Comparing the Andersen Weight Distribution Systems To Friction Bar Systems

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Question:

How does the Andersen WDH compare to friction style weight distribution systems?

asked by: Layla

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Expert Reply:

Hey there Layla!

There are a few different forms of weight distribution hitches, but the majority of the systems that have sway control use friction bars, which work similar to brake pads on your vehicle. This works really well, but it can sometimes be noisy since it is adding friction to one of the side bars to limit sway.

The way the Andersen hitches are different comes down to the lack of friction bars, which makes it a quiet and simpler system to install and use. Basically the Andersen setup uses chains for leveling the truck/trailer, then it utilizes a friction cone design in the head of the system. When weight is added on turns, it allows the friction cone with brake material to slow the turning (side to side) motion, keeping the sway under control.

I attached a few photos to show these differences, along with the Andersen cone design. Is there a particular wdh you were wanting to compare in more depth to the Andersen? I personally installed the Andersen # AN88VR and found it very easy to use!

We also have the following Andersen hitches for different tongue weights, drop/rise, and receiver size:
-Andersen 10K GTW, 1.4K TW with 4" Rise/Drop # AN88VR (2" Receiver)
-Andersen 10K GTW, 1.4K TW with 6" Rise/Drop # AN28VR (2" Receiver)
-Andersen 14K GTW, 1.4K TW with 4" Rise/Drop #AN53VR (2" Receiver)
-Andersen 16K GTW, 1.6K TW with 6" Rise/Drop # AN33VR (2" Receiver)
-Andersen 14K GTW, 1.4K TW with 6" Rise/Drop # AN69VR (2-1/2" Receiver)

expert reply by: Andrew N

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Andersen WDH
(click to enlarge)

Weigh Safe WDH
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Andersen friction cone
(click to enlarge)

Answer 1

Nicki, that is an excellent question that we've gotten before. The Andersen weight distribution hitches work in a totally different way from competitors which allows it to remain lightweight, not bulky, and easy to install or remove. The chains…

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Answer 2

Hi Doug! If you were just needing a weight distribution system for the sway control, I would have said the Andersen Weight Distribution Hitch w Sway Control - 6" Drop/Rise - 14K GTW, 1.4K TW #AN53VR could be a good option. However, I have tried…

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Answer 3

Hey there Michelle! While weight distribution systems are supposed to get the truck and trailer as level as possible, they are not complete miracle workers and won't make both 100% level in all situations. In fact, Andersen has a section of the…

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Answer 4

Hello again Frank; tongue weight is typically 10-15% of your trailer weight. At 5,400 lbs you could go over the max 800 lb tongue weight of the #FA94-00-0800 but that probably isn't the case here. If you really want to be sure you could always…

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Answer 5

Good afternoon Drake! Yes you are in luck, because the Andersen Weight Distribution Hitches, like a lot of modern ones, do allow you to reverse while hooked up to your trailer. The reason this can, and some can't, comes down to if it uses certain…

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Answer 6

Hey Dan, I attached a picture that has all of the dimensions of a similar shank that comes with the Andersen Weight Distribution System part #AN28VR that you referenced. Let me know if you will have enough clearance, are you running your current…

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Answer 7

Hey Leonard! Yes, you can use the hitch pin hole furthest away from the head to install the Andersen Weight Distribution Hitch #AN53VR in your receiver. Both of the hitch pin holes can be used to secure the shank. What kind of trailer are you…

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Answer 8

Hey Mike, welcome back! The 2-1/2" shanks have the same channel size as the 2" shank for the Andersen Weight Distribution Hitch so they all work for the same system. We didn't have the 2-1/2" shanks available separately so I went…

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Answer 9

Hey Ray, while there certainly is a lot of appeal to the Andersen WD systems like the part #AN88VR what we have found is that if the tongue weight is more than a few hundred lbs they just don't work as well as the traditional systems that use…

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Answer 10

Good morning Hurley (cool name by the way. I like the clothing brand Hurley). Also, congrats on the new-to-you Chevy! That is an excellent question that comes up from time to time on various vehicles and weight distribution systems. So on your 2023…

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Answer 11

Hey Bill. The best option to address sway without using a weight distribution hitch will be to use the Curt True Course item #C94VV. This is an electronic sway device that mounts directly to the side of your trailer's tongue and plugs into your…

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Answer 12

When using a weight distribution system like the Equal-I-zer #EQ37100ET between a taller motor home and a trailer you may need a shank with more drop than usual. For instance the replacement shank #EQ90-02-4400 provides for up to 9-inches of drop and…

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Comparing the Andersen Weight Distribution Systems To Friction Bar Systems

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