Andersen WDH on a CL21BHS how to install

[cl21bhs]

I saw some discussion so I thought I would start a new thread. I would like to install the Andersen WDH on my Camplite 21BHS, my Ford Explorer needs WD help. I don't want to move the propane tanks, will it fit right out of the box or do I need to add links to the chains? Any other thoughts or pictures would be great. 
Thanks, Steve

[tinkeringtechie]

[quote source="/post/968/thread" timestamp="1400034192" author="@cl21bhs"]my Ford Explorer needs WD help[/quote]
From what I've heard, weight distribution is not the strongest feature of the Andersen hitch. It's better at sway and bounce control. If you're looking to actually distribute weight then there are better options (certainly for the $$)

[quote source="/post/968/thread" timestamp="1400034192" author="@cl21bhs"]I don't want to move the propane tanks, will it fit right out of the box or do I need to add links to the chains?[/quote]It would be much easier to move the propane tanks than to add links. The Andersen manual states that you can remove links, but does not mention adding them. Just out of curiosity, why don't you want to move the tanks?

Here's their manual for reference:

[a href="http://www.trailercommander.com/uploads/1/6/2/4/16240110/weight_distribution_installation_manual.pdf"]http://www.trailercommander.com/uploads/1/6/2/4/16240110/weight_distribution_installation_manual.pdf[/a]

[cl21bhs]

I like the simple setup and light weight of the Andersen, part of the problem is the tongue weight  of the 21bhs is about 550 lbs. It looks like you would have to move the tanks toward the camper and move the batteries forward, which can be done, I would rather not have to extend wires and drill more holes in the frame.

Does anyone use another WD on the 21bhs that fits out of the box?

[tinkeringtechie]

[quote source="/post/976/thread" timestamp="1400121108" author="@cl21bhs"]I like the simple setup and light weight of the Andersen, part of the problem is the tongue weight  of the 21bhs is about 550 lbs. It looks like you would have to move the tanks toward the camper and move the batteries forward, which can be done, I would rather not have to extend wires and drill more holes in the frame.

Does anyone use another WD on the 21bhs that fits out of the box?[/quote]
If the tongue weight is 550lbs then I'm not sure if weight distribution will help much with the Explorer. The Andersen hitch itself weighs 60lbs, so that would put you at 610lbs, which is 110lbs over your limit. For my WD hitch I moved the tanks forward with the eventual goal of putting a larger battery/storage box behind it. I believe Charlie was able to install a round-bar version of the E2 without moving anything. I think this is the hitch he used:

[a href="http://www.fastwaytrailer.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=4&products_id=15&zenid=667a9deb9d28eff971c356735ab925a1"]http://www.fastwaytrailer.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=4&products_id=15&zenid=667a9deb9d28eff971c356735ab925a1[/a]

[djsamuel]

When I installed our Andersen on our 21BHS I added a link to each side and mounted the brackets just behind the tank brackets. I just used the threaded links available at a place like Lowes.

I would agree with tinkeringtechie, weight distribution is not a strong point of the Andersen. It would probably handle it, but you're really going to be tightening down on the bushings. Did you measure your tongue weight? Livinlite shows a tongue weight of 250 lbs, still less than 10% of the dry weight. Seems low, but using that percentage, even fully loaded yup shouldn't exceed 500pounds. Of course it depends on how you load it.

[charliem]

[quote source="/post/979/thread" timestamp="1400125078" author="@tinkeringtechie"][quote source="/post/976/thread" timestamp="1400121108" author="@cl21bhs"]Does anyone use another WD on the 21bhs that fits out of the box?[/quote]If the tongue weight is 550lbs then I'm not sure if weight distribution will help much with the Explorer. The Andersen hitch itself weighs 60lbs, so that would put you at 610lbs, which is 110lbs over your limit. For my WD hitch I moved the tanks forward with the eventual goal of putting a larger battery/storage box behind it. I believe Charlie was able to install a round-bar version of the E2 without moving anything. I think this is the hitch he used:

[a href="http://www.fastwaytrailer.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=4&products_id=15&zenid=667a9deb9d28eff971c356735ab925a1"]http://www.fastwaytrailer.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=4&products_id=15&zenid=667a9deb9d28eff971c356735ab925a1[/a]
[/quote][font face="arial" size="3"]Yes, the 600/6000 pound round bar E2 WDH will fit without moving tanks. I installed one on a 2014 21RBS with dual tanks and dual batteries. The sway bar brackets clamp (no drilling) on just forward of the tanks. The E2 instructions allow the brackets as close as 20" from the ball if the tongue weight is less than 800#. My 21RBS tongue weight is 525-550# loaded depending on w/wo bikes on back and if there is any water in the tanks. The 21BHS should be similar.
[/font]

[tinkeringtechie]

[quote source="/post/982/thread" timestamp="1400153884" author="@djsamuel"]Livinlite shows a tongue weight of 250 lbs, still less than 10% of the dry weight. Seems low, but using that percentage, even fully loaded yup shouldn't exceed 500pounds. Of course it depends on how you load it.[/quote]I don't think their dry weight includes propane tanks or batteries. Once those are added you'll be well into the 10% range. I think your tongue weight will depend heavily on what you put in the forward storage compartment and how much is in your grey/black tanks (since they're behind the axle).

[pinstriper]

[quote source="/post/987/thread" timestamp="1400168807" author="@tinkeringtechie"][quote source="/post/982/thread" timestamp="1400153884" author="@djsamuel"]Livinlite shows a tongue weight of 250 lbs, still less than 10% of the dry weight. Seems low, but using that percentage, even fully loaded yup shouldn't exceed 500pounds. Of course it depends on how you load it.[/quote]I don't think their dry weight includes propane tanks or batteries. Once those are added you'll be well into the 10% range. I think your tongue weight will depend heavily on what you put in the forward storage compartment and how much is in your grey/black tanks (since they're behind the axle).[/quote][p]That last is an important point, I've discovered. Our first trip out, the dealer had filled the fresh tanks, which are in front of the axle. I drained off all but 5 gallons or so - just enough to rinse/flush at the dump station, so as to save weight. First trip we had very little bounce, but the second trip we felt a lot more bounce, which I suspected we were light on the tongue weight. I added about 10 gallons to the fresh tank while at the campsite, and the return was might smoother.[/p][p]
[/p]

[cl21bhs]

Thanks for all the ideas, I am going to try the Andersen because it does not weigh as much as other WD setups. I will keep you posted.
Steve

[tinkeringtechie]

[quote source="/post/1102/thread" timestamp="1400553049" author="@cl21bhs"]Thanks for all the ideas, I am going to try the Andersen because it does not weigh as much as other WD setups. I will keep you posted.
Steveif [/quote]Please let us know how it works out. If you could take some measurements also that would be great. I have yet to find an Andersen review that included numbers.

[vrvinmo]

I use the Andersen on my VRV and it works pretty well. I had to add a link but it takes a whole minute to do that. I have done tons and tons of reading about the Andersen, and it's true that it doesn't distribute weight as well as the traditional type WDH's. Even so, it works for me pretty well even with around 800# TW. I didn't weigh yet, but it tows pretty well with my F150.

[tinkeringtechie]

I'm wondering what Andersen's take is on adding links. If they don't mention it in the manual I'm guessing it's for a reason. Maybe the "quick links" don't support the same weight? Might be worth an email to them to see what they think.

[vrvinmo]

[quote source="/post/1195/thread" timestamp="1401074694" author="@tinkeringtechie"]I'm wondering what Andersen's take is on adding links. If they don't mention it in the manual I'm guessing it's for a reason. Maybe the "quick links" don't support the same weight? Might be worth an email to them to see what they think.[/quote]I can't speak for Andersen, but I seem to remember reading in one of the forums that they are okay with adding or subtracting links. Of course, you would want the proper link rated for the correct weight. I think my quick links are rated at 4,000#.

[djsamuel]

[quote source="/post/1209/thread" timestamp="1401130982" author="@vrvinmo"][quote source="/post/1195/thread" timestamp="1401074694" author="@tinkeringtechie"]I'm wondering what Andersen's take is on adding links. If they don't mention it in the manual I'm guessing it's for a reason. Maybe the "quick links" don't support the same weight? Might be worth an email to them to see what they think.[/quote]I can't speak for Andersen, but I seem to remember reading in one of the forums that they are okay with adding or subtracting links. Of course, you would want the proper link rated for the correct weight. I think my quick links are rated at 4,000#.
[/quote]
It may have been on their web site or via email.  Somewhere I got it from Andersen that it was OK to add a link.

[cl21bhs]

I called Andersen and they said it was ok to add links, I told them about 4 to 6 inches. They were concerned if you removed more than a couple of links. I plan to order this weekend and will update with data and pictures once installed.