Andersen flatbed hitch height issue diagnosing coupler tube vs adjustment problem

Updated 04/23/2026 | Published 04/17/2026

Question:

I have a 26 ram 3500 with aluminum flatbed, bw turnover ball gooseneck hitch. It is flush with the flatbed. Not recessed, my old truck had a recessed hitch. I have a fifth wheel camper that I hook up with an Andersen hitch made for flatbeds. I have the 8 inch coupler tube but it doesn’t allow the hitch to sit on the bed. It’s about 1.5-2 inches above the bed. Any recommendations?

asked by: Ryan V

Expert Reply:

Hi there, that’s a great question and I want to make sure we get you pointed in the right direction because there are a couple different things that could cause what you’re describing.

With the Andersen Ultimate flatbed hitch, there are actually a few adjustment points that affect how everything sits, including the coupler tube length and the hitch height settings, which are typically around 12-3/8, 13-7/16, and 14-5/8 inches from the bed to the top of the ball. Depending on how your current setup is adjusted and how your trailer sits, that gap you’re seeing could be coming from a height mismatch rather than just the coupler tube itself.

To be completely honest, without seeing it, it’s a little tough to picture exactly where that 1.5 to 2 inch gap is happening, and I don’t want to steer you the wrong direction. If you can, could you send over a quick photo of how the hitch is sitting on the bed and how it’s lining up with the pin box? That will make it much easier to see what’s going on and give you the right recommendation the first time.

Once I can see that, I can let you know if it’s a coupler tube change, a height adjustment, or something else entirely.

expert reply by: Heather A