I've been on the lookout for a WDH with a 3" shank. My prior searches came up empty but tonight I found the Andersen. Weight Distribution Hitch Kit - 8" drop/rise, 2-5/16" ball 14K (3", 4", 5", 6" frame brackets) | Andersen Hitches

It looks very different from other WDH that use a trunnion bar. Is anyone using a WDH like this?

As near as I can tell, you need part number 3398-3. 3398 isn't good enough to get the 3" shank.

 

This is my second year usng the Anderson WDH. It works very well and is much easier to set up and hook up each time you use it. I have had no problems with it. I use the 2 1/2 inch shank.

 

Does the chain transfer as much weight as a trunnion bar?

Did you have any issues getting the right parts? I'm looking at the part that clamps to the trailer. It looks like there may be different part numbers depending on the size of the trailer's frame.

 

Yes the chain does transfer the weight very well. I just measured the frame height and ordered the one that will fit. No problems.

 

I just got off the phone with the folks at Anderson Hitches. I'm going to get the 3" shank with 4" drop. They're going to call me back with the right part numbers.

They did say that the chain system doesn't transfer as much weight as a spring bar system does. Something like 30%. However, they didn't qualify exactly what 30% meant. I'm not as worried about the weight distribution part of the hitch. My F-350 tows pretty good with a standard ball mount (no WDH). But I do want the sway control. If some weight distribution is included that's a bonus.

Update: The part number for the 3" shank with 4" drop package is 3394-3. This has a 16K GVWR with a 1,600 lbs tongue weight.

 

Last week I put in an order on the Andersen Hitches web site. Monday my credit card was charged so I thought the order was in progress. Not so. Today I received an email saying that the hitch was on backorder until June 23rd. I had ordered from Andersen's web site (and paid a good amount for shipping) thinking I would get my order faster.

Here's the interesting part. While I ordered from Andersen's web site it sounds like I wasn't really ordering from them. My order went through one of their dealers. The email saying the hitch was backordered said, "You will not be charged for the backordered items until they are available to ship." Obviously, that wasn't the case.

I cancelled my order and then found another vendor with a discounted price ($20 less) and free shipping (saving $31.80). I figure as long as it drop ships from Andersen anyhow and everybody has the same backorder problem there is no reason for me to pay extra just to order "direct" from Andersen.

I have at least one other Andersen product. I'm not knocking their products but their order process left me unhappy and I told them that on the phone.