Troubleshooting Loose Hitch Connection with Ball Mount

Updated 07/16/2019 | Published 07/15/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Rapid Hitch Adjustable, Aluminum Ball Mount Kit w/ 2 Zinc Balls - 5-1/2" Drop

(534)

$269.98

Roadmaster Quiet Hitch for 2" Trailer Hitches

(1537)

$40.18

Question:

I have a 2014 Ford Explorer Sport. I bought a cheaper adjustable hitch due to needing it immediately. It has a lot of movement with the two connection points. Does this hitch have the same issue or is it secured tightly?

asked by: Jason

Expert Reply:

The Andersen Rapid Hitch Adjustable Ball Mount # AM3410 that you referenced is an excellent product that's designed to fit securely into a 2 inch hitch receiver. I can't give an honest assessment on how this compares to the unit you purchased but there certainly won't be a lot of movement with this particular ball mount when it's in place on your Explorer. I have attached a test course video below just so you can get a better idea of its stability during travel.

With that being said, there's going to be a little movement with any hitch-mounted accessory just because of factory variances between both the accessory and the hitch receiver. To counter this I recommend using an anti-rattle device such as the Roadmaster Quiet Hitch # RM-061. This will slide over the shank of the Anderson (or your existing) ball mount and hook around the collar of the hitch receiver to hold the ball mount tight against it for a stable and quiet connection.

Please just note that your trailer hitch receiver does need to have a ring or collar around it for this to work. I have attached a video demonstration on this product along with a link that will take you to our complete selection of anti-rattle devices that you can look through.

expert reply by: Chris R