What version of the Ultimate 5th Wheel Connection will work for my truck and trailer?
ultimate connection, ranch hitch
If you are considering purchasing an Ultimate 5th Wheel Connection or Ranch Hitch Adapter for your 5th Wheel, you will want to make sure to purchase an Ultimate Connection or Ranch Hitch that is compatible for your truck, trailer, and pin box setup. Below are a few steps to help you determine which would be best.
determine truck bed size and bed configuration
Depending on the type of truck bed size and bed configuration, you will either want the Rail Version of Ultimate Connection (Part #: 3200), Gooseneck Mount (Part #: 3220), the Lowered Gooseneck Mount for flatbeds (Part#: 3221), or the Raised Gooseneck Mount (Part #3217). The Ultimate Connect Gooseneck Mount (3220) is the most common version.
Refer to our 5th Wheel Hitch Configuration Chart & Configuration Chart to determine which version of Ultimate is compatible with your truck bed.
As with any 5th Wheel hitch, there is a point beyond which every trailer will contact the tow vehicle. Each trailer is unique, so become familiar with your specific vehicle/trailer limitations for turning clearance and side rail clearance. With this in mind, these two diagrams (found on pages 4 and 5 of the Ultimate Connection Install Manual) will help determine an approximate turning and side rail clearance.
For more accurate measurements, you can refer to the Dimensions Sheets for the Ultimate Connection.
TURNING CLEARANCE
To figure your approximate turning clearance do the following: Use a tape measure, determine the distance of Measurement 1on yoru Trailer (see diagram below). Next, determine Measurement 2 on the tow vehicle (see same diagram).
NOTE: If the coupler block is not installed, you can get an approximate idea for Measurement 1 by placing the tape measure on the center of the kingpin and then measure the distance to the furthest corner of the trailer front end. If the base is not installed, Measurement 2 can be determined by measure from the cab to the center of the gooseneck ball in the bed of the truck and then adding 5 inches to the number.
If Measurement 1 is SHORTER than Measurement 2 then you might be close to having perfect clearance. However, “perfect clearance” is not really necessary for 5th wheel trailer towing, most truck/trailer combinations work great with 60°-70° turning clearance.
Side Rail Clearance
For adequate tailgate and side rail clearance Measurement 3 (center of the installed Coupler Block’s ball socket to the rear of the trailer’s pin box) should be shorter than both Measurement 4 and Measurement 5 (center of the Ultimate Ball to the inside of the side rails and tailgate).
If this is not the case with the coupler block in Position 1, you may need to install the Coupler Block in Position 2 with the greaseless opening behind the trailer kingpin. Also, keep in mind that therecan be 15° up-and-down movement of the pin box, so be sure to allow for that above the tailgate and side rails.
IMPORTANT: When properly installed, the pin box should be able to rotate inside the bed of the truck. For longer pin boxes, Position 2 installation provides better side rail clearance than Position 1.
Check for pin box compatibility
Because there are several different variations of pin boxes, not every Andersen 5th wheel hitch will be compatible. Depending on the type of pin box you have, will determine the type of hitch that will work best for your setup. As a general rule of thumb, solid pin boxes work great and moveable pin boxes will usually need locked in place. You can find more info about this in the configuration chart.
If you are having trouble determining which Andersen 5th Wheel Hitch is compatible for your setup up, email customerservice@anderseninc.com with the following info:
