Compatibility of Covert-A-Ball Interchangeable Nickel Ball Set with Aluminum Ball Mount

Published 09/25/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Convert-A-Ball Interchangeable Ball Set - 3 Balls - 1" Shank - Nickel

(546)

$64.88

Convert-A-Ball Interchangeable Hitch Ball - 1-7/8" Diameter - Stainless Steel

(10)

$29.31

Convert-A-Ball Interchangeable Ball Set - 3 Balls - 1" Shank - Stainless

(343)

$117.73

Question:

Hi. Thank you for your reply to my previous questions. I did not see the towing capacity for EACH ball size in the pack I was questioning in your response. Also, I have used steel/chrome plated balls for years on an aluminum hitch without trouble. I bought the hitch at a hitch dealer - installer, and I don't remember them specifying that I needed a stainless steel ball. Thanks for your reply these questions.

asked by: Tim

Expert Reply:

For use with an aluminum ball mount, the Convert-A-Ball Interchangeable Ball Set in stainless steel # 902B is your safest choice and my only recommendation. Regardless of which ball size you use, the weight capacity will remain at 10,000 lbs when used in conjunction with its 1" solid shank.

If you were to use the nickel ball set # 900B you referenced, the dissimilar metals coming into contact with one another can cause a reaction risking damage to the aluminum ball mount and eventually eat through the nickel coating on the balls as well.

expert reply by: Carla M

Tim

9/25/2019

Carla M.

9/25/2019

You are correct to say that plenty of people use aluminum ball mounts with regular chrome plated steel balls and/or black powder coated hitch receivers. I got in touch with my contact at Convert-A-Ball and while their recommendation is to use a stainless steel ball with an aluminum ball mount to decrease the risk of corrosion, you can use the nickel ball set if you prefer. The risk for corrosion is higher with that combination; however, it would take quite some time for the process to begin. He also confirmed that the weight capacity of their ball kits is determined by the shank, not the balls. For example, Convert-A-Ball Hitch Ball - 1-7/8" Diameter - Stainless Steel # 301B has a towing capacity of 10,000 lbs when used with the 1" stainless steel shank but when used in combination with the 3/4" stainless steel shank, it has a capacity of 5,000 lbs.