Ball mount drop hitches

[ghostrider500]

I've been looking at ball mount drop hitches and trying to decide between a steel one or an aluminum one. I know the steel will probably last longer, but the aluminum one entices me because of the anti-rust advantage. And doggone it, the aluminum one looks so shiny! So really wondering if anyone has used an aluminum hitch and how bad did it wear?

 

[ghostrider500]

So has anybody used an aluminum ball hitch? Did it do well in regards to durability and wear?

 

[denata]

Aluminum with steel forms a galvanic pair. This leads to rapid corrosion of aluminum.

 

[denata]

On the Hummer, there are many places where steel is in contact with aluminum, these places are the centers of corrosion

 

[BIGR]

@ghostrider500, sorry I can't help you I have always used the steel ball hitches, including the adjustable and solid ones.



Aluminum looks nice but I wander if it is as strong as the steel hitches?

 

[RI Chevy Silveradoman]

The Aluminum setups are made from forged billet. They are actually rated for higher than steel in some cases. I have a steel setup because it came with my camper. But a buddy of mine in construction uses the multi adjustable aluminum one. He loves it. It takes lots of abuse and he probably uses it at much higher than its rated capacity.
They are a bit more money, but I'd use it.

 

[Will L.]

The point Denata makes is valid, but if it is only in contact with steel short periods of time is shouldn’t be an issue. You also could use some of the greases or gels available to stop the majority of it. If you were to say leave a trailer constantly hitched up- you could have issues. If not and you want things staying pristine, just a quick coat before hooking up.


I would not hesitate to use the aluminum ones. They have been around for years and if they had failures, it would have happened by now. Yet to see anything on it.


@denata Sometime when you are bored, you should lift the roof of your wagon and put an insulation layer in there. Check the roof center seam while your at it and if it is starting to collect water/rust, just strip that section and use auto body caulk that closely matches the paint. Stop the issues asap before you have to think of repainting the entire rig. Using tape for hard edges and a puddy knife will make the seam look good, and stop rust collection.

And yes I made the same mistake building mine and haven’t fixed it yet on the steel to aluminum issue.

 

[FellowTraveler]

On the Hummer, there are many places where steel is in contact with aluminum, these places are the centers of corrosion

EXACTLY

 

[FellowTraveler]

I am under the impression that OXI Guard or any grounding compound for fasteners is the fix.....any of you know of this?

 

[ghostrider500]

I'm familiar with the galvanic corrosion; it's going on a Ford
I was concerned with the aluminum bending or denting/grooving. Looks like I will try an aluminum one out just to have some bling hanging out my a_....errrr receiver.

 

[RI Chevy Silveradoman]

They are usually made from forged aluminum billet. No worriesom the strength. Most rated for 10k or more...