I compared the designs of all the other anti-sway and weight distribution hitches on the market. The Andersen "No-Sway" Weight Distribution hitch appeared to be the best and relatively straightforward design. Not having to deal with torsion bars and not having to do something extra prior to backing up are pluses. I purchased it 4 months ago for my 19' travel trailer and installed it myself in less than two hours (could have probably done it faster, but I kept re-reading the instructions to make sure I did not miss a step).
So far, it appears to work quite well. No problems driving down winding, mountain roads. I haven't had a chance to experience any severe sway inducing conditions, like having to pass a tractor trailer under heavy cross-wind, but the design seems sound and my wife is comforted knowing we have anti-sway (one of the major reasons for buying the hitch :) ). The chains and rubber compression "springs" do effectively distribute the weight. You can tell as the chains become taut as you lower the weight onto the hitch ball. I have been able to attach and remove the bottom triangle plate without having to loosen the screws simply by lowering the trailer jack to remove the weight from the hitch, and pulling out the pin when the chains are slack.
NOTE: My trailer is fairly light compared to the max. weight rating for the 3324 hitch (10,000 lb. GVWR) vs. my trailer (3,800 lb. GVWR), so your experience may differ.
Reattaching the triangle plate of the hitch can be a little tricky. If you move the tow vehicle and do not re-hitch it at the same angle, the holes for the pin on the bottom of the hitch ball may not line up with the holes on the triangular plate. You can sometimes loosen the nut on one side until there is enough slack to line up the holes, but sometimes the angle is too much and you have to remove one of the chains temporarily. (This entire process is normal and described in the instructions booklet.) However, I found an easier way...
TIP: If you purchase a 5/8" x 36" round steel rod from your hardware store, you can insert one end in the bottom hole of the hitch ball and use the rod to gently turn the hitch ball until it lines up with the holes in the triangular plate. Problem solved!
Pros:
* Well designed and solidly built
* Can install yourself if you are handy
* No need to disconnect anti-sway friction / torsion bars prior to backing up
* Works!
* Installation instructions are well written.
* You can download sizing information and full instructions from the [...]
Cons:
* Reconnecting triangular plate can sometimes be tricky, but not if you use a steel rod (see TIP above)
| Brand | Andersen Hitches |
|---|---|
| Item Weight | 49 Pounds |
| Vehicle Service Type | Trailer |
| Material | Alloy Steel, Aluminum |
| Finish Type | Powder Coated |
| Automotive Fit Type | Universal Fit |
| Manufacturer | Andersen |
| UPC | 871155003440 |
| Item Package Dimensions L x W x H | 16.1 x 12.3 x 5.1 inches |
| Package Weight | 51.1 Pounds |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 16 x 50.27 x 3.88 inches |
| Brand Name | Andersen Hitches |
| Warranty Description | 1 Year, Lifetime (Friction Cone Only) |
| Model Name | automotive-weight-distributing-hitches |
| Color | Black, Silver |
| Suggested Users | Hitch |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Part Number | 3350C |
| Style | 2-5/16in Ball - 4-3/8in Brackets |
| Included Components | item |
| Size | 4" Drop, 2-5/16" Ball, 2" Shank, 4-3/8" Brkt |
