Here's what Andersen told me when asked about chain requirement: "This is kind of a grey area. We were tested as a fifth wheel hitch and are approved as a fifth wheel hitch. According to DOT regulations because it is a fifth wheel hitch we does not need safety chains. However we do utilize a gooseneck ball to secure the fifth wheel hitch into place creating a solid base with no moving points. On conventional gooseneck trailers chains are required due to the latching mechanism on the gooseneck trailer. The Andersen Ultimate Connection does not utilize a latch nor does it pivot at the point of the ball. Our unconventional setup is much like the OEM puck system that is utilized to accept fifth wheel hitches sold in the newer trucks today. Unfortunately it is up to the DOT office to interpret the regulations and laws. We have only heard of one case, out of the 40,000 units that we have on the road today, where the DOT officer insisted on having the customer add safety chains to his setup. For this reason we do offer safety chains (part # 3230) for our Ultimate Connection."
I had the Companion hitch and other than weight, it was great. I had the gooseneck version so just dropped it in, latch it, tighten the top bolt and take off. Other than weight, it as easy as the Andersen. But if you move it in and out a lot, that weight becomes a big pain (and seems bigger the older I get). You don't need chains for sure with the Companion if that's important.
Might be that you could do trial runs with each for a comparison. That's nice about either of these two systems - they go in and out easily. Welcome to use try my Andersen but it's the gooseneck version. As many folks as you know and see, I'm sure someone would let you check'em out.
This what the bed looks like empty. Nice and clean and flat.
Jim - thank you for your feedback and your comparison. This is like being on a see-saw, going back and forth between this hitch, that hitch, this pinbox, that pinbox.
I've never had a gooseneck ball in a truck bed, but I don't fear it either. It's the dang chains that I'd prefer not to have dragging and banging all over plus scratching the paint on the hitch.
Forum user Covered Wagon emailed me several pictures of his Andersen hitch and a video of hitching up with it. Thanks Dave!
Keep the feedback coming.