bolts to solve this issue.

It was just a small introduction to a solution. But don’t leave. In the section below, I will give you complete information about the common problems and their solutions.

1- Problem: Extreme Noise

If you have been around the mechanical work or own a hitch then you might have heard the word ball mount which usually remains in the ball housing. This ball mount is actually responsible for keeping the trailer steady and balanced. 

But sometimes, the ball mount drops down from its original position and causes problems. If it goes down slightly, then it does not cause any serious problems. But with time, the mount ball keeps on dropping down which brings serious concerns. When the ball mount drops more than three inches it starts making noise which is literally unpleasant.

Note: This is common in almost all the Andersen weight distribution hitches.

Solution

There are actually two solutions. If the mount ball goes down slightly, then you can use spring clips which will hold the mount ball at its position and won’t let it go down further. If the mount ball has gone down more than three inches, then you should bring the mount ball out and reinstall it in its place in the ball housing.

2- Problem: Swaying While Driving

Swaying while driving is one of the most dangerous problems that many hitch users face. Unfortunately, you can face this problem while using the Andersen weight distribution hitch. It can cause the tow vehicle and trailer to lose control, leading to accidents. 

Important Point: Swaying can be caused by a variety of factors, including improper weight distribution, a worn or damaged hitch, or a poorly adjusted hitch.

Solution

The first step in preventing swaying while driving is to make sure that the hitch is properly adjusted and that the tension is set correctly. Andersen hitch is excellent and they have a sway reduction mechanism and produce very little sway. 

If you’re facing the sway problem, then chances are high that you have not installed the Andersen weight distribution properly. I recommend you consult a professional mechanic to reinstall the hitch.

Also Read: Is It Possible to Put a 5th Wheel Hitch on a Flatbed Truck?

3- Problem: Difficulty Leveling the Trailer

Another problem that you might face with the Andersen Weight Distribution Hitch is difficulty leveling the trailer. If the trailer is not level, it can cause uneven weight distribution, which can lead to swaying while driving.

Note: This is not common if you’ve installed the hitch correctly.

Solution

To level the trailer, you will need a level and a jack. First, make sure that the hitch is properly adjusted and that the tension is set correctly. Next, use the jack to raise or lower the front of the trailer until it is level. Without leveling the trailer, using a hitch will create problems.

4- Problem: Difficulty Adjusting Tension

One of the most common problems with the Andersen Weight Distribution Hitch is difficulty adjusting the tension. The tension is very important for a smooth ride and trouble-free towing experience, as it ensures that the weight of the trailer is distributed evenly across the tow vehicle’s axles.

Solution

To adjust the tension on the Andersen Weight Distribution Hitch, you will need a torque wrench. First, make sure that the trailer is level. Once the trailer is level, use the torque wrench to adjust the tension on the spring arms until it reaches the recommended tension for your specific hitch. 

Note: You can find the recommended tension in the hitch’s instruction manual.

If you face difficulty in adjusting the tension, you may need to have a professional take a look at your hitch to ensure that it is not damaged or worn. If it is damaged, then you’ll have to buy a new one.

5- Problem: Loose connection

In the previous guide, I told you that greasing the hitch ball or using oil to keep it safe from rust and corrosion is very important. Without the usage of grease on the hitch ball, the corrosion attack weakens the hitch and turns it into a useless thing.

However, using the grease too often causes problems for Andersen weight distribution hitch as the hitch ball can slip from the joining point and the trailer can get disconnected.

Solution

Don’t grease the hitch too often. Instead, you should use grease or oil twice a year. Make sure when you are towing the trailer that, clean the hitch ball completely to ensure that it does not slip off from the joining point.

6- Problem: Frame or Fishplate Dysfunction

Fishplate problems occur when the hitch pin holes do not fit perfectly into the A-frame and this mismatch can cause serious problems. 

Solution

There are two possibilities that can cause the Fishplate problem;

• Either the pinhole is too small and it does fit into the A-frame
• Either the pinhole is too big, making it unsuitable to be fixed in the A-frame.

However, if the pinhole is too small, then you can use a maximizing bolt that would help you to fit the smaller pinhole perfectly into the A-frame.

If the pinhole is too big, then I recommend you use a minimizing bolt and fit the pinhole into the A-frame without any trouble.

7- Problem: Truck Bed Damage

When you tow the trailer having a weight greater than the hitch tongue weight capacity then it damages the truck bed. This is probably common when you use an old Andersen hitch. 

Note: Keep in mind that the weight of the trailer we are pulling behind our truck is not too heavy. If it is too heavy, it can damage the truck bed.

Solution

The issue can be resolved by the usage of a special part called a pin box that attaches the trailer to the truck in a different way like changing its position, so it doesn’t damage the truck bed. Even if you use a pin box, you’ll still have to make sure that the weight of the trailer should not too high.

Is Andersen Hitch a good brand?

In the hitches world, Andersen is considered a pioneer, and their products are just too good. One thing that I like about this brand is its focus on getting better and making its product fulfill the needs of customers. In the past, they used to produce the hitches without the special weight distribution feature which also had some sway.

But with time, they have learned a lot and given you weight distribution hitches that don’t produce any sway problem. To be honest, all the problems that I have mentioned above can be neglected as the perfect solutions are given.

In short, yes, Andersen is a very good brand and their products are manifestations of pure quality and innovation. If you’re confused, I personally suggest you choose them as their affordability and quality will never let you down.

Alternative Hitch Options

Are you worried and thinking that you cannot solve the above problems? Don’t worry as there are many other brands that also produce top-class hitches. I have listed a few more options for you so that you feel less stressed. 

• Equal-i-zer Hitch
• Reese Strait-Line Hitch
• Blue Ox SwayPro Hitch

It’s important to note that each hitch has its own unique set of features and capabilities, so be sure to research each option thoroughly before making a decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

I personally believe that the Andersen Weight Distribution Hitch is a great option for many RVers and trailer owners, but it’s important to be aware of the potential problems and to have solutions in place to address them. In this guide, I have given you complete information about the problem and its possible solutions to ensure that you don’t remain confused.