Adjustable Hitch Mounts for Beginners

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Your trailer sits nose-high, the coupler will not reach the ball, and the truck you just bought has a receiver two inches higher than the last one. That is the moment most beginners discover the adjustable hitch mount — one ball mount that slides up and down so the trailer rides level, no matter which truck or trailer you hook up.

A fixed ball mount only works when the truck and the trailer happen to match. An adjustable mount works when they do not, which is most of the time: a lifted truck and a low utility trailer, a stock SUV and a tall camper, or two trailers with different coupler heights. The adjustment is a pin and a channel, not a toolbox, and it takes seconds.

This guide compares five adjustable ball mounts for beginners, on maker documents and retailer listings. No mount here was tested by us; every rating below is traced to the maker or a published listing, and the two ratings that disagree between sources are flagged where they appear.

The 30-second answer

Buy the CURT 45900 if you have a 2-inch receiver and want the standard adjustable mount that fits most trucks. Buy the Weigh Safe 180 CTB6-3 if you want a built-in tongue-weight scale and a 3-inch receiver. Buy the B&W Tow & Stow TS20040B if you want the mount to stow under the truck when you are not towing. Buy the CURT 45902 if you have a 2.5-inch receiver and tow heavy equipment up to 20,000 pounds. Buy the Andersen Rapid Hitch 3405 if you lift the mount on and off often and want aluminium instead of steel.

How we researched this guide

We profiled eight adjustable ball mounts, checked five maker documents and installation guides, verified five Amazon listings, and reviewed five groups of owner reports. Five mounts made the slate; three were excluded on documented grounds. Two ratings disagree between sources and are flagged in the reviews.

Quick picks

Best Overall

CURT 45900 Adjustable Ball Mount

A channel-style adjustable ball mount for 2-inch receivers with a 6-inch drop, 5-1/4-inch rise and dual balls, rated 14,000 pounds with the 2-5/16-inch ball.

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Best Built-in Scale

Weigh Safe 180 CTB6-3

A 180-degree turnover ball mount for 3-inch receivers with a 6-inch drop, a built-in tongue-weight scale and a 21,000-pound gross trailer weight rating.

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Best Stowable

B&W Tow & Stow TS20040B

A dual-ball adjustable mount for 2.5-inch receivers with a 7-inch drop that stows under the truck, rated 14,500 pounds with the 2-5/16-inch ball.

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Best Heavy-Duty

CURT 45902 Adjustable Ball Mount

The same channel-style adjustable mount as the 45900, built for 2.5-inch receivers with a 20,000-pound rating, a 6-inch drop and a 5-1/4-inch rise.

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Best Lightweight

Andersen Rapid Hitch 3405

An aluminium adjustable ball mount with a greaseless AlumiBall, a 6-inch drop and rise in 1-inch increments, rated 10,000 pounds with the 2-5/16-inch ball on the 2-inch shank.

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Match an adjustable hitch mount to your receiver, your trailer and your towing

Hitch mount finder — answer three questions

Step 1 — What receiver does your truck have?




Step 2 — What matters most to you?




Step 3 — What else matters?




Tell the calculator what receiver your truck has first — the mount must fit it exactly. Add what matters most and the rest, and your matching mount appears here, with its buying route stated honestly.

Quick compare

Product Receiver Drop / Rise Max GTW Best for Check Price
CURT 45900 Adjustable Ball Mount 2 inch 6 in drop, 5-1/4 in rise 14,000 lbs Most trucks, first mount Check Price
Weigh Safe 180 CTB6-3 3 inch 6 in drop, rise position 21,000 lbs Heavy trailers, tongue weight Check Price
B&W Tow & Stow TS20040B 2.5 inch 7 in drop, 7-1/2 in rise 14,500 lbs Stowing, daily drivers Check Price
CURT 45902 Adjustable Ball Mount 2.5 inch 6 in drop, 5-1/4 in rise 20,000 lbs Heavy equipment, big boats Check Price
Andersen Rapid Hitch 3405 2 inch 6 in drop/rise, 1 in steps 10,000 lbs Frequent on-off, no grease Check Price

How to choose an adjustable hitch mount

1. Measure the drop before you shop

Park the trailer level, measure from the ground to the top of the coupler, then measure from the ground to the top of your receiver. The difference is the drop you need — or the rise, if the coupler sits higher. Lippert’s guide walks through the same measurement with the CURT 45900 as the example. A wireless dash camera over the driveway records the hook-up so you can check the level later.

2. Match the receiver size exactly

A 2-inch shank will not fit a 2.5-inch receiver, and a 2.5-inch shank will not fit a 2-inch receiver. Adapters exist, but they cut the rating and add play. Read the size stamped on your receiver, then buy the mount built for it. A front-and-rear dash cam is the same habit applied to the road: measure first, buy once.

3. Size the rating to the trailer, with margin

The mount’s rating must cover the trailer’s gross weight, and the lowest-rated part of the whole towing system sets the limit — mount, receiver, ball and coupler. A good rule is to keep the trailer’s loaded weight comfortably below the mount’s rating, and to check the ball size rating separately, since the 2-inch ball is always rated lower than the 2-5/16-inch ball.

4. Check both ball sizes, not just the headline

Most adjustable mounts quote the big number — 14,000 or 20,000 pounds — and that number belongs to the 2-5/16-inch ball. The 2-inch ball on the same mount is rated lower, sometimes by half. If your trailer has a 2-inch coupler, the smaller number is your limit, and the headline does not apply.

5. Decide how often the mount comes off

A steel mount that stays on the truck all season is fine at 37 pounds. A mount you lift on and off every weekend is not — the aluminium Andersen exists for exactly that owner. Weight matters more than most beginners expect, because a heavy mount gets left on, and a mount left on gets stolen or rusted in place.

6. Read the fine print on the rating

Two mounts in this guide carry headline ratings that do not match their per-shank figures. The B&W title quotes 18,000 pounds while the spec listing says 14,500, and the Andersen headline quotes the 2.5-inch shank figures. Always read the rating for your shank size, not the family maximum.

Adjustable hitch mounts by budget

Tier What you get Example pick
First mount A standard adjustable mount for a 2-inch receiver that covers most trailers CURT 45900, Andersen Rapid Hitch 3405
Heavy towing A 2.5 or 3-inch receiver mount rated for heavy equipment and big campers CURT 45902, Weigh Safe 180 CTB6-3
Daily driver A mount that stows away when you are not towing, for trucks that commute B&W Tow & Stow TS20040B

Types of adjustable hitch mounts

Type How it works Best for
Channel-style mounts A slotted channel shank with holes; the ball platform slides and pins at the height you need Most beginners, most trailers
Turnover ball mounts A double-sided ball flips 180 degrees between two sizes, with a built-in scale on some models Owners who tow two trailers and check tongue weight
Stowable mounts The ball and platform rotate underneath the truck and lock there when not towing Daily drivers, garage parking
Aluminium mounts A lightweight alloy mount with a greaseless ball, adjusted with a single pin Frequent on-off, lighter trailers

Detailed reviews: every mount, on maker evidence

Each mount below was checked against its maker document or retailer listing and against owner reports. Ratings are stated for the shank size sold on the listing, and the two ratings that disagree between sources are flagged where they appear.

Best Overall: CURT 45900 Adjustable Ball Mount

Best Overall

Why the CURT 45900 Adjustable Ball Mount is our pick

The CURT 45900 is the mount this guide recommends first, because it is the one that fits the most beginners. A 2-inch receiver is the size most half-ton trucks and SUVs carry, and the channel-style shank slides the ball platform to a 6-inch drop or a 5-1/4-inch rise, which covers nearly every trailer height a beginner will meet. The dual ball — 2 inch and 2-5/16 inch — means one mount tows two different couplers, and the gross trailer weight rating is 14,000 pounds with the larger ball and 10,000 with the smaller one, per the listing. Lippert’s own adjustable hitch guide uses the 45900 as its worked example for measuring drop and rise.

CURT 45900 Adjustable Ball Mount key specs

  • Receiver: 2 inch
  • Drop: 6 inches
  • Rise: 5-1/4 inches
  • Balls: 2 inch and 2-5/16 inch dual ball
  • GTW: 14,000 lbs (2-5/16-in ball)
  • GTW: 10,000 lbs (2-in ball)
  • Shank: 2 x 2 inch channel style
  • Features: anti-rattle, dual ball, pintle-ready

CURT 45900 Adjustable Ball Mount: fits and best for

Fits trucks and SUVs with a 2-inch Class III or IV receiver and trailers with 2-inch or 2-5/16-inch couplers. Best for a first adjustable mount, or for owners towing two trailers of different heights. Not for 2.5-inch receivers — the shank will not fit, and the CURT 45902 is the same mount in the larger size.

CURT 45900 Adjustable Ball Mount pros and watch-outs

  • Fits the common 2-inch receiver
  • 6-inch drop and 5-1/4-inch rise cover most trailers
  • Dual ball tows two coupler sizes
  • Anti-rattle design keeps towing quiet
  • Steel construction is heavy to lift on and off
  • 14,000-pound rating is below the heavy-duty mounts
  • No built-in scale or stow position

CURT 45900 Adjustable Ball Mount: what owners report

Owners report the adjustable channel makes levelling a trailer a seconds-long job, and the dual ball covers both of their trailers. Complete guide to adjustable trailer hitches, Lippert

Reviewers comparing the 45900 and 45902 note the two mounts are identical except for receiver size and rating. CURT 45900 vs 45902, Movrify

CURT 45900 Adjustable Ball Mount: who should not buy

Do not buy it if your receiver is 2.5 inches — the shank will not fit, and the 45902 is the correct mount. It is also the wrong pick if you need to know your tongue weight; the Weigh Safe 180 has a built-in scale for that job.

CURT 45900 Adjustable Ball Mount: pair it with

Pair it with a 12V air compressor for the trailer tyres, and a locking hitch pin so the mount stays on the truck.

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Measure the drop before you order: receiver height minus coupler height, with the trailer level. Our multimeter guide covers checking the trailer wiring while the mount is off.

Best Built-in Scale: Weigh Safe 180 CTB6-3

Best Built-in Scale

Why the Weigh Safe 180 CTB6-3 is our pick

The Weigh Safe 180 is the only mount in this guide that answers the question beginners ask most: how much tongue weight am I actually carrying? Its built-in gauge reads the tongue weight as you lower the coupler onto the ball, so you can shift the load before you drive instead of guessing. The 180 turnover ball flips between 2 inch and 2-5/16 inch without tools, the 6-inch drop covers lifted trucks, and the maker rates the 3-inch receiver version at 21,000 pounds gross trailer weight with a 2,200-pound tongue weight. It is built from aircraft grade aluminium, so it is strong without the weight of steel.

Weigh Safe 180 CTB6-3 key specs

  • Receiver: 3 inch
  • Drop: 6 inches
  • Balls: 2 inch and 2-5/16 inch double-sided
  • GTW: 21,000 lbs max
  • Tongue weight: 2,200 lbs max
  • Scale: built-in tongue-weight gauge
  • Material: aircraft grade aluminium
  • Positions: drop and rise

Weigh Safe 180 CTB6-3: fits and best for

Fits heavy-duty trucks with a 3-inch receiver and trailers up to 21,000 pounds. Best for owners who tow heavy and want to set tongue weight properly. Not for a 2-inch receiver — the shank will not fit, and the 2-inch version of the 180 is a different part number.

Weigh Safe 180 CTB6-3 pros and watch-outs

  • Built-in tongue-weight scale
  • 21,000-pound GTW on the 3-inch receiver
  • Turnover ball flips between two sizes
  • Aluminium build, lighter than steel
  • Only fits 3-inch receivers in this version
  • The scale adds cost over a plain mount
  • Not stowable under the truck like the B&W

Weigh Safe 180 CTB6-3: what owners report

The maker rates the 180 Turnover Hitch up to 21,000 pounds GTW and 2,200 pounds tongue weight, with the gauge built into the mount. Weigh Safe 180 Hitch, Weigh Safe

The 180 is available in 4, 6, 8 and 10-inch drop lengths and 2, 2.5 and 3-inch receiver sizes, and works in both drop and rise positions, per the maker page. Weigh Safe 180 Hitch, Weigh Safe

Weigh Safe 180 CTB6-3: who should not buy

Do not buy it if your receiver is 2 or 2.5 inches — this version is built for a 3-inch receiver only. It is also the wrong pick if you want the mount to disappear when not towing; the B&W Tow & Stow stows under the truck.

Weigh Safe 180 CTB6-3: pair it with

Pair it with a larger 12V air compressor for the trailer tyres, and a tongue-weight log so you learn what your trailer weighs loaded.

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Read the scale with the trailer level and the coupler fully seated — a tilted trailer reads heavy. Our jump starter guide covers the other heavy-truck essential for the road.

Best Stowable: B&W Tow & Stow TS20040B

Best Stowable

Why the B&W Tow & Stow TS20040B is our pick

The B&W Tow & Stow solves the problem the other mounts leave behind: what to do with the mount when you are not towing. Its ball and platform rotate underneath the truck and lock there, so nothing sticks out to catch your shin or your garage door. The 7-inch drop and 7-1/2-inch rise adjust in 1-inch increments with stainless pins and no tools, and the dual ball covers 2-inch and 2-5/16-inch couplers. One rating needs a flag: the Amazon title lists 18,000 pounds GTW, but the retailer spec listing rates this 2.5-inch model at 14,500 pounds with the 2-5/16-inch ball and 7,500 with the 2-inch ball. This guide uses the retailer figures, and the 18,000 figure is the one to ignore.

B&W Tow & Stow TS20040B key specs

  • Receiver: 2.5 inch
  • Drop: 7 inches
  • Rise: 7-1/2 inches
  • Balls: 2 inch and 2-5/16 inch dual ball
  • GTW: 14,500 lbs (2-5/16-in ball)
  • GTW: 7,500 lbs (2-in ball)
  • Adjustment: 1-inch increments, no tools
  • Warranty: limited lifetime

B&W Tow & Stow TS20040B: fits and best for

Fits trucks with a 2.5-inch Class V receiver, including heavy-duty pickups. Best for daily drivers who tow on weekends and want the mount out of the way the rest of the week. Not for 2-inch receivers, and not for trailers over 14,500 pounds.

B&W Tow & Stow TS20040B pros and watch-outs

  • Stows under the truck when not towing
  • Tool-free height changes in seconds
  • Dual ball covers two coupler sizes
  • Made in the USA, limited lifetime warranty
  • Amazon title GTW figure disagrees with the spec listing
  • Only fits 2.5-inch receivers
  • Needs 11 inches of ground clearance to stow

B&W Tow & Stow TS20040B: what owners report

Retailers list the 2.5-inch Tow & Stow at 7,500 pounds with the 2-inch ball and 14,500 pounds with the 2-5/16-inch ball. B&W Tow & Stow 2-ball mount, Trailer Parts Unlimited

B&W subjects every Tow & Stow hitch to SAE J-684 strength and endurance testing, per the maker’s own description. B&W Tow & Stow guide, Top Cargo Box

B&W Tow & Stow TS20040B: who should not buy

Do not buy it if your receiver is 2 inches — the shank will not fit, and the 2-inch Tow & Stow is a different model. It is also the wrong pick if you tow over 14,500 pounds; the CURT 45902 or the Weigh Safe 180 is rated higher.

B&W Tow & Stow TS20040B: pair it with

Pair it with a garage floor mat under the parking space, since a stowed mount still drips road grime.

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Check the ground clearance before you stow it — the maker requires 11 inches under the lowest part of the hitch. Our 4K dash cam guide covers recording the hook-up so you can check it later.

Best Heavy-Duty: CURT 45902 Adjustable Ball Mount

Best Heavy-Duty

Why the CURT 45902 Adjustable Ball Mount is our pick

The CURT 45902 is the 45900 with a bigger shank and a bigger rating. Everything else is the same mount: the channel-style shank, the 6-inch drop and 5-1/4-inch rise, the dual ball, and the built-in anti-rattle set bolt that presses against the receiver wall to kill the rattle before it starts. The difference is the 2.5-inch receiver and the 20,000-pound gross trailer weight rating with the 2-5/16-inch ball, which is the number that matters for heavy equipment and large boats. Reviewers who compared the two mounts call them completely identical in adjustment, and different only in receiver size and rating.

CURT 45902 Adjustable Ball Mount key specs

  • Receiver: 2.5 inch
  • Drop: 6 inches
  • Rise: 5-1/4 inches
  • Balls: 2 inch and 2-5/16 inch dual ball
  • GTW: 20,000 lbs (2-5/16-in ball)
  • GTW: 10,000 lbs (2-in ball)
  • Shank: 2-1/2 x 2-1/2 inch channel style
  • Features: anti-rattle set bolt, dual ball

CURT 45902 Adjustable Ball Mount: fits and best for

Fits trucks with a 2.5-inch Class V receiver and trailers with 2-inch or 2-5/16-inch couplers. Best for heavy equipment, large boats and big campers. Not for 2-inch receivers — it will not fit, and the 45900 is the same mount in the smaller size.

CURT 45902 Adjustable Ball Mount pros and watch-outs

  • 20,000-pound GTW, highest steel rating here
  • Same proven channel design as the 45900
  • Anti-rattle set bolt included
  • Dual ball tows two coupler sizes
  • Weighs 37 pounds — heavy to lift on and off
  • Only fits 2.5-inch receivers
  • No built-in scale or stow position

CURT 45902 Adjustable Ball Mount: what owners report

Reviewers call the 45902 the heavyweight of the lineup, built for a 2.5-inch Class V receiver with a 20,000-pound GTW ceiling. Best adjustable trailer hitch ball mount, HomeToSight

The two-ball design covers both standard and heavy couplers, and the included hardened pins mean nothing is left to guesswork. Best adjustable trailer hitch ball mount, HomeToSight

CURT 45902 Adjustable Ball Mount: who should not buy

Do not buy it if your receiver is 2 inches — the shank will not fit, and the 45900 is the correct mount. It is also the wrong pick if you lift the mount on and off daily; at 37 pounds it is heavy, and the aluminium Andersen is lighter.

CURT 45902 Adjustable Ball Mount: pair it with

Pair it with a 12V air compressor for the trailer tyres, and a locking hitch pin rated for a Class V receiver.

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Tighten the anti-rattle set bolt after the mount is pinned — it presses against the receiver wall and stops the chucking. Our interior LED kit guide covers lighting the hook-up area for night towing.

Best Lightweight: Andersen Rapid Hitch 3405

Best Lightweight

Why the Andersen Rapid Hitch 3405 is our pick

The Andersen Rapid Hitch is the mount for owners who lift it on and off the truck every time they tow. It is built from an aluminium super alloy that the maker says will never rust, chip or peel, and the Greaseless AlumiBall means no grease on your hands, the coupler or the bumper. One rating needs a flag: the listing headline quotes 10,000 and 12,500 pounds, but those are the 2.5-inch shank figures.

Andersen Rapid Hitch 3405 key specs

  • Receiver: 2 inch
  • Drop/rise: 6 inches, 1-inch increments
  • Ball: 2 x 2-5/16 inch Greaseless AlumiBall
  • GTW: 10,000 lbs (2-5/16-in ball, 2-in shank)
  • GTW: 8,000 lbs (2-in ball, 2-in shank)
  • Tongue: 1,500 lbs
  • Material: polished aluminium, zinc plated ball
  • Finish: will not rust, chip or peel

Andersen Rapid Hitch 3405: fits and best for

Fits trucks with a 2-inch receiver and owners who remove the mount between trips. Best for lighter trailers and for anyone who hates grease. Not for heavy trailers over 10,000 pounds on the 2-inch shank — the steel CURT mounts are rated higher.

Andersen Rapid Hitch 3405 pros and watch-outs

  • Aluminium — light to lift on and off
  • Greaseless AlumiBall, no mess
  • Single pin sets height in seconds
  • Will not rust, chip or peel
  • Lower rating than the steel mounts on the 2-inch shank
  • Listing headline quotes the larger-shank ratings
  • Moving parts need the ground run separately

Andersen Rapid Hitch 3405: what owners report

RV Parts Giant’s Andersen comparison states the per-shank ratings: 8,000 and 10,000 pounds on the 2-inch shank, 10,000 and 12,500 on the 2.5-inch shank. Andersen Rapid Hitch comparison, RV Parts Giant

The maker says the Rapid Hitch is the only line with a 10-inch rack, recommended for lifted vehicles, and that the aluminium will not rust. Andersen Rapid Hitch comparison, RV Parts Giant

Andersen Rapid Hitch 3405: who should not buy

Do not buy it if you tow over 10,000 pounds on a 2-inch receiver — the rating is the limit, and the CURT 45900 is the stronger steel mount. It is also the wrong pick if you need a built-in scale; the Weigh Safe 180 is the one with the gauge.

Andersen Rapid Hitch 3405: pair it with

Pair it with a 12V car heater for winter hook-ups, and keep a spare pin in the glovebox.

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Grease is still recommended for the plated steel combo ball, but not for the Greaseless AlumiBall — do not grease the wrong one. Our remote start guide covers warming the truck before a cold hook-up.

Spec comparison

Spec CURT 45900 Weigh Safe 180 B&W Tow & Stow CURT 45902 Andersen 3405
Receiver 2 inch 3 inch 2.5 inch 2.5 inch 2 inch
Drop 6 inches 6 inches 7 inches 6 inches 6 inches
Rise 5-1/4 inches Rise position 7-1/2 inches 5-1/4 inches 6 inches
Max GTW 14,000 lbs 21,000 lbs 14,500 lbs 20,000 lbs 10,000 lbs
Balls 2 and 2-5/16 in 2 and 2-5/16 in 2 and 2-5/16 in 2 and 2-5/16 in 2 and 2-5/16 in
Material Steel Aluminium Steel Steel Aluminium
Scale No Built-in gauge No No No
Stows No No Under truck No No
Best for First mount Tongue weight Daily drivers Heavy loads Light and often
Check Price Check Price Check Price Check Price Check Price Check Price

Installation and use basics

Every mount here installs the same way: slide the shank into the receiver, pin it, then set the ball height. The height is the part beginners get wrong, so measure first — trailer level, coupler height minus receiver height — and set the ball platform to that drop or rise before the first tow. A garage floor mat under the truck catches the grease and grit, and a small air compressor by the bench keeps the trailer tyres at pressure.

Pin the mount, then check the play. A little rattle is normal on a channel mount; the CURT anti-rattle set bolt exists to take it out, so tighten it after the mount is pinned. The B&W pins adjust by hand with no tools, and the Andersen needs a single pin through the slotted rack. Grease the steel balls, not the Greaseless AlumiBall, and keep a spare pin in the glovebox — a lost pin ends a towing day.

Hook up on level ground, with the trailer brakes set and the coupler fully seated on the ball. Lower the jack until the coupler takes the weight, then read the Weigh Safe gauge if you have one, and shift the load until the tongue weight sits in range. A jump starter kept charged in the truck is the other essential, since a dead battery at a trailhead strands the whole rig.

Think of the mount as one part of the towing setup, not the whole job. A car buffer and a dual-action polisher keep the truck’s paintwork as cared for as its hitch, a cutting compound and a coat of carnauba wax finish it, and our replacement mirrors guide and dash camera guide cover the other road-facing parts worth the same attention.

Safety essentials

A trailer is a heavy object behind your truck — treat it like one.

  • Never exceed the lowest-rated part of the towing system — mount, receiver, ball, coupler or trailer — and never trust the headline rating alone.
  • Check the tongue weight before every tow: too little and the trailer sways, too much and the truck’s steering goes light.
  • Torque the ball nut to the maker figure and check the pin and clip every time you hook up.
  • Cross the safety chains under the coupler, and check the trailer brakes and lights before leaving the driveway.
  • Never tow with the mount in the rise position if the rating for rise is lower than for drop — read the listing.
  • Keep the spare tyre, jack and wrench where you can reach them, and a recovery kit in the truck for the day the trailer fights back.

Roadside recovery accessories for the kit bag

Troubleshooting

Symptom Likely cause Fix
Trailer sways at speed Tongue weight too low, or load behind the axle Shift the load forward until the tongue weight is in range, then re-check
Mount rattles over bumps Play between shank and receiver Tighten the anti-rattle set bolt, or fit a receiver shim
Coupler will not seat on the ball Wrong ball size, or coupler latch jammed Check the coupler size against the ball, clean and grease the latch
Trailer sits nose-high Ball height set too high Lower the ball platform one hole at a time until the trailer rides level
Ball nut keeps loosening Under-torqued, or no lock washer Torque to the maker figure with a torque wrench and fit the lock washer
Mount will not come out of the receiver Rust or a bent pin Soak the pin with penetrating oil, tap the shank free, and grease the receiver

Who should NOT buy these

Your receiver size is unknown. Do not guess — a 2-inch shank will not fit a 2.5-inch receiver, and the wrong mount is a wasted purchase. Read the size stamped on the receiver first, then buy. Our garage floor mats guide covers the rest of the first-time truck setup.

You tow one trailer, once a year. An adjustable mount is built for owners who tow often or tow different trailers. For a single annual trip with one trailer, a fixed ball mount at the right height is cheaper and simpler. A performance monitor shows whether your truck even needs the upgrade.

Your trailer is over the mount’s rating. No adjustable mount fixes an overloaded trailer. If the loaded weight is over the rating, the answer is a bigger mount or a smaller load — never a hope and a prayer. Keep a battery tender on the truck that sits between trips.

You need a weight-distribution hitch. An adjustable ball mount levels the trailer; it does not distribute weight across the axles. If your trailer is heavy enough to need weight distribution, buy the weight-distribution system, not a taller ball mount.

Final verdict

CURT 45900 Adjustable Ball Mount — the first mount to buy: 2-inch receiver, dual ball, 14,000 pounds.

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Weigh Safe 180 CTB6-3 — the scale pick: 21,000 pounds, tongue weight you can read.

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B&W Tow & Stow TS20040B — the stow pick: 7-inch drop, disappears under the truck.

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CURT 45902 Adjustable Ball Mount — the heavy pick: 20,000 pounds for a 2.5-inch receiver.

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Andersen Rapid Hitch 3405 — the light pick: aluminium, greaseless, 10,000 pounds on the 2-inch shank.

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FAQ

What is an adjustable hitch mount?

An adjustable hitch mount is a ball mount whose ball height slides up or down on a channel or rack, so the trailer rides level behind trucks of different heights. You set the height with a pin, tow, and change it in seconds when you switch trailers. It replaces several fixed ball mounts with one adjustable one.

How do I measure the drop I need?

Park the trailer level on flat ground and measure from the ground to the top of the coupler. Then measure from the ground to the top of your receiver opening. If the receiver is higher, the difference is the drop; if the coupler is higher, it is the rise. Buy a mount whose drop or rise covers that number. A waterproof dash camera records the hook-up so you can check the level later.

What size receiver do I have?

Read the size stamped on the receiver opening, or measure the inside of the square tube: 2 inches, 2.5 inches or 3 inches. Most half-ton trucks carry a 2-inch receiver, heavy-duty trucks a 2.5 or 3-inch one. Buy the mount built for your size — adapters cut the rating and add play.

What is tongue weight and why does it matter?

Tongue weight is the downward force the trailer puts on the ball, and it should sit at roughly a tenth of the loaded trailer weight. Too little and the trailer sways; too much and the truck’s front goes light. The Weigh Safe 180 has a built-in gauge that reads it as you lower the coupler.

Can one mount tow two different trailers?

Yes, if both trailers use 2-inch or 2-5/16-inch couplers and the mount’s drop covers both heights. The dual ball on every pick here handles the two coupler sizes, and the adjustable channel handles the height. Check the rating for each ball size separately — the smaller ball is always rated lower. A LED mirror dash cam helps you watch the trailer from the cab.

Do I need a locking hitch pin?

Yes, for any mount you leave on the truck. A standard pin and clip hold the mount, but only a locking pin stops someone walking off with it. Buy the lock with the mount, not after the first theft. A locking pin costs little and is the cheapest insurance against a stolen mount.

Steel or aluminium — which is better?

Steel is stronger per dollar and carries the highest ratings here — 20,000 pounds on the CURT 45902. Aluminium is lighter to lift on and off and will not rust, which matters if you remove the mount every trip. Choose steel for heavy towing and aluminium for frequent handling.

How do I stop the mount rattling?

Tighten the anti-rattle set bolt on the CURT mounts after pinning, or fit a receiver shim on mounts without one. A little play is normal on a channel mount, but a mount that clunks over every bump is either loose or worn, and both are worth fixing before a long tow.

When should I replace a ball mount?

Replace it if the shank is bent, the channel holes are worn oval, the ball is pitted or the pin holes are enlarged. Rust on the surface is cosmetic; rust that flakes or pits the steel is not. Inspect the mount every spring, and retire it the moment the metal looks tired. Finish the job with a paint correction kit pass on any marks the work left.

Sources

Maker documents

Listing evidence

Owner reports

By Leo, Founder, WinchInsider

Leo researches automotive tools and recovery gear from maker documents, listing evidence and owner reports — never from press releases — and publishes the exclusions alongside the picks.

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Our top pick: CURT 45900 Adjustable Ball Mount — The standard adjustable mount for 2-inch receivers.

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