Andersen Ultimate 5th wheel latch cable sticks

[Dan54]

I’ve had an Andersen Ultimate hitch for over 6 years & recently added a second on our new trailer. On a recent trip the latch cable that engages the pin that holds the kingpin adapter on the ball jammed occasionally. By fiddling around with it & raising the trailer slightly to relieve pressure I was able to get it to move again & secure the trailer to the hitch. This didn’t happen when removing the trailer & it seemed this happened when it was cooler (below 45-50 degrees). Yesterday it happened again but I was unable to make it function properly when attached but it would work when removed from the kingpin adapter. There is no apparent damage to it. To temporarily overcome this issue I was able to disassemble, set the trailer down on the ball & reassemble. I don’t think this was truly secure though but I did move the trailer because I was only moving it 5 miles over paved roads.
I was going to replace it but decided to hold off since it functions properly when not attached/inserted into the kingpin adapter.
Anyone have any suggestions? Thanks!


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[scayne62]

I’ve had an Andersen Ultimate hitch for over 6 years & recently added a second on our new trailer. On a recent trip the latch cable that engages the pin that holds the kingpin adapter on the ball jammed occasionally. By fiddling around with it & raising the trailer slightly to relieve pressure I was able to get it to move again & secure the trailer to the hitch. This didn’t happen when removing the trailer & it seemed this happened when it was cooler (below 45-50 degrees). Yesterday it happened again but I was unable to make it function properly when attached but it would work when removed from the kingpin adapter. There is no apparent damage to it. To temporarily overcome this issue I was able to disassemble, set the trailer down on the ball & reassemble. I don’t think this was truly secure though but I did move the trailer because I was only moving it 5 miles over paved roads.
I was going to replace it but decided to hold off since it functions properly when not attached/inserted into the kingpin adapter.
Anyone have any suggestions? Thanks!


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When was the last time you lubed it all? cable to pin, you can spray lube at the handle and let it roll downhill through the cable, also I would use dry silicone on the pin portion as to not attract dirt.

 

[Dan54]

Found the cause when I picked up the Paradigm Tuesday. I removed the slide pin from the kingpin adapter & saw that it had significant dent on the end of the pin. This also caused an irregularly (metal pushed up on the edge of the dent) that I filed as smooth as possible. Slide pin still wouldn’t slide fully into the engaged position so I’m thinking it was also bent. Looks like I’ll order a new one but I’m wondering what could have dented & bent the pin. The dealer & the storage facility both use forklifts with an attached ball to lift 5th wheels. But that wouldn’t seem to put enough force on the adapter pin to damage it that severely.


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[jmarnell]

We've been using the Andersen Ultimate hitch with our big Cyclone for many years with no problems with the pin. I wonder if either the dealer or the storage facility tried to attach their forklift to the hitch when the pin was partially extended when they tried to hook up to it. That's all I can think could have bent the end of the pin.

 

[CoveredWagon]

When you take your rig to a dealer or shop, make sure you either lock the pin in the open position or remove the adapter.

 

[Dan54]

When you take your rig to a dealer or shop, make sure you either lock the pin in the open position or remove the adapter.

I’ll do that. Replacing the pin is not something I want to make a habit of since it’s going to run about $100 to replace!


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