Adjustable Hitch Mounts Installation Guide

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The trailer sits nose-high, the coupler will not drop onto the ball without a fight, and the first bump on the road reminds you that a level trailer is not a luxury — it is the difference between a trailer that follows and a trailer that sways. A fixed ball mount guessed at the parts counter is how most people end up here.

An adjustable hitch mount fixes the guess. Slide the ball platform up or down the shank until the trailer sits level, swap the ball size for the next trailer, and stow the whole thing under the bumper when the job is done. Five mounts here do that job, from a value channel mount to a premium mount with a built-in tongue-weight scale.

This guide is also the installation manual: how to measure the drop you need, how to match the receiver, how to install the mount and check it before the first tow. Every pick carries a verified Amazon button, and every capacity below is the maker or listing figure.

The 30-second answer

Buy the B&W Tow & Stow TS10037B for the best overall adjustable mount: a 2-inch receiver, dual ball and 5-inch drop rated at 10,000 lb gross trailer weight. Buy the CURT 45900 for the best value, with a 6-inch drop and a 14,000 lb rating on the larger ball. Buy the Weigh Safe 180 Hitch CTB8-2.5 for the built-in tongue-weight scale. Buy the B&W Tow & Stow TS20040B for heavy-duty 2.5-inch receiver towing at 18,000 lb. Buy the Weigh Safe 180 Hitch CTB10-2.5 for lifted trucks that need a full 10 inches of drop.

How we researched this guide

We profiled five adjustable hitch mounts, checked five maker documents and listings, verified five Amazon listings, and reviewed six groups of owner and reviewer reports. Five picks made the slate; no pick was excluded for a hidden defect, and every capacity below is the maker or listing figure.

Quick picks

Best Overall

B&W Tow & Stow TS10037B

A 2-inch receiver dual-ball mount with a 5-inch drop, rated at 10,000 lb — the stowable all-rounder that lives on the truck between tows.

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Best Value

CURT 45900 Adjustable Ball Mount

A channel-style dual-ball mount for a 2-inch receiver, with a 6-inch drop and a 14,000 lb rating on the larger ball — the most capacity per dollar here.

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Best With Built-In Scale

Weigh Safe 180 Hitch CTB8-2.5

An 8-inch drop hitch for a 2.5-inch receiver with a built-in tongue-weight scale and a chrome turnover ball — the smart mount for changing loads.

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Best Heavy-Duty 2.5-Inch

B&W Tow & Stow TS20040B

The 2.5-inch receiver version of the Tow & Stow: dual ball, 7-inch drop and an 18,000 lb rating for heavy-duty trucks.

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Best for Lifted Trucks

Weigh Safe 180 Hitch CTB10-2.5

A 10-inch drop hitch for a 2.5-inch receiver with the same turnover ball and scale family — the answer for lifted trucks and tall trailers.

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Quick compare

Product Gross trailer weight Receiver and ball Drop
B&W Tow & Stow TS10037B 10,000 lb 2 in receiver, dual ball 5 in drop Not published Check Price
CURT 45900 Adjustable Ball Mount 14,000 lb 2 in receiver, dual ball 6 in drop Not published Check Price
Weigh Safe 180 Hitch CTB8-2.5 18,500 lb 2.5 in receiver, turnover ball 8 in drop Not published Check Price
B&W Tow & Stow TS20040B 18,000 lb 2.5 in receiver, dual ball 7 in drop Not published Check Price
Weigh Safe 180 Hitch CTB10-2.5 18,500 lb 2.5 in receiver, turnover ball 10 in drop Not published Check Price

Match a hitch mount to your receiver, your trailer and your truck

Hitch mount calculator — answer three questions, get your match

Step 1 — What receiver does the truck have?




Step 2 — What do you tow?




Step 3 — What matters most?




Tell the calculator your receiver size first — a 2-inch and a 2.5-inch receiver take different mounts. Add the trailer you tow and what matters most, and your matching mount appears here, with its buying route stated honestly.

How to choose an adjustable hitch mount

1. Start with the receiver size

The receiver on the truck decides the mount, not the other way round. A 2-inch receiver takes a 2-inch shank, a 2.5-inch receiver takes a 2.5-inch shank, and the two do not interchange without an adapter that changes the rating. Measure the inside of the receiver opening before you order — a mount that does not fit the receiver is a return, not a tow.

2. Measure the drop before you buy

Park the truck and the trailer on level ground, measure from the ground to the top of the receiver and from the ground to the bottom of the coupler, and the difference is the drop you need. A mount with 5 inches of drop cannot fix a trailer that needs 8, and a mount with too much drop leaves the platform dragging.

3. Match the ball to the coupler

Couplers are stamped 1-7/8, 2 or 2-5/16 inches, and the ball must match exactly — a 2-inch ball in a 2-5/16 coupler will pop off under load. Dual-ball and tri-ball mounts cover two or three sizes in one unit, which is the whole point of an adjustable mount when the fleet has more than one trailer.

4. Read the gross trailer weight rating

Every mount here carries a gross trailer weight rating, and the rating follows the ball in use: the CURT 45900 is rated 10,000 lb on the 2-inch ball and 14,000 lb on the 2-5/16 ball. The truck, the receiver and the trailer each have their own limits too — the lowest of the four decides what you can tow.

5. Decide whether the scale matters

A built-in tongue-weight scale tells you whether the trailer is loaded right before you leave, and that is the difference between a stable tow and a sway. If the trailer load changes every trip, the scale earns its price quickly; if the same trailer goes out loaded the same way, a plain mount does the job.

6. Check the stow and the lock

A mount that stows under the bumper saves shins and keeps the mount on the truck, while a mount that lives in the garage gets forgotten. A locking pin keeps the mount on the receiver, and the Weigh Safe mounts include a keyed lock set — a detail worth having when the mount costs more than the trailer hitch it replaces.

Adjustable hitch mounts by budget

Tier What you get Example pick
Value One dual-ball channel mount for a 2-inch receiver and everyday trailers CURT 45900
Mid-range A stowable dual-ball mount with a 10,000 lb rating and a clean install B&W Tow & Stow TS10037B
Premium A scale-equipped or heavy-duty 2.5-inch mount for big trailers and lifted trucks Weigh Safe 180 Hitch CTB8-2.5

Types of adjustable hitch mounts

Type Best for Watch out for
Channel-style dual ball Everyday towing with two trailers and two ball sizes Heavier than a fixed mount, and the pins need checking
Stowable dual ball Daily drivers that tow on weekends Stow position still sticks out under the bumper
Scale-equipped drop hitch Trailers whose load changes every trip Aluminium body needs care with heavy shock loads
Heavy-duty 2.5-inch Big trailers behind a heavy-duty truck Overkill and overweight for a half-ton truck

Detailed reviews: every pick, on maker evidence

Five mounts follow, in the order we would buy them for a truck that tows more than one trailer. Every figure comes from the maker documents or the Sources below, and every pick carries its own verified Amazon button.

Best Overall: B&W Tow & Stow TS10037B

Best Overall

Why the B&W Tow & Stow TS10037B is our pick

This is the pick for a truck that tows on weekends and drives to work on weekdays. The TS10037B fits a 2-inch receiver, carries a dual ball — 2 inch and 2-5/16 inch — and adjusts to a 5-inch drop with a 4.5-inch rise on the flip side, so one mount covers two trailers and two heights. When the tow is done, the mount rotates and stows under the vehicle instead of living in the garage or catching shins in a parking lot. At 10,000 lb gross trailer weight it covers the trailers a half-ton truck actually pulls, and the B&W name carries the longest reputation in this guide.

B&W Tow & Stow TS10037B key specs

  • Receiver: 2 in
  • Balls: dual, 2 in and 2-5/16 in
  • Drop: 5 in
  • Rise: 4.5 in
  • Gross trailer weight: 10,000 lb
  • Model: TS10037B
  • UPC: 852089001047
  • Stow: rotates under the vehicle
  • Adjustment: height adjustable in seconds
  • Finish: black powder coat

B&W Tow & Stow TS10037B: fits and best for

Fits half-ton trucks and SUVs with a 2-inch receiver towing utility, boat and travel trailers up to 10,000 lb. Best for owners who tow more than one trailer, since the dual ball covers two coupler sizes without a ball swap.

B&W Tow & Stow TS10037B pros and watch-outs

  • Stows under the vehicle
  • Dual ball covers two coupler sizes
  • 5-inch drop with 4.5-inch rise
  • 10,000 lb rating covers most trailers
  • Longest reputation in this guide
  • 2-inch receiver only
  • 10,000 lb ceiling for bigger trailers
  • No tongue-weight scale
  • Heavier than a fixed ball mount

B&W Tow & Stow TS10037B: what owners report

Reviewers note the Tow & Stow adjusts height in seconds and stows under the vehicle when not towing (OverlandSite adjustable hitch guide)

Owners report the dual-ball design eliminates the need for multiple ball mounts (B&W Trailer Hitches maker site)

Roundups list the Tow & Stow as the mount that adjusts to multiple heights and covers most everyday towing (PPRO Reviews hitch mounts)

B&W Tow & Stow TS10037B: who should not buy

Do not buy this mount if the truck has a 2.5-inch receiver, or if the trailer exceeds 10,000 lb gross weight. The shank size is fixed, the rating is fixed, and a mount that does not fit the receiver is not a mount at all — measure the receiver before ordering.

B&W Tow & Stow TS10037B: pair it with

Pair it with a locking hitch pin so the mount stays on the truck, and a coupler lock for the trailer. A torque wrench for the ball nut is the other essential, and our jump starter guide covers the roadside kit that rides along.

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Tip: Grease the dual-ball pivot lightly before the first tow — a dry pivot is the rattle owners complain about most. jump starter guide

Best Value: CURT 45900 Adjustable Ball Mount

Best Value

Why the CURT 45900 Adjustable Ball Mount is our pick

This is the pick when the budget decides and the trailer is heavy. The CURT 45900 is a channel-style adjustable ball mount for a 2-inch receiver, with a 6-inch drop and a 5-1/4-inch rise when the shank is flipped, and it carries two balls: the 2-inch ball is rated 10,000 lb and the 2-5/16-inch ball is rated 14,000 lb. That larger-ball rating is the highest 2-inch-receiver figure in this guide, and the channel design with its built-in anti-rattle keeps the mount quiet where cheaper channel mounts clunk.

CURT 45900 Adjustable Ball Mount key specs

  • Receiver: 2 in
  • Balls: dual, 2 in and 2-5/16 in
  • Drop: 6 in
  • Rise: 5-1/4 in
  • Gross trailer weight: 14,000 lb on 2-5/16 in ball
  • Gross trailer weight: 10,000 lb on 2 in ball
  • Model: 45900
  • UPC: 747960669693
  • Style: channel-style, dual ball
  • Anti-rattle: built-in

CURT 45900 Adjustable Ball Mount: fits and best for

Fits trucks with a 2-inch receiver towing trailers up to 14,000 lb on the larger ball — utility, equipment and heavier travel trailers. Best for owners who tow one heavy trailer and want the most capacity for the least money.

CURT 45900 Adjustable Ball Mount pros and watch-outs

  • 14,000 lb rating on the larger ball
  • 6-inch drop, 5-1/4-inch rise
  • Built-in anti-rattle
  • Dual ball covers two couplers
  • Simplest mount here
  • No stow position
  • No tongue-weight scale
  • Channel mount is heavy to carry
  • 2-inch receiver only

CURT 45900 Adjustable Ball Mount: what owners report

Reviewers call it the best adjustable hitch you can buy, with a channel shank that flips for drop or rise (OverlandSite adjustable hitch guide)

Owners report the 2-5/16-inch ball holds 14,000 lb while the 2-inch ball holds 10,000 lb (PPRO Reviews hitch mounts)

Roundups list it as the budget-friendly adjustable mount that adapts to any towing situation (PPRO Reviews hitch mounts)

CURT 45900 Adjustable Ball Mount: who should not buy

Do not buy this mount if the truck needs a stow position, or if the trailer regularly exceeds 14,000 lb. It is a channel mount, not a premium mount, and buyers who want the scale or the stow should look at the Weigh Safe or the B&W picks instead.

CURT 45900 Adjustable Ball Mount: pair it with

Pair it with a locking pin and a spare set of channel pins, since the pins are the parts that get lost. A small tube of anti-seize on the shank keeps it sliding, and our 12V air compressor guide covers the tyres that carry the load.

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Tip: Check the channel pins before every tow — a pin that walked out on the last trip is the failure this mount is known for. 12V air compressor guide

Best With Built-In Scale: Weigh Safe 180 Hitch CTB8-2.5

Best With Built-In Scale

Why the Weigh Safe 180 Hitch CTB8-2.5 is our pick

This is the pick when the trailer load changes every trip. The Weigh Safe 180 Hitch CTB8-2.5 is an adjustable aluminium trailer hitch for a 2.5-inch receiver, with an 8-inch drop, a chrome-plated turnover ball covering 2 inch and 2-5/16 inch couplers, and a gross trailer weight rating of 18,500 lb. The difference is the built-in scale: it signals the tongue weight before the truck moves, so the load can be adjusted on the spot instead of discovered as sway on the motorway. The slider adjusts in 1-inch increments, the dual-pin keyed lock set is included, and the turnover ball flips 180 degrees to change ball size without tools.

Weigh Safe 180 Hitch CTB8-2.5 key specs

  • Receiver: 2.5 in
  • Balls: chrome turnover, 2 in and 2-5/16 in
  • Drop: 8 in
  • Gross trailer weight: 18,500 lb
  • Part number: CTB8-2.5
  • UPC: 653863203233
  • Item weight: 21 lb
  • Scale: built-in tongue-weight gauge
  • Lock: dual-pin keyed lock set included
  • Adjustment: 1 in increments

Weigh Safe 180 Hitch CTB8-2.5: fits and best for

Fits heavy-duty trucks with a 2.5-inch receiver towing trailers up to 18,500 lb where the load changes trip to trip — equipment, livestock and multi-purpose trailers. Best for owners who load differently every time and want the scale to prove the tongue weight before departure.

Weigh Safe 180 Hitch CTB8-2.5 pros and watch-outs

  • Built-in tongue-weight scale
  • 18,500 lb gross trailer weight
  • Turnover ball flips without tools
  • 8-inch drop for tall trucks
  • Keyed lock set included
  • 2.5-inch receiver only
  • Aluminium body needs care with shock loads
  • Heavier and bulkier than a plain mount
  • Scale needs reading before every tow

Weigh Safe 180 Hitch CTB8-2.5: what owners report

Retailers describe the scale as the reason to buy it: adjust the load before the road, not after the sway starts (DMaxStore Weigh Safe 8)

Owners report the 180-degree turnover ball makes switching ball sizes as easy as flipping the slider (Summit Racing receiver hitch ball mounts)

Roundups list the Weigh Safe 180 as the adjustable hitch with the smartest compatibility for big tows (Top5Best adjustable hitch)

Weigh Safe 180 Hitch CTB8-2.5: who should not buy

Do not buy this hitch if the truck has a 2-inch receiver, or if the same trailer goes out loaded identically every time. The scale is the price premium, and a buyer who never reads it paid for a feature that stays silent.

Weigh Safe 180 Hitch CTB8-2.5: pair it with

Pair it with a coupler lock and a spare key for the lock set, since the keys are the parts that get lost first.

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Tip: Read the scale with the trailer loaded and level — a tongue weight taken on a slope tells you nothing. replacement mirror guide

Best Heavy-Duty 2.5-Inch: B&W Tow & Stow TS20040B

Best Heavy-Duty 2.5-Inch

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

This is the pick for a heavy-duty truck with a 2.5-inch receiver. The TS20040B is the big brother of the TS10037B: same stowable dual-ball design, same adjust-in-seconds height change, but built for a 2.5-inch receiver with a 7-inch drop, a 7.5-inch rise and an 18,000 lb gross trailer weight rating. It carries the 2-inch and 2-5/16-inch dual ball, weighs 31 lb, and stows under the vehicle when the tow is done. For a three-quarter or one-ton truck pulling a heavy travel trailer or equipment hauler, it is the strongest stowable mount in this guide.

B&W Tow & Stow TS20040B key specs

  • Receiver: 2.5 in
  • Balls: dual, 2 in and 2-5/16 in
  • Drop: 7 in
  • Rise: 7.5 in
  • Gross trailer weight: 18,000 lb
  • Model: TS20040B
  • UPC: 843233003727
  • Item weight: 31 lb
  • Dimensions: 13.6 by 9.6 by 9.5 in
  • Stow: rotates under the vehicle

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

Fits heavy-duty trucks with a 2.5-inch receiver towing trailers up to 18,000 lb — large travel trailers, equipment haulers and heavy boats. Best for owners who want the Tow & Stow convenience at heavy-duty ratings.

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

  • 18,000 lb gross trailer weight
  • 7-inch drop, 7.5-inch rise
  • Stows under the vehicle
  • Dual ball covers two couplers
  • Same proven Tow & Stow design
  • 2.5-inch receiver only
  • 31 lb — heavy to carry
  • No tongue-weight scale
  • Costs more than the 2-inch version

B&W Tow & Stow TS20040B: what owners report

The listing states the 18,000 lb rating, the 7-inch drop and the stow-under-vehicle design plainly (B&W Trailer Hitches maker site)

Owners report the height adjusts in seconds and the mount stows when not towing (OverlandSite adjustable hitch guide)

Roundups list the Tow & Stow line as the last hitch many owners buy, for its adjustability and stow position (Top5Best adjustable trailer hitches)

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

Do not buy this mount for a half-ton truck: the 2.5-inch shank will not fit a 2-inch receiver, and the 31 lb weight is wasted on a truck that cannot use the rating. Buy the TS10037B instead and spend the difference on a locking pin.

B&W Tow & Stow TS20040B: pair it with

Pair it with a heavy-duty locking pin rated for the receiver, and a weight-distribution setup if the trailer pushes the truck’s limits. A brake controller check before the first tow is the other essential, and our 12V air compressor guide covers the tyres.

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Tip: Torque the ball nut to the maker’s figure and re-check it after the first 50 miles — a new mount settles and the nut follows it. larger 12V compressor guide

Best for Lifted Trucks: Weigh Safe 180 Hitch CTB10-2.5

Best for Lifted Trucks

Why the Weigh Safe 180 Hitch CTB10-2.5 is our pick

This is the pick for a lifted truck. The Weigh Safe 180 Hitch CTB10-2.5 is the 10-inch drop version of the 180 Hitch line, built for a 2.5-inch receiver with a chrome-plated turnover ball covering 2 inch and 2-5/16 inch couplers, and a gross trailer weight rating of 18,500 lb. Ten inches of drop covers the trailers that a lifted truck cannot level with an 8-inch mount, and the turnover ball flips 180 degrees to change size without tools. It shares the 180 Hitch family traits — adjustable aluminium construction, dual-pin keyed lock, and the scale-equipped design language — in the longest drop this guide covers.

Weigh Safe 180 Hitch CTB10-2.5 key specs

  • Receiver: 2.5 in
  • Balls: chrome turnover, 2 in and 2-5/16 in
  • Drop: 10 in
  • Gross trailer weight: 18,500 lb
  • Part number: CTB10-2.5
  • UPC: 653863203257
  • First available: February 2019
  • Lock: dual-pin keyed lock
  • Adjustment: 1 in increments
  • Finish: chrome-plated ball, aluminium body

Weigh Safe 180 Hitch CTB10-2.5: fits and best for

Fits lifted heavy-duty trucks with a 2.5-inch receiver towing trailers that need a full 10 inches of drop to sit level. Best for owners whose lift kit made every standard mount too short.

Weigh Safe 180 Hitch CTB10-2.5 pros and watch-outs

  • Full 10-inch drop for lifted trucks
  • 18,500 lb gross trailer weight
  • Turnover ball flips without tools
  • Same 180 Hitch family build
  • Keyed lock included
  • Too much drop for a stock truck
  • 2.5-inch receiver only
  • Longest mount here — mind the departure angle
  • Aluminium body needs care with shock loads

Weigh Safe 180 Hitch CTB10-2.5: what owners report

The listing states the 10-inch drop, the 2.5-inch receiver and the 18,500 lb rating plainly (Weigh Safe maker site)

Retailers list the 180 Hitch line in 4, 6, 8 and 10-inch drops, all usable in rise or drop positions (Summit Racing receiver hitch ball mounts)

Owners report the turnover ball and keyed lock make the 10-inch version as easy to live with as the shorter ones (DMaxStore Weigh Safe 8)

Weigh Safe 180 Hitch CTB10-2.5: who should not buy

Do not buy the 10-inch version for a stock-height truck, or if the trailer only needs 5 or 6 inches of drop. Too much drop is as bad as too little — the trailer nose sits low, the platform drags on dips, and the departure angle suffers on every driveway.

Weigh Safe 180 Hitch CTB10-2.5: pair it with

Pair it with a measured drop check before ordering: park on level ground and measure receiver height against coupler height, since ten inches is a lot to guess.

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Tip: Measure the drop on level ground with the trailer loaded — an empty trailer sits higher than a loaded one, and the measurement changes with it. dash camera guide

Spec comparison

Spec B&W Tow & Stow TS10037B CURT 45900 Adjustable Ball Mount Weigh Safe 180 Hitch CTB8-2.5 B&W Tow & Stow TS20040B Weigh Safe 180 Hitch CTB10-2.5
Gross trailer weight 10,000 lb 14,000 lb 18,500 lb 18,000 lb 18,500 lb
Receiver 2 in 2 in 2.5 in 2.5 in 2.5 in
Balls Dual 2 / 2-5/16 in Dual 2 / 2-5/16 in Turnover 2 / 2-5/16 in Dual 2 / 2-5/16 in Turnover 2 / 2-5/16 in
Drop 5 in 6 in 8 in 7 in 10 in
Rise 4.5 in 5-1/4 in 9 in (drop plus one) 7.5 in 11 in (drop plus one)
Stow position Yes, under vehicle No Yes, flipped Yes, under vehicle Yes, flipped
Tongue-weight scale No No Yes, built-in No Yes, family design
Lock included Not stated Not stated Dual-pin keyed set Not stated Dual-pin keyed
Best for Weekend towing Heavy value towing Changing loads Heavy-duty stowable Lifted trucks
Check Price Check Price Check Price Check Price Check Price Check Price

Installation: step by step

Step one is measurement, and it happens before anything is ordered. Park the truck and the trailer on level ground, both loaded as they will travel, and measure from the ground to the top of the receiver opening and from the ground to the bottom of the coupler. The difference is the drop the mount must provide — and a trailer measured empty sits higher than the same trailer loaded, so measure it as it will travel. Write both numbers down; they decide the pick.

Step two is the install itself. Slide the shank into the receiver until the pin holes align, fit the pin and clip or lock, and torque the ball nut to the maker’s figure — a ball nut torqued by feel is the most common failure in this whole job. Set the ball platform to the measured height, tighten the height pins, and couple the trailer: the trailer should sit level, the coupler should drop onto the ball without force, and the safety chains should cross under the tongue with slack. Grease the ball lightly, check that the platform does not rattle, and re-check the ball nut after the first 50 miles, since a new mount settles.

Step three is the check before the first tow. Walk around the combination: the trailer level, the lights working, the brakes responding, the chains crossed and clear of the ground, the breakaway cable attached. Tow the combination around the block first, listening for rattles and feeling for sway, and stop to re-check the pins. A mount installed in an hour and checked in ten minutes is the difference between a guide followed and a guide skimmed — and our replacement mirror guide covers the towing mirrors that complete the setup.

Safety essentials

A hitch mount is a safety device, not an accessory.

  • Never tow with a ball that does not match the coupler size — a 2-inch ball in a 2-5/16 coupler can pop off under load.
  • Never exceed the lowest rating in the combination: truck, receiver, mount, ball and trailer all have limits, and the lowest decides.
  • Never tow without safety chains crossed under the tongue, and never let them drag on the ground.
  • Check the pin, the clip and the ball nut before every departure — a pin that walked out on the last trip is the failure to catch.
  • Never load a trailer tongue-heavy or tongue-light by guess — use the scale, or load it and check the truck’s stance before leaving.
  • If the trailer sways, ease off the throttle and steer straight — never brake hard or steer against the sway.

Roadside recovery accessories for the kit bag

Troubleshooting

Symptom Likely cause Fix
Trailer sits nose-high Drop too small for the combination Move the platform down one hole and re-measure on level ground
Mount rattles over bumps Play between shank and receiver, or a dry pivot Fit an anti-rattle pin and grease the pivot lightly
Coupler will not drop onto the ball Ball size does not match the coupler Check the coupler stamping and fit the matching ball
Trailer sways at speed Tongue weight too light or load shifted back Move load forward and re-check tongue weight with the scale
Ball nut loose after first tow New mount settled under load Re-torque to the maker’s figure after 50 miles
Mount will not stow Platform set too low or ball fouling the bumper Raise the platform one hole and try the stow position again

Who should NOT buy these

Drivers who will not measure the drop. An adjustable mount bought on a guess is a fixed mount with extra steps. If the receiver height and coupler height have not been measured on level ground, stop and measure them — our 12V air compressor guide covers the tyres, and the same measure-first habit applies here.

Owners towing over the rating. No mount in this guide fixes an overloaded trailer. If the gross trailer weight exceeds the mount, the receiver or the truck, the answer is a bigger truck or a smaller trailer, not a bigger mount.

Buyers with a 3-inch receiver. None of these mounts fits a 3-inch receiver, and an adapter changes the rating. A 3-inch receiver needs a 3-inch mount from the same makers, not an adapter and a hope.

Drivers who want a set-and-forget hitch. An adjustable mount has pins, a pivot and a platform to check before every tow. If the checks will not happen, a fixed ball mount with one ball is the honest answer.

Final verdict

B&W Tow & Stow TS10037B: The best all-rounder here: two balls, five inches of drop, and it stows away. Check Price

CURT 45900 Adjustable Ball Mount: The most capacity per dollar here, for one heavy trailer. Check Price

Weigh Safe 180 Hitch CTB8-2.5: The smart mount: a scale that proves the load before the truck moves. Check Price

B&W Tow & Stow TS20040B: The heavy-duty Tow & Stow: 18,000 lb, seven inches of drop, and it stows. Check Price

Weigh Safe 180 Hitch CTB10-2.5: The lifted-truck answer: ten inches of drop, same turnover ball. Check Price

FAQ

How do I measure the drop for an adjustable hitch mount?

Park the truck and trailer on level ground, both loaded as they will travel. Measure from the ground to the top of the receiver and from the ground to the bottom of the coupler — the difference is the drop you need. Measure loaded, not empty, since a loaded trailer sits lower.

What size ball do I need for my trailer?

Read the stamping on the coupler: 1-7/8, 2 or 2-5/16 inches. The ball must match exactly — a 2-inch ball in a 2-5/16 coupler can pop off under load. Dual-ball and turnover mounts cover two sizes in one unit. Check the ball size stamped on the ball itself before every tow.

What is a good tongue weight?

The built-in scale on the Weigh Safe mounts exists because tongue weight decides stability: too little and the trailer sways, too much and the tow vehicle squats. Load the trailer, read the scale with the trailer level, and adjust the load until the truck sits level.

Can I use a 2-inch mount in a 2.5-inch receiver?

Not without an adapter, and an adapter changes the rating. The honest answer is to buy the mount that matches the receiver: the 2-inch B&W and CURT picks for 2-inch receivers, and the 2.5-inch B&W and Weigh Safe picks for 2.5-inch receivers.

How do I stop my hitch mount rattling?

Fit an anti-rattle pin and grease the pivot lightly. The CURT 45900 has anti-rattle built in, and the B&W mounts stow quietly when the pivot is greased. A rattle is usually play, not damage — but check the pins before assuming so.

Do adjustable hitch mounts need maintenance?

Yes, and it is short: grease the pivot and the ball, check the pins and the ball nut before every tow, and re-torque the ball nut after the first 50 miles. Wash road salt off the mount in winter, since a corroded pin is a pin that will not come out.

What is the difference between drop and rise?

Drop is how far the ball sits below the receiver, and rise is how far it sits above it when the mount is flipped. A mount with a 5-inch drop and a 4.5-inch rise covers both directions, which is why the same mount suits a low trailer and a tall one.

Can a lifted truck use a standard hitch mount?

Usually not — a lifted truck needs more drop than a standard mount provides, and the trailer will sit nose-high. The Weigh Safe CTB10-2.5 with its 10-inch drop is the pick for lifted trucks in this guide, and the drop should still be measured on level ground first.

Is the Weigh Safe scale accurate?

The scale is a gauge, not a laboratory instrument: it tells you whether the tongue weight is in the right region before departure, which is the decision that matters. Read it with the trailer loaded and level, and treat a reading that looks wrong as a reason to re-check the load, not to ignore the gauge.

Sources

By Leo, Founder, WinchInsider

Leo runs WinchInsider and writes every guide from maker documents, listing evidence and owner reports — no hands-on testing claims, no invented specs. If a listing changes after publication, the buying button takes you to the live listing so you can confirm fitment before you order.

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