Adjustable Hitch Mounts Reviews Consumer Reports

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You hook up the trailer, stand back, and the trailer nose points at the sky while the truck squats. The coupler is three inches too high, the safety chains drag, and you know the tow will sway the whole way there.

The fix is an adjustable hitch mount, but the aisle is full of lookalikes: mounts that adjust in one-inch steps, mounts that only fit one ball size, and mounts whose weight rating quietly drops when you flip them to a different drop.

This guide reviews five adjustable hitch mounts on maker and listing evidence, with the drop, receiver size and weight rating of each one stated plainly, so you can match the mount to your trailer instead of guessing.

The 30-second answer

Buy the Weigh Safe 180 Hitch Adjustable Trailer Hitch, 8 Inch Drop, 2.5 Inch Receiver Check Price for heavy towing with a built-in tongue weight scale and the highest rating in this guide. Buy the B and W Tow and Stow Adjustable Trailer Hitch Ball Mount, Tri-Ball, 5 Inch Drop, 10,000 GTW Check Price for three trailers with different couplers and a stow position under the truck. Buy the B and W Tow and Stow Adjustable Trailer Hitch Ball Mount, Dual Ball, 5 Inch Drop, 10,000 GTW Check Price for the two most common ball sizes in a lighter stowable mount. Buy the B and W Tow and Stow Adjustable Trailer Hitch Ball Mount, Tri-Ball, 3 Inch Drop, 10,000 GTW, Chrome Check Price for stock-height trucks that need three ball sizes and a clean chrome look. Buy the CURT 45900 Adjustable Dual-Ball Channel Mount, 2 Inch Shank, 6 Inch Drop, 14,000 lbs Check Price for heavy trailers on a simple steel channel mount with a 14,000 lb rating.

How we researched this guide

We profiled five adjustable hitch mounts, checked Amazon listing data and maker documents for each one, and reviewed owner reports and buying guides about drop range, ball sizes, receiver fit and tongue weight.

Our quick picks

Best Overall

Weigh Safe 180 Hitch Adjustable Trailer Hitch, 8 Inch Drop, 2.5 Inch Receiver

Best for heavy towing with a built-in tongue weight scale and an 18,500 lb rating.

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Best Tri-Ball Mount

B and W Tow and Stow Adjustable Trailer Hitch Ball Mount, Tri-Ball, 5 Inch Drop, 10,000 GTW

Best for three trailers with different couplers, with a stow position under the truck.

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Best Dual-Ball Mount

B and W Tow and Stow Adjustable Trailer Hitch Ball Mount, Dual Ball, 5 Inch Drop, 10,000 GTW

Best for the two most common ball sizes in a lighter, simpler stowable mount.

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Best Chrome Finish

B and W Tow and Stow Adjustable Trailer Hitch Ball Mount, Tri-Ball, 3 Inch Drop, 10,000 GTW, Chrome

Best for stock-height trucks that need three ball sizes and a clean chrome look.

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Best Heavy-Duty Value

CURT 45900 Adjustable Dual-Ball Channel Mount, 2 Inch Shank, 6 Inch Drop, 14,000 lbs

Best for heavy trailers on a simple steel channel mount with a 14,000 lb rating.

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Quick comparison

Product Key detail Best for Check Price
Weigh Safe 180 Hitch Adjustable Trailer Hitch, 8 Inch Drop, 2.5 Inch Receiver 18,500 lb GTW, 8 inch drop Heavy trailers and tongue weight checks Check Price
B and W Tow and Stow Adjustable Trailer Hitch Ball Mount, Tri-Ball, 5 Inch Drop, 10,000 GTW Tri-ball, 5 inch drop, 10,000 lb GTW Owners with several trailers Check Price
B and W Tow and Stow Adjustable Trailer Hitch Ball Mount, Dual Ball, 5 Inch Drop, 10,000 GTW Dual ball, 5 inch drop, 10,000 lb GTW Two-trailer owners Check Price
B and W Tow and Stow Adjustable Trailer Hitch Ball Mount, Tri-Ball, 3 Inch Drop, 10,000 GTW, Chrome Tri-ball, 3 inch drop, chrome, 10,000 lb GTW Stock-height trucks Check Price
CURT 45900 Adjustable Dual-Ball Channel Mount, 2 Inch Shank, 6 Inch Drop, 14,000 lbs Dual ball, 6 inch drop, 14,000 lb GTW Heavy trailers on a budget Check Price

How to choose an adjustable hitch mount

Drop and rise range

Measure from the ground to the top of your receiver opening and from the ground to the bottom of the trailer coupler when the trailer sits level. The difference is the drop you need. A mount with more adjustment than you need is fine; a mount that tops out an inch short is not, because a nose-high trailer sways and brakes badly.

Receiver size

Most half-ton trucks use a 2 inch receiver, while many three-quarter ton and one-ton trucks use a 2.5 inch receiver. Check the opening before you order, because a 2 inch shank rattles in a 2.5 inch receiver and a 2.5 inch shank does not fit a 2 inch receiver at all.

Gross trailer weight rating

The mount, the ball, the receiver and the truck each carry a rating, and the lowest one governs the whole setup. Our picks range from 10,000 lb to 18,500 lb gross trailer weight. Never tow above the lowest-rated part, and remember that the rating can change with the drop setting on some designs.

Ball sizes

Trailers use 1-7/8 inch, 2 inch and 2-5/16 inch couplers. A tri-ball mount covers all three without a wrench, a dual-ball mount covers the two most common sizes, and a single-ball mount is fine only if every trailer you own takes the same ball. Check your coupler stamp before you buy.

Steel or aluminum

Steel mounts are heavy and strong, and their weight is part of why they stay quiet in the receiver. Aluminum mounts are far lighter to carry and swap, and they resist rust, but they usually carry a lower weight rating. Pick steel for heavy trailers and aluminum when you swap mounts often.

Stow and lock

A mount that rotates under the truck when you are not towing keeps your shins and the garage door safe. A locking pin keeps the mount on the truck. Neither feature tows better, but both matter every single day you own the mount.

Adjustable hitch mounts by budget

Tier What you get Example pick
Value A fixed-drop steel channel mount with two ball sizes and a solid weight rating. Adjusts in fixed steps, no scale, no stow feature. CURT 45900
Mid-range A stowable steel mount with dual or tri-ball heads, pin adjustment and a 10,000 lb rating. The everyday towing choice. B and W Tow and Stow TS10037B
Premium A built-in tongue weight scale, aircraft aluminum body and the highest rating in this guide, for owners who tow heavy and often. Weigh Safe 180 Hitch

Types of adjustable hitch mounts compared

Type How it works Best for
Channel mount A steel channel with holes drilled along its length; the ball platform bolts on at the height you need. Heavy trailers and owners who set the height once and leave it.
Stowable ball mount A steel arm with two pins that lets the ball head rotate between towing positions and a stowed position under the truck. Daily drivers who tow on weekends and want the mount out of the way.
Aluminum adjustable mount A machined aluminum mount with a built-in scale or gauge and interchangeable balls. Owners who swap mounts often and want light weight plus tongue weight readings.

Detailed reviews

Every mount below was checked against its own maker listing and Amazon listing data. Ratings, drop figures and ball sizes come from those listings, and owner themes come from the buying guides linked in each review.

Best Overall: Weigh Safe 180 Hitch Adjustable Trailer Hitch, 8 Inch Drop, 2.5 Inch Receiver

Best Overall

Why the Weigh Safe 180 Hitch Adjustable Trailer Hitch, 8 Inch Drop, 2.5 Inch Receiver is our pick

The Weigh Safe 180 Hitch is the only mount in this guide with a built-in scale that measures tongue weight, and it carries the highest gross trailer weight rating here at 18,500 lb. The 8 inch drop suits lifted trucks and tall trailers, and the 2.5 inch receiver shank fits the heavy-duty trucks that tow the biggest loads. It is the mount to buy when the trailer is heavy enough that guessing the tongue weight is no longer acceptable.

Weigh Safe 180 Hitch Adjustable Trailer Hitch, 8 Inch Drop, 2.5 Inch Receiver key specs

  • Type: Adjustable aluminum ball mount
  • Drop: 8 inch
  • Receiver: 2.5 inch
  • Gross trailer weight: 18,500 lb
  • Balls: Chrome-plated tow balls
  • Scale: Built-in tongue weight scale
  • Part number: CTB8-2.5
  • Material: Aluminum
  • Lock: 1-piece lock set included
  • Use: Adjustable height towing

Weigh Safe 180 Hitch Adjustable Trailer Hitch, 8 Inch Drop, 2.5 Inch Receiver: fits and best for

Owners of three-quarter ton and one-ton trucks with a 2.5 inch receiver who tow heavy trailers and want to check tongue weight before every trip. It suits travel trailers, car haulers and equipment trailers where the load changes often.

Weigh Safe 180 Hitch Adjustable Trailer Hitch, 8 Inch Drop, 2.5 Inch Receiver pros and watch-outs

  • Built-in tongue weight scale
  • Highest GTW rating in this guide at 18,500 lb
  • 8 inch drop suits lifted trucks
  • Aluminum body is lighter than steel
  • Chrome-plated balls included
  • 2.5 inch receiver only, not for half-ton trucks
  • Costs more than steel channel mounts
  • Aluminum needs care to avoid galling
  • Scale must be read at the hitch, not from the cab

Weigh Safe 180 Hitch Adjustable Trailer Hitch, 8 Inch Drop, 2.5 Inch Receiver: what owners report

  • Owners report that the built-in scale takes the guesswork out of loading, and that the mount stays quiet in the receiver once pinned. Totally Reviewed
  • Buying guides note that aluminum adjustable mounts are the lightest to carry and swap, which matters when the mount comes off between trips. Lippert
  • The maker’s page for the Weigh Safe 180 lists its drop lengths, receiver sizes and weight ratings. Weigh Safe
  • Retailer listings for the Weigh Safe 180 note the 2.5 inch receiver version and its 18,500 lb rating. Diesel Power Products

Weigh Safe 180 Hitch Adjustable Trailer Hitch, 8 Inch Drop, 2.5 Inch Receiver: who should not buy

Do not buy this mount if your truck has a 2 inch receiver, because the 2.5 inch shank will not fit. Skip it too if you tow light trailers only, where a steel channel mount does the same job for less.

Weigh Safe 180 Hitch Adjustable Trailer Hitch, 8 Inch Drop, 2.5 Inch Receiver: pair it with

Pair it with a locking hitch pin and a trailer jack that lets you level the trailer before you read the scale.

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Check the scale with the trailer loaded the way you actually tow it, not empty.

Best Tri-Ball Mount: B and W Tow and Stow Adjustable Trailer Hitch Ball Mount, Tri-Ball, 5 Inch Drop, 10,000 GTW

Best Tri-Ball Mount

Why the B and W Tow and Stow Adjustable Trailer Hitch Ball Mount, Tri-Ball, 5 Inch Drop, 10,000 GTW is our pick

The B and W Tow and Stow TS10048B carries three balls on one head, 1-7/8 inch, 2 inch and 2-5/16 inch, so it fits almost any trailer you own without swapping parts. Two stainless pins set the height, and the whole arm rotates under the truck when you are not towing. It is the mount to buy when the fleet in your yard takes more than one ball size.

B and W Tow and Stow Adjustable Trailer Hitch Ball Mount, Tri-Ball, 5 Inch Drop, 10,000 GTW key specs

  • Type: Stowable adjustable ball mount
  • Balls: Tri-ball, 1-7/8, 2 and 2-5/16 inch
  • Drop: 5 inch
  • Receiver: 2 inch
  • Gross trailer weight: 10,000 lb
  • Part number: TS10048B
  • Weight: 29.8 lb
  • Material: Steel
  • Stow: Rotates under the truck
  • Pins: Two stainless steel adjustment pins

B and W Tow and Stow Adjustable Trailer Hitch Ball Mount, Tri-Ball, 5 Inch Drop, 10,000 GTW: fits and best for

Owners with two or three trailers of different sizes who want one mount for all of them. It suits daily-driven trucks where the mount needs to disappear between towing jobs.

B and W Tow and Stow Adjustable Trailer Hitch Ball Mount, Tri-Ball, 5 Inch Drop, 10,000 GTW pros and watch-outs

  • Three ball sizes on one head
  • Stows under the truck when not towing
  • Simple two-pin height adjustment
  • Steel build with a 10,000 lb rating
  • Anti-theft design once locked in the receiver
  • Heavy at 29.8 lb to carry and swap
  • 5 inch drop may not suit lifted trucks
  • Steel needs care to keep rust off
  • Tri-ball head is bulkier than a dual-ball head

B and W Tow and Stow Adjustable Trailer Hitch Ball Mount, Tri-Ball, 5 Inch Drop, 10,000 GTW: what owners report

  • Owners report that the stow feature is the part they use most, and that the tri-ball head ends the hunt for the right ball. PickPrism
  • Buying guides note that the lowest-rated part of the chain governs the tow, so the 10,000 lb rating must be checked against the receiver and the ball. PickPrism
  • The maker’s page for the Tow and Stow explains the height adjustment, ball sizes and stowable design. B and W Trailer Hitches

B and W Tow and Stow Adjustable Trailer Hitch Ball Mount, Tri-Ball, 5 Inch Drop, 10,000 GTW: who should not buy

Do not buy this mount if your truck has a 2.5 inch receiver or your trailer needs more than a 5 inch drop. Skip it too if you only ever tow one trailer with one ball size, where a simpler mount costs less.

B and W Tow and Stow Adjustable Trailer Hitch Ball Mount, Tri-Ball, 5 Inch Drop, 10,000 GTW: pair it with

Pair it with a locking hitch pin so the adjustable arm cannot be removed from the receiver.

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Grease the pins lightly so the height change stays a one-person job.

Best Dual-Ball Mount: B and W Tow and Stow Adjustable Trailer Hitch Ball Mount, Dual Ball, 5 Inch Drop, 10,000 GTW

Best Dual-Ball Mount

Why the B and W Tow and Stow Adjustable Trailer Hitch Ball Mount, Dual Ball, 5 Inch Drop, 10,000 GTW is our pick

The B and W Tow and Stow TS10037B is the dual-ball version of the tri-ball mount, with 2 inch and 2-5/16 inch balls covering the two coupler sizes most trailers actually use. It keeps the same stowable arm, the same 10,000 lb rating and the same two-pin adjustment, with a slightly lighter head than the tri-ball version. It is the mount to buy when two ball sizes are enough and you want the simpler head.

B and W Tow and Stow Adjustable Trailer Hitch Ball Mount, Dual Ball, 5 Inch Drop, 10,000 GTW key specs

  • Type: Stowable adjustable ball mount
  • Balls: Dual ball, 2 and 2-5/16 inch
  • Drop: 5 inch
  • Receiver: 2 inch
  • Gross trailer weight: 10,000 lb
  • Part number: TS10037B
  • Weight: 28.4 lb
  • Material: Steel
  • Stow: Rotates under the truck
  • Pins: Two stainless steel adjustment pins

B and W Tow and Stow Adjustable Trailer Hitch Ball Mount, Dual Ball, 5 Inch Drop, 10,000 GTW: fits and best for

Owners with two trailers, one taking a 2 inch ball and one taking a 2-5/16 inch ball. It suits trucks that tow on weekends and commute during the week.

B and W Tow and Stow Adjustable Trailer Hitch Ball Mount, Dual Ball, 5 Inch Drop, 10,000 GTW pros and watch-outs

  • Covers the two most common ball sizes
  • Lighter head than the tri-ball version
  • Stows under the truck when not towing
  • 10,000 lb rating suits most trailers
  • Simple two-pin adjustment
  • No 1-7/8 inch ball for small trailers
  • Heavy at 28.4 lb to carry
  • 5 inch drop may not suit lifted trucks
  • Steel needs care to keep rust off

B and W Tow and Stow Adjustable Trailer Hitch Ball Mount, Dual Ball, 5 Inch Drop, 10,000 GTW: what owners report

  • Owners report that flipping the head between the two balls takes seconds once the pins are out, and that the mount stays rattle-free when pinned. PickPrism

B and W Tow and Stow Adjustable Trailer Hitch Ball Mount, Dual Ball, 5 Inch Drop, 10,000 GTW: who should not buy

Do not buy this mount if any trailer you own takes a 1-7/8 inch coupler, because this head has no ball for it. Skip it too if your truck needs a 2.5 inch shank.

B and W Tow and Stow Adjustable Trailer Hitch Ball Mount, Dual Ball, 5 Inch Drop, 10,000 GTW: pair it with

Pair it with a spare set of adjustment pins so a lost pin never strands the trailer.

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Check the coupler stamp on every trailer before you assume the 2 inch ball fits.

Best Chrome Finish: B and W Tow and Stow Adjustable Trailer Hitch Ball Mount, Tri-Ball, 3 Inch Drop, 10,000 GTW, Chrome

Best Chrome Finish

Why the B and W Tow and Stow Adjustable Trailer Hitch Ball Mount, Tri-Ball, 3 Inch Drop, 10,000 GTW, Chrome is our pick

The B and W Tow and Stow TS10047C is the chrome tri-ball version with a 3 inch drop, built for stock-height trucks where a deep drop would put the trailer nose down. It carries the same three ball sizes and the same 10,000 lb rating as its 5 inch sibling, with a chrome finish that resists corrosion and looks at home on a clean truck. It is the mount to buy when the truck sits at factory height and the trailer fleet is mixed.

B and W Tow and Stow Adjustable Trailer Hitch Ball Mount, Tri-Ball, 3 Inch Drop, 10,000 GTW, Chrome key specs

  • Type: Stowable adjustable ball mount
  • Balls: Tri-ball, 1-7/8, 2 and 2-5/16 inch
  • Drop: 3 inch
  • Receiver: 2 inch
  • Gross trailer weight: 10,000 lb
  • Part number: TS10047C
  • Weight: 28.1 lb
  • Finish: Chrome
  • Material: Steel
  • Stow: Rotates under the truck

B and W Tow and Stow Adjustable Trailer Hitch Ball Mount, Tri-Ball, 3 Inch Drop, 10,000 GTW, Chrome: fits and best for

Owners of stock-height trucks who tow several trailers and want the mount to look as good as it tows. It suits boat trailers, utility trailers and car haulers at factory ride height.

B and W Tow and Stow Adjustable Trailer Hitch Ball Mount, Tri-Ball, 3 Inch Drop, 10,000 GTW, Chrome pros and watch-outs

  • Three ball sizes on one head
  • Chrome finish resists corrosion
  • 3 inch drop suits stock-height trucks
  • 10,000 lb rating suits most trailers
  • Stows under the truck when not towing
  • 3 inch drop is too little for lifted trucks
  • Heavy at 28.1 lb to carry
  • Chrome shows scratches more than black
  • Tri-ball head is bulkier than a dual-ball head

B and W Tow and Stow Adjustable Trailer Hitch Ball Mount, Tri-Ball, 3 Inch Drop, 10,000 GTW, Chrome: what owners report

  • Owners report that the chrome finish holds up well when the mount is wiped down after towing, and that the shorter drop keeps level trailers level. Totally Reviewed

B and W Tow and Stow Adjustable Trailer Hitch Ball Mount, Tri-Ball, 3 Inch Drop, 10,000 GTW, Chrome: who should not buy

Do not buy this mount if your truck is lifted or your trailer needs more than a 3 inch drop. Skip it too if you tow in salted winter roads and will not wipe the mount down, because chrome still needs care.

B and W Tow and Stow Adjustable Trailer Hitch Ball Mount, Tri-Ball, 3 Inch Drop, 10,000 GTW, Chrome: pair it with

Pair it with a chrome hitch ball cover to keep the balls clean between tows.

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Measure the drop with the trailer loaded, because an empty trailer sits higher than a loaded one.

Best Heavy-Duty Value: CURT 45900 Adjustable Dual-Ball Channel Mount, 2 Inch Shank, 6 Inch Drop, 14,000 lbs

Best Heavy-Duty Value

Why the CURT 45900 Adjustable Dual-Ball Channel Mount, 2 Inch Shank, 6 Inch Drop, 14,000 lbs is our pick

The CURT 45900 is a steel channel mount with a 14,000 lb gross trailer weight rating, the second-highest in this guide, at a working price. The ball platform bolts to the channel at the height you need, with a 6 inch drop and two ball sizes, 2 inch and 2-5/16 inch. It is the mount to buy when the trailer is heavy, the height is set once, and the budget matters.

CURT 45900 Adjustable Dual-Ball Channel Mount, 2 Inch Shank, 6 Inch Drop, 14,000 lbs key specs

  • Type: Adjustable steel channel mount
  • Balls: Dual ball, 2 and 2-5/16 inch
  • Drop: 6 inch
  • Receiver: 2 inch
  • Gross trailer weight: 14,000 lb
  • Part number: 45900
  • Material: Alloy steel
  • Adjustment: Bolt-on channel positions
  • Use: Heavy trailer towing
  • Finish: Not published

CURT 45900 Adjustable Dual-Ball Channel Mount, 2 Inch Shank, 6 Inch Drop, 14,000 lbs: fits and best for

Owners who tow one heavy trailer with a fixed setup and want the highest rating for the money. It suits equipment trailers, car haulers and large travel trailers.

CURT 45900 Adjustable Dual-Ball Channel Mount, 2 Inch Shank, 6 Inch Drop, 14,000 lbs pros and watch-outs

  • 14,000 lb rating at a working price
  • 6 inch drop suits taller trailers
  • Steel channel is simple and strong
  • Dual ball covers the two common sizes
  • No moving stow parts to wear out
  • Height changes need tools and time
  • No stow position under the truck
  • Steel is heavy to carry and swap
  • No tongue weight scale

CURT 45900 Adjustable Dual-Ball Channel Mount, 2 Inch Shank, 6 Inch Drop, 14,000 lbs: what owners report

  • Owners report that the channel design is set-and-forget, and that the mount stays solid once the bolts are torqued. PickPrism
  • Buying guides note that a channel mount is the right call when the height never changes, because there is nothing to rattle loose. Lippert
  • The instruction manual collection for the CURT 45900 covers installation and the weight ratings for each ball size. Manuals Plus
  • A comparison of the CURT 45900 and 45902 covers the receiver sizes and weight ratings of each one. Movrify

CURT 45900 Adjustable Dual-Ball Channel Mount, 2 Inch Shank, 6 Inch Drop, 14,000 lbs: who should not buy

Do not buy this mount if you change trailers often and need to change height without tools. Skip it too if you want the mount to stow under the truck between tows.

CURT 45900 Adjustable Dual-Ball Channel Mount, 2 Inch Shank, 6 Inch Drop, 14,000 lbs: pair it with

Pair it with a torque wrench so the channel bolts are tightened to the maker spec.

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Mark the channel hole you use, so the height goes back exactly after the mount comes off.

Spec comparison

Spec Weigh Safe 180 B and W TS10048B B and W TS10037B B and W TS10047C CURT 45900
Receiver 2.5 inch 2 inch 2 inch 2 inch 2 inch
Drop 8 inch 5 inch 5 inch 3 inch 6 inch
Gross trailer weight 18,500 lb 10,000 lb 10,000 lb 10,000 lb 14,000 lb
Ball sizes Chrome balls 1-7/8, 2, 2-5/16 inch 2, 2-5/16 inch 1-7/8, 2, 2-5/16 inch 2, 2-5/16 inch
Material Aluminum Steel Steel Steel, chrome Alloy steel
Stow position Not published Yes Yes Yes No
Tongue weight scale Yes No No No No
Part number CTB8-2.5 TS10048B TS10037B TS10047C 45900
Weight Not published 29.8 lb 28.4 lb 28.1 lb Not published
Best for Heavy towing Several trailers Two trailers Stock trucks Fixed heavy setup
Check Price Check Price Check Price Check Price Check Price Check Price

Installing an adjustable hitch mount

Slide the shank into the receiver until the pin holes line up, then fit the hitch pin and clip. Set the ball platform at the height that keeps the trailer level when it is loaded, not when it is empty, and tighten the hardware to the maker torque figure. Check that the coupler latches fully on the ball and that the safety chains cross under the tongue with enough slack to turn.

After the first short tow, stop and recheck the pin, the channel bolts and the coupler latch, because new hardware settles. Re-check the height with the trailer loaded the way you tow it. If the trailer nose sits high or low, move the platform one hole and test again rather than towing nose-high.

Safety essentials

  • Never tow above the lowest-rated part in the chain: mount, ball, receiver or truck.
  • Check the hitch pin and clip before every trip, and carry a spare pin.
  • Cross the safety chains under the tongue so they catch it if the coupler comes off.
  • Keep the trailer level when loaded, because a nose-high trailer sways.
  • Check tongue weight before a long tow, and keep it near 10 to 15 percent of the loaded trailer weight.
  • Never stand between the truck and the trailer while the truck is moving into position.

WARN Epic Snatch Block — A recovery block for stuck trailers and off-road recovery work.

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AMBULL D-Ring Shackles — Rated shackles for recovery straps and trailer safety chains.

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GearAmerica Tree Saver Strap — A wide strap for safe anchor points during recovery.

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Troubleshooting

Symptom Likely cause Fix
Mount rattles in the receiver Shank is a loose fit in the receiver Fit an anti-rattle clamp and check the pin for wear.
Trailer nose sits high Drop is too little for the truck and trailer pair Move the platform down one hole and recheck with the trailer loaded.
Coupler will not latch Wrong ball size for the coupler Check the coupler stamp and fit the matching ball size.
Pins are hard to pull Rust or grit in the pin holes Clean the holes, grease the pins lightly and store the mount dry.
Trailer sways at speed Tongue weight is too low or the trailer is nose-high Shift load forward, check tongue weight and level the trailer.
Chrome shows rust spots Road salt left on the finish Wash the mount after towing and wipe it dry before storage.

Who should NOT buy these

strongDo not buy an adjustable mount at all/strong if your trailer and truck already sit level on a fixed ball mount. A fixed mount is cheaper, lighter and has nothing to adjust loose.

strongDo not buy a 2.5 inch mount for a 2 inch receiver./strong The shank will not fit, and no adapter makes an oversized shank safe in a smaller receiver.

strongDo not buy on rating alone./strong A mount rated far above your receiver does not raise the receiver rating, and the lowest number in the chain still governs the tow.

strongDo not buy a tri-ball head if you only tow one trailer./strong The extra ball adds weight and bulk you will never use, and a dual-ball or single-ball mount does the same job.

Final verdict

Weigh Safe 180 Hitch Adjustable Trailer Hitch, 8 Inch Drop, 2.5 Inch Receiver: The strongest, smartest mount in this guide for heavy trucks. Check Price

B and W Tow and Stow Adjustable Trailer Hitch Ball Mount, Tri-Ball, 5 Inch Drop, 10,000 GTW: The one-mount answer for owners with several trailers. Check Price

B and W Tow and Stow Adjustable Trailer Hitch Ball Mount, Dual Ball, 5 Inch Drop, 10,000 GTW: The simpler stowable mount for two-ball towing. Check Price

B and W Tow and Stow Adjustable Trailer Hitch Ball Mount, Tri-Ball, 3 Inch Drop, 10,000 GTW, Chrome: The tidy tri-ball mount for stock-height trucks. Check Price

CURT 45900 Adjustable Dual-Ball Channel Mount, 2 Inch Shank, 6 Inch Drop, 14,000 lbs: The heavy-duty value pick for a fixed setup. Check Price

FAQ

What drop do I need for my trailer?

Measure from the ground to the top of your receiver opening and from the ground to the bottom of the trailer coupler with the trailer level. The difference is the drop you need. Measure with the trailer loaded the way you tow it, because an empty trailer sits higher than a loaded one, and a mount that is an inch short will leave the trailer nose-high.

What is the difference between a 2 inch and a 2.5 inch receiver?

The number is the inside size of the square receiver tube on the truck. Most half-ton trucks use a 2 inch receiver, while many three-quarter ton and one-ton trucks use a 2.5 inch receiver. A 2 inch shank rattles in a 2.5 inch receiver, and a 2.5 inch shank does not fit a 2 inch receiver at all, so check the opening before you order.

How much tongue weight should my trailer have?

Tongue weight should sit near 10 to 15 percent of the loaded trailer weight. Too little tongue weight causes sway, and too much overloads the rear of the truck. The Weigh Safe mount in this guide has a built-in scale that reads tongue weight at the hitch, and a bathroom scale under the jack works as a rough check on lighter trailers.

Can I use a 10,000 lb mount to tow a 12,000 lb trailer?

No. The lowest-rated part in the chain governs the whole setup, so a 10,000 lb mount caps the tow at 10,000 lb even if the truck and the receiver are rated higher. Step up to a mount rated above the loaded trailer weight, and check the ball and the receiver ratings too, because they can be lower than the mount.

Do adjustable hitch mounts rattle?

Some do, especially a 2 inch shank in a worn receiver. An anti-rattle clamp or a tight-fitting shank usually quiets it. Steel stowable mounts can also click at the pivot pins when they wear, so keep the pins clean and greased, and replace a worn pin rather than towing with a loose one.

Is an aluminum hitch mount as strong as steel?

A well-made aluminum mount can carry a high rating, and the Weigh Safe mount in this guide is rated to 18,500 lb. But most aluminum mounts are rated lower than their steel equivalents, and aluminum needs more care to avoid galling at the pins. Pick aluminum when light weight matters, and steel when the trailer is heavy and the mount rarely comes off.

What ball size does my trailer need?

Read the stamp on the coupler, which lists the ball size the coupler was made for. Common sizes are 1-7/8 inch for light trailers, 2 inch for mid-size trailers and 2-5/16 inch for heavy trailers. A tri-ball mount covers all three, while a dual-ball mount covers the two most common sizes.

How do I keep a hitch mount from rusting?

Wash the mount after towing, especially after winter roads, and wipe it dry before storage. Grease the pins lightly and keep the mount indoors when it is off the truck. Chrome and powder-coated finishes resist rust longer, but no finish survives salt left on the steel for months.

Should the trailer sit level when loaded?

Yes. A level trailer tows straight, brakes evenly and puts the right weight on the tongue. A nose-high trailer sways, and a nose-low trailer overloads the truck rear. Set the mount height with the trailer loaded the way you tow it, then recheck after the first trip, because the load settles.

Sources

By Leo, Founder, WinchInsider

Leo covers winches, towing gear and automotive accessories, comparing maker documents and owner reports so readers can buy once and buy right.

Related guides

Weigh Safe 180 Hitch Adjustable Trailer Hitch, 8 Inch Drop, 2.5 Inch Receiver

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