Will There be Rattle When Using Rapid Hitch Adjustable Aluminum Ball Mount Kit # AM3460

Updated 09/12/2013 | Published 09/10/2013

Products Featured in This Question

Rapid Hitch Adjustable Aluminum Ball Mount Kit - 2 Zinc Balls - 4" Drop or Rise

(537)

$299.98

Rapid Hitch Trailer Hitch Lock and Adjustment Pin Lock Set for 2" and 2-1/2" Hitches

(423)

$44.98

Question:

Is there a lot a rattle in this system? I see three joints that are not lock tight i ball shaft in collar, ii collar on stem, and iii stem in receiver. Seems to me from the video that the clearances were large enough to move the pieces for the adjustability this design offers but with this many pinned joints, I have to believe there is standard if not greater rattle that the typical welded mount with threaded ball.

asked by: Matt S

Expert Reply:

As you note, the primary value of this aluminum ball mount # AM3460 from Andersen is the range of adjust-ability which enables it to work with a variety of trailer and vehicle heights, and both 2-inch and 2-5/16-inch coupler sizes. If you typically tow more than one trailer on a regular basis this convenience may outweigh any minor rattle in this system. It is also light in weight at 19-lbs compared to steel ball mounts.

It is true that this adjustable ball mount has three mechanical joints where motion/rattle could occur: at the hitch ball pin (that secures it to the ball platform); where the ball platform joins the adjustable portion of the shank; and at the hitch pin hole where the shank meets the receiver opening. However, because this system is CNC-milled aluminum, rather than forged or bent steel, it is machined to much tighter tolerances. Compared to a typical one-piece steel ball mount there will be somewhat more potential play and rattle, but the trailer tongue weight will tend to dampen this.

My contact at Andersen advised that this is their best-selling adjustable ball mount and that they receive very little comment about rattle. Over the course of its production lifetime, the manufacturing tolerances have been fine-tuned to find the best balance between solidity and ease of use.

We also offer a locking pin set to secure both the ball platform and shank portion from theft, part # AM3492.

expert reply by: Adam R