[Elkhounds]

Got the Andersen Ultimate 5th wheel hitch and it covers the "pucks" where the safety chains would hookup. I have the factory prep kit.

Looking for ideas on how to add a "puck" in the center that I can hook the chains up to.

 

[Cowcop]

Two questions:
1) What does your manufacturer want you to attach the chains to?
2) Why did you purchase this item when all you had to do was place the Reese Ball in the provided center hole and the chain hooks to the provided side holes?

I cannot see how to add the hooks as they must attach to the hitch frame or vehicle frame and both will take additional cutting to your box. Then you will have to attach your hooks to the frame by bolting or welding as the prep kit has no more attachment points.

 

[Elkhounds]

This is an alternative to using a standard 5th wheel hitch. I have heard great reviews and it only weighs 35 pounds. I can put it in and take it out in just a couple minutes. A normal gooseneck would have chain attachments right next to the ball. On the Ford factory prep kit they are located under the rails. On several other models they are not. Just the Ford kit that this covers.

So I am just looking for a way to put some kind of attachment in the bed that would work. I know I will have to cut a hole somewhere and that is fine. This truck will be used mostly for towing a 5th wheel as that is its main purpose for me. It is not a daily driver.

If you have any ideas what parts I could use to attach to the frame that would be great. I have looked at eTrailer and there seems to be some that might work but I am not sure.

 

[wingnut60]

What is under the bed as a support for the ball shank? Check with B&W for their u-bolts that they supply for their underbed frames--simple u-shaped bolts that have springs underneath that allow the u-bolt to be pulled up to hook a chain. If the underbed support is there, you can use the B&W bolts--but you gotta attach them to something more substantial than the bed metal.
Joe

 

[Elkhounds]

I'll have to look under there and see if I can do anything with that. Was so busy thinking of putting in another anchor like the 4 point ones for the regular hitch I didn't think about that. I did see I can pick them up at eTrailer pretty cheap so that might just be what I end up doing.

 

[DKR]

Got the Andersen Ultimate 5th wheel hitch and it covers the "pucks" where the safety chains would hookup. I have the factory prep kit.

Looking for ideas on how to add a "puck" in the center that I can hook the chains up to.

Check your laws but most states do not require safety chains on a 5th Wheel setup.

I use the Reese GooseBox on my 5r and Texas does not require the chains.

If they are required you might attach them to the Andersen.

 

[Elkhounds]

Thanks but last year we traveled in 12 different states and that will be normal for us. Also I have heard that many states do requires chains if hooked to a ball. This hitch converts the 5th wheel hitch to a ball hookup and raises the ball up to the correct height.

I have thought of attaching to the hitch itself but not sure if they would consider that legal. Still waiting to hear back from Andersen about their thoughts. Also since we don't have the 5th wheel yet I have lots of time.

 

[DKR]

Yeah I know what you mean about different state laws and the interpretation of them. We keep our chains in the front compartment and if we have to we can put them on in a minute.

Texas law speaks to the 5th wheel not requiring chains not to the type of hitch. It only took a few minutes on the internet to pull up the law, I printed it out and keep a copy in the trailer in case I have a discussion regarding the state law.

 

[Elkhounds]

Printing out the law is a good idea. I should maybe do that for the states we will travel.

I did hear back from Andersen yesterday. They said that most people with this hitch and the Ford factory setup just attach the chains to the hitch arm somewhere. Guess if all they have to be is be attached to something solid that would work.

 

[Nickelplated5s]

Go back and look in the definitions section of that Statute. Round here 5th wheel and GN are generally considered two different types of trailer.

 

[outlw]

Great pic for using the master lock on the hitch. My friend had his stolen when he was shopping the other day. He didn't have the lock in his.

 

[Elkhounds]

Great pic for using the master lock on the hitch. My friend had his stolen when he was shopping the other day. He didn't have the lock in his.

Yep I had no intention of getting that but Scott pointed out it can be handy for just this. Glad I have it as it will get used alot.

I asked on eTrailer about a way to use chains and was told with the Andersen Ultimate 5th wheel hitch only Indiana requires chains. So there I can just wrap chains around the stand.