cbagee

That seems like a good way to go for unhitching, but I don't think it will work well with hitching unless everything is perfectly aligned. Yes, when I do it the TV comes up a few inches, otherwise you will not have enough slack to put the pin in. I saw a video where that was done, so I assumed it was fine to do so. It was fine for a while but now the ball moves up out of the collar very slightly, enough to pinch the pin so that it is unmovable. Hitching is definitely more fussy than unhitching! I did see the video for hitching that you mention. Thanks! Carl

I have the same problem! Recently the ball shaft has started to move slightly up out of the ball housing when I take weight off the ball with the trailer's support leg jack. This is when I am unhooking the trailer or hooking it up and want to put slack in the weight distribution chains. This movement of the ball pinches the pin against the ball housing so that it cannot be removed to take off the tension plate. As a work-around I am removing the shackle pins instead. Then I put force back on the ball with the trailer jack down, the ball moves back down slightly in the housing and the pin can be removed. I am concerned that this is not normal, the spring clip seems to pop out when the ball is lifted and snaps back in when downward force is applied. There is a load popping noise when this happens. Overall, I think the Anderson design makes it quite fussy to hitch and unhitch, especially if you are in a tight camping space. Now this ball movement issue makes it even more fussy. Carl Agee Elite-1

Here is screenshot of the Excel sheet. By the way, in Germany this same Sprinter has a MB specified towing capacity (with trailer brakes) of 3500 kg which is 7716 lbs. For some reason in the USA the Sprinter has a 5000# towing capacity. The same discrepancy exists for the Audi Q5. In Germany the Q5 has an Audi specified towing capacity (with trailer brakes) of 2400 kg (with brakes) this is 5291 pounds. For the same Q5 in the USA it is 4400 pounds.

That was a great video. I actually downloaded the excel spreadsheet and did the calculation for my Sprinter and the Elite. Turns out that the Sprinter has ample capacity for this trailer. That's what I had thought originally but was called into question on this message board. Thanks!!!!

Hi Fritz, I am not completely clear on what to take away from your messages. Do you tow an Elite with your Sprinter? My Sprinter is 2500 cargo van. I have no idea what it weighs as it sits in my driveway, all I know is that its specifications give two numbers: towing capacity=5000 lbs and GVWR=8500 lbs. Since the Oliver specs give GVWR=5000 lbs. and Dry weight=3400 lbs, I was under the impression that this would be an acceptable match. Since I am already spending a fair amount of money buying a new Oliver, I was not planning on buying a new truck to go with it -- money doesn't grow on trees! I am surprised that the Oliver webpage and salespeople aren't more clear about what can tow an Elite and what can't. Thanks, Carl

I will be picking up my new Oliver Elite this summer and have the choice of towing it with these two vehicles: 2011 MB Sprinter or 2018 Audi Q5. The Sprinter has a towing capacity of 5000 lbs (gvwr 8500 lbs) and the Q5 towing capacity is 4400 lbs. (5357 lbs gvwr). I see where the dry weight of the Elite is 3400 lbs and the GVWR is 5000 lbs. The Sprinter is 188 hp diesel and the Audi is 248 hp gasoline. I note that the Q5 towing capacity is a bit under the 5000 lbs of the Elite GVWR. Any suggestions besides buying a new truck? Thanks!