Andersen makes three adjustable ball mounts: the aluminum Rapid Hitch, the Greaseless Rapid Hitch, and the steel EZ Hitch. All three let you change the ball height by pulling a pin, and all three carry a two-size combo ball, so one mount can level several trailers. They differ in material, rack sizes, receiver sizes and ratings, and the ratings change with the shank size. Here is how to choose, using Andersen's own figures for each part.
The three at a glance
| Rapid Hitch | Greaseless Rapid Hitch | EZ Hitch | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Polished aluminum | Polished aluminum | Steel |
| Ball | 2 x 2-5/16 in plated steel combo | 2 x 2-5/16 in Greaseless AlumiBall combo | 2 x 2-5/16 in plated steel combo |
| Drop/rise racks we stock | 4, 6, 8, 10 in (2 in shank); 4, 8 in (2-1/2 in) | 4, 8 in (2 and 2-1/2 in shank) | 4, 6, 8 in (2 and 2-1/2 in); 4, 8 in (3 in) |
| Adjustment | One pin | One pin | Pins |
| Rating, 2 in shank | 8,000 lb (2 in ball) / 10,000 lb (2-5/16 in) | 8,000 lb / 10,000 lb | 10,000 lb / 14,000 lb |
| Rating, 2-1/2 in shank | 10,000 lb / 12,500 lb | 10,000 lb / 12,500 lb | 10,000 lb / 16,000 lb |
| Rating, 3 in shank | Not stocked | Not stocked | 10,000 lb / 16,000 lb |
| Tongue weight | 1,500 lb | 1,500 lb | 1,500 lb |
| Certifications | V5, SAE J684 | V5, SAE J684 | V5, SAE J684 |
The per-shank GTWR figures come from Andersen's part-by-part ratings for each kit. Andersen's product pages quote family maximums, 12,500 lb for the Rapid Hitch and 16,000 lb for the EZ Hitch, which apply only to the larger shanks with the 2-5/16 in ball. On a 2 in receiver, use the 2 in shank figures. Then compare with your receiver, your truck's tow rating and your trailer's coupler, and tow within the lowest.
Rapid Hitch: aluminum, one pin, the most drop
The Rapid Hitch is an aluminum mount; Andersen says it will not rust, chip or peel. The ball sits in a housing that slides up and down a slotted rack, and a single pin sets the height with no tools. The Rapid Hitch line is the only one with a 10 in rack, which Andersen recommends for lifted vehicles.
We stock the 2 in receiver versions in every drop: 3460 (4 in), 3410 (6 in), 3445 (8 in) and 3413 (10 in), plus the 2-1/2 in receiver 3460.25 (4 in) and 3445.25 (8 in). All come with the 2 x 2-5/16 in plated steel combo ball. Andersen also makes 1-7/8 x 2 in versions; for those balls, see the parts list below.
Two notes from Andersen's Rapid Hitch FAQ. The plating on the steel combo ball wears through over time where the coupler rubs, and Andersen recommends greasing the top of the ball to prolong its life. And because of its moving parts and mixed metals, Andersen says the Rapid Hitch is not a good path for trailer-light grounding; run the harness ground (white) wire between trailer and truck instead.
Greaseless Rapid Hitch: same mount, no grease
The Greaseless Rapid Hitch is the same aluminum mount with Andersen's Greaseless AlumiBall in place of the steel ball. Andersen's pitch is simple: no grease on your hands, the coupler or the bumper. The ratings by shank match the standard Rapid Hitch.
We stock the 3461 (2 in, 4 in drop), 3443 (2 in, 8 in drop), 3461.25 (2-1/2 in, 4 in drop) and 3443.25 (2-1/2 in, 8 in drop). Andersen also makes 6 and 10 in greaseless versions and a black anodized finish, which we do not carry.
EZ Hitch: steel, heavier trailers, 3 in receivers
The EZ Hitch uses a heavy-duty steel rack and a combo ball housing held with pins. It is the pick when you need more than the Rapid Hitch's rating or have a 3 in receiver. On a 2 in shank, Andersen rates it at 14,000 lb with the 2-5/16 in ball, against 10,000 lb for the Rapid Hitch. On 2-1/2 and 3 in shanks it reaches 16,000 lb.
We stock the 3240, 3260 and 3280 for 2 in receivers, the 3240.25, 3260.25 and 3280.25 for 2-1/2 in, and the 3240.3 and 3280.3 for 3 in. The last digits are the drop: 4, 6 or 8 in.
The EZ Hitch shares its rack with the Andersen weight distribution hitch, so the same 4, 6 and 8 in racks fit both. If you later add weight distribution, see our Andersen WD hitch guide. Andersen notes that its 3352 WD/EZ combo ball does not work with the older EZ Adjust hitches.
Which drop do you need?
Andersen's Rapid Hitch page gives a starting point based on receiver height, measured from the top of the receiver to the ground:
| Receiver to ground | Andersen's suggested drop/rise |
|---|---|
| 20 in or less | 4 in |
| 20 to 24 in | 6 in |
| 24 to 28 in | 8 in |
| 28 in or more | 10 in |
Andersen calls these estimates, because coupler height, suspension, tires and load all change the answer. The better method is to measure your trailer's coupler too and subtract; our answer on ball mount drop for a lifted truck walks through it. Since all three Andersen mounts adjust, pick the rack that covers your number with some room, and if you tow several trailers, size for the one that needs the most drop. Every rack works in the drop or the rise position.
Balls and spare parts
The combo ball turns over to switch sizes. Replacement and alternative balls we stock, with Andersen's GTWR figures:
- 3424 2 x 2-5/16 in plated steel combo: 10,000 to 12,500 lb
- 3425 1-7/8 x 2 in plated steel combo: 5,000 to 8,000 lb (Andersen's 3425 page; its price sheet says 10,000 lb, so use the lower)
- 3435 2 x 2-5/16 in Greaseless AlumiBall combo: 10,000 to 12,500 lb
- 3436 1-7/8 x 2 in Greaseless AlumiBall combo: 5,000 to 10,000 lb
Those are the balls' own ratings. When a ball goes on a hitch, the hitch's rating for your shank still applies, so a 12,500 lb ball on a 2 in shank Rapid Hitch is still a 10,000 lb setup at most. Our answer on ball sizes, shanks and the rating trap explains why the lowest-rated part wins.
Racks are sold separately if you change trucks: Rapid Hitch racks from the 3441 4 in to the 3442 10 in, and the 3423 ball housing. Everything is in the Andersen Hitches collection.
How to choose
- Light to mid-size trailers, several of them, and you want aluminum: Rapid Hitch. Pick the Greaseless version if you want no grease on the ball.
- A lifted truck that needs 10 in: the Rapid Hitch 3413, the only 10 in rack of the three that we stock.
- A heavier trailer on a 2 in receiver, up to Andersen's 14,000 lb: EZ Hitch with the 2-5/16 in ball.
- A 3 in receiver: EZ Hitch 3240.3 or 3280.3.
- A bumper-pull camper that sways or squats the truck: neither; look at the weight distribution hitch.
FAQ
Can the Rapid Hitch tow 12,500 lb on my 2 in receiver?
No. Andersen's part ratings put the 2 in shank Rapid Hitch at 10,000 lb with the 2-5/16 in ball. The 12,500 lb figure is for the 2-1/2 in shank.
Do these mounts work in the rise position?
Yes. Andersen lists every rack as drop or rise.
Does the Greaseless Rapid Hitch need any grease at all?
Andersen sells it as grease-free. Andersen also sells replacement greaseless caps for the AlumiBall.
Is the EZ Hitch rack the same as the WD hitch rack?
Yes. Andersen sells the same WD/EZ racks for both.
What tongue weight can they take?
Andersen rates all three at 1,500 lb tongue weight. Your receiver or truck may be rated lower.