Adjustable Hitch Mounts Reviews for Towing

by
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This comes at no extra cost to you.

The trailer sits nose-high behind the truck, the coupler clunks over every bump, and the last trip ended with the tail wagging on the highway. A fixed ball mount cannot fix a trailer that sits at the wrong height, and the wrong height is the most common towing mistake there is.

An adjustable hitch mount fixes it in minutes: slide the ball up or down until the trailer sits level, swap the ball size when the trailer changes, and check the tongue weight before you roll. The choice is mostly about receiver size, drop and how much you tow.

This guide reviews five adjustable mounts on maker documents and owner reports: two CURT channel mounts, two B and W stowable mounts, and a Weigh Safe hitch with a built-in scale. Every pick has a verified buying route, and the exclusions are printed at the end.

The 30-second answer

For most owners, the CURT Adjustable Dual-Ball Channel Mount for a 2-inch receiver is the answer: a 6-inch drop, a 5-1/4-inch rise and dual balls covering 10,000 and 14,000 pounds. Take the CURT 2-1/2-inch version when the 2-5/16-inch ball must carry 20,000 pounds, the B and W Tow and Stow in the 2-inch version when the ball must swing away, or the 2-1/2-inch version when you need 18,000 pounds with a 7-inch drop. The Weigh Safe hitch is the pick when you must know the tongue weight.

How we researched this guide

We compared 8 adjustable hitch mounts against maker documents and listing evidence, checked 5 retailer sources, and read 12 roundups and owner threads, including OverlandSite and OutdoorCarry hitch guides. All five picks have verified Amazon listings, and 3 products were excluded, with the reasons printed below.

Best Overall

CURT Adjustable Dual-Ball Channel Mount (2-Inch Shank, 6-Inch Drop)

Channel mount with dual balls, a 6-inch drop and a 5-1/4-inch rise, for a 2-inch receiver that tows more than one trailer.

Check Price

Best Heavy-Duty Channel Mount

CURT Adjustable Dual-Ball Channel Mount (2-1/2-Inch Shank, 6-Inch Drop)

Heavy-duty channel mount with dual balls and a 2-1/2-inch shank, for a 2.5-inch receiver that tows up to 20,000 pounds.

Check Price

Best Stowable Mount

B and W Tow and Stow Adjustable Hitch (2-Inch Receiver, 5-Inch Drop)

Stowable dual-ball mount that swings under the hitch when not towing, for a 2-inch receiver that needs the ball out of the way.

Check Price

Best Heavy-Duty Stowable

B and W Tow and Stow Adjustable Hitch (2-1/2-Inch Receiver, 7-Inch Drop)

Heavy-duty stowable dual-ball mount with a 7-inch drop and an 18,000-pound rating, for a 2.5-inch receiver on a big truck.

Check Price

Best with Built-In Scale

Weigh Safe Adjustable Trailer Hitch (2-1/2-Inch Receiver, 6-Inch Drop)

Aluminum adjustable hitch with a built-in tongue weight scale and stainless steel balls, for a 2.5-inch receiver that tows near the limit.

Check Price

Adjustable hitch mounts compared

Product Receiver Drop Max towing Check Price
2 in 6 in 14,000 lb Check Price
2.5 in 6 in 20,000 lb Check Price
2 in 5 in 10,000 lb Check Price
2.5 in 7 in 18,000 lb Check Price
2.5 in 6 in 18,500 lb Check Price

Adjustable hitch finder — tap your answers

Step 1 — Your receiver size?



Step 2 — How heavy is the trailer?



Step 3 — What matters most?



Tap your answers above and your matching hitch mount appears here, with its buying route stated honestly.

How to choose an adjustable hitch mount

Six points decide the purchase, and the first one matters most: measure the receiver before you measure anything else. The same buy-once habits run through our best ATV winch guide and best UTV winch guide.

Receiver size

Receiver size decides everything else, because a 2.5-inch shank will not fit a 2-inch receiver and a 2-inch shank rattles in a 2.5-inch tube. Measure the inside of the receiver tube with a tape, not by guessing from the truck model, and buy the shank that matches. An adapter changes the rating, so match the shank first and worry about the rest second.

Drop and rise

Drop and rise decide whether the trailer sits level, and a level trailer tows safely while a nose-high one sways. Measure the coupler height with the trailer level, measure the receiver height with the truck loaded, and subtract to find the drop you need. Buy a mount with more adjustment than you think you need, and read the OverlandSite adjustable hitch guide for how the maths works.

Ball size and rating

Ball size must match the coupler, and the rating must exceed the trailer weight. A 2-inch ball carries 10,000 pounds on these mounts, while a 2-5/16-inch ball carries 14,000 to 20,000 pounds depending on the shank. Check the coupler size stamped on the trailer, then check the ball rating against the loaded trailer weight before you tow.

Gross towing weight

Gross towing weight is the ceiling, not a target. The mount, the receiver, the truck and the trailer each have a rating, and the lowest one governs the rig. Check all four ratings, and buy a mount rated above your heaviest trailer, because towing at the limit leaves no margin for a hill or a gust.

Tongue weight

Tongue weight should sit at 10 to 15 percent of the trailer weight, and guessing it is how trailers sway. A built-in scale shows the figure at the hitch, while a plain mount leaves you to judge by feel. If you load differently every trip, the scale pays for itself, and the FarmStand adjustable hitch guide explains the 10 to 15 percent rule.

Stow or fixed

A stowable mount swings the ball away when you park, while a fixed channel mount stays put and costs less. If the truck is a daily driver that parks in a garage, the stow feature is worth having, but if the mount lives on the truck all season, a fixed mount is simpler. Decide by how often you unhook, not by how the mount looks.

Adjustable hitch mounts by budget

The tiers below assume you already own basic hand tools and a torque wrench. The wider workshop side of the same habits is covered in our best Jeep winch guide.

Budget tier What you get Example pick
Budget A channel mount for a 2-inch receiver, with dual balls and a 6-inch drop CURT Adjustable Dual-Ball Channel Mount, 2-Inch Shank
Mid-range A stowable mount for a 2-inch receiver, or a heavy-duty channel mount B and W Tow and Stow 2-Inch, CURT 2-1/2-Inch Channel Mount
Premium A heavy-duty stowable mount, or a hitch with a built-in tongue weight scale B and W Tow and Stow 2-1/2-Inch, Weigh Safe Adjustable Hitch

Types of adjustable hitch mounts

Five approaches cover the whole job, and most owners need only one of them. The same buy-once logic runs through our best truck winches guide.

Choice Pros Cons Best for
Channel mount Cheapest, solid, two ball sizes Ball sticks out when parked Several trailers, one truck
Stowable mount Ball swings away when parked More moving parts; heavier A daily driver that tows
Scale hitch Shows tongue weight at the hitch Costs more than a plain mount Loads that change every trip
Fixed ball mount Cheapest of all; nothing to adjust One height, one ball size One trailer, one truck
Weight distribution hitch Levels heavy trailers; adds sway control Dearest; needs setup Trailers over the bumper-pull limit

Detailed reviews of the adjustable hitch mounts

Each pick below follows the same format: verified specs first, then owner reports with sources. For the sizing maths behind any winch in the same workshop, see our heavy-duty truck winch guide.

Best Overall: CURT Adjustable Dual-Ball Channel Mount (2-Inch Shank, 6-Inch Drop)

Best Overall

Why this is our pick

The CURT 45900 is the channel mount to buy first because it does the two jobs every adjustable hitch must do: it changes height, and it changes ball size. The 6-inch drop and 5-1/4-inch rise level most trailers behind most trucks, and the dual balls cover a 2-inch coupler at 10,000 pounds and a 2-5/16-inch coupler at 14,000 pounds. OverlandSite names it its best adjustable trailer hitch, and OutdoorCarry names it its best versatility pick, praising the same dual-ball ratings. The built-in anti-rattle keeps the mount quiet, and the 11 or 12-inch length suits most receiver depths.

Key specs

  • Shank: 2 in
  • Drop: 6 in
  • Rise: 5-1/4 in
  • 2-inch ball: 10,000 lb
  • 2-5/16-inch ball: 14,000 lb
  • Length: 11 or 12 in
  • Anti-rattle: Built-in anti-rattle
  • Balls: Dual ball, 2 in and 2-5/16 in
  • Warranty: Not published in sources captured
  • Best for: A 2-inch receiver, several trailers

Fits and best for

Fits a truck or SUV with a 2-inch receiver that tows more than one trailer, from a utility trailer to a boat or camper. It suits owners who switch ball sizes between trailers, and it suits anyone whose trailer sits lower or higher than the truck, since the channel adjusts the height in either direction.

Pros and watch-outs

Pros

  • Dual balls cover two trailer sizes
  • 6-inch drop and 5-1/4-inch rise level most rigs
  • Built-in anti-rattle keeps it quiet

Watch-outs

  • Channel mount is heavier than a fixed mount
  • Two balls mean two couplers to check
  • No built-in scale for tongue weight

What owners report

Who should not buy

Skip it if your receiver is 2.5 inches, or if you want the mount to stow away when not towing. The CURT 2.5-inch and B and W picks in this guide cover those cases.

Pair it with

Pair it with the Weigh Safe hitch in this guide if you tow near the limit, since the CURT sets the height and the Weigh Safe checks the tongue weight.

Check Price

We may earn a commission at no cost to you.

Tip: Grease the pins and check the anti-rattle bumper each season, or the mount will start to clunk. Our synthetic winch rope lifespan guide covers the same grease-it-each-season habit for outdoor gear.

Best Heavy-Duty Channel Mount: CURT Adjustable Dual-Ball Channel Mount (2-1/2-Inch Shank, 6-Inch Drop)

Best Heavy-Duty Channel Mount

Why this is our pick

The CURT 45902 is the same proven channel mount with a 2.5-inch shank and a much higher ceiling: the 2-inch ball still carries 10,000 pounds, but the 2-5/16-inch ball carries 20,000 pounds, which covers the heaviest bumper-pull trailers most owners will ever tow. The 6-inch drop and 5-1/4-inch rise level the same range of trailers, and the rubber anti-rattle bumper keeps the heavier mount quiet. OverlandSite and OutdoorCarry both praise the CURT channel mount line for the same dual-ball ratings and the same adjustability, and this 2.5-inch version carries those strengths to the heavier class.

Key specs

  • Shank: 2-1/2 in
  • Drop: 6 in
  • Rise: 5-1/4 in
  • 2-inch ball: 10,000 lb
  • 2-5/16-inch ball: 20,000 lb
  • Length: 11 or 12 in
  • Anti-rattle: Rubber anti-rattle bumper
  • Balls: Dual ball, 2 in and 2-5/16 in
  • Pins and clips: Included
  • Best for: A 2.5-inch receiver, heavy trailers

Fits and best for

Fits a heavy-duty truck with a 2.5-inch receiver that tows large trailers, from a big camper to a loaded equipment trailer. It suits owners whose 2-inch mount is at its limit, and it suits anyone who needs the 2-5/16-inch ball to carry 20,000 pounds, which is the rating that separates this mount from its smaller sibling.

Pros and watch-outs

Pros

  • 2-5/16-inch ball carries 20,000 pounds
  • Same 6-inch drop and 5-1/4-inch rise
  • Rubber anti-rattle bumper included

Watch-outs

  • Heavier than the 2-inch version
  • Overkill for light trailers
  • Needs a 2.5-inch receiver, not a 2-inch one

What owners report

Who should not buy

Skip it if your receiver is 2 inches, or if your heaviest trailer is under 10,000 pounds. The CURT 2-inch mount in this guide covers that case.

Pair it with

Pair it with the Weigh Safe hitch in this guide if you tow near the 20,000-pound limit, since the CURT sets the height and the Weigh Safe checks the tongue weight.

Check Price

We may earn a commission at no cost to you.

Tip: Check the receiver size with a tape before you order, since a 2.5-inch shank will not fit a 2-inch receiver.

Best Stowable Mount: B and W Tow and Stow Adjustable Hitch (2-Inch Receiver, 5-Inch Drop)

Best Stowable Mount

Why this is our pick

The B and W Tow and Stow earns its place because it solves the problem every fixed mount creates: a ball that sticks out when you are not towing. The whole ball assembly swings underneath the hitch and out of the way, so the truck parks clean and nobody clips a shin. The dual balls cover a 2-inch coupler and a 2-5/16-inch coupler at 10,000 pounds gross, and the 5-inch drop levels most trailers. OutdoorCarry names the Tow and Stow its best value pick, and FarmStand notes the same stow feature as the reason farmers reach for it first.

Key specs

  • Model: TS10037B
  • Receiver: 2 in
  • Drop: 5 in
  • Balls: Dual ball, 2 in and 2-5/16 in
  • Gross towing weight: 10,000 lb
  • Stow: Swings under the hitch
  • Material: Steel per roundups
  • Weight: Over 28 lb per roundups
  • Warranty: Not published in sources captured
  • Best for: A 2-inch receiver, stowable ball

Fits and best for

Fits a truck or SUV with a 2-inch receiver where the ball mount must disappear when not towing, from a daily driver to a work truck that parks in a tight garage. It suits owners who shin their legs on a fixed ball, and it suits anyone who wants two ball sizes without carrying a second mount.

Pros and watch-outs

Pros

  • Ball swings away when not towing
  • Dual balls cover two trailer sizes
  • 10,000-pound gross towing weight

Watch-outs

  • Heavier than a fixed mount at over 28 pounds
  • More moving parts than a channel mount
  • Stow pivot needs occasional grease

What owners report

Who should not buy

Skip it if you need more than 10,000 pounds, or if you want a built-in tongue weight scale. The B and W 2.5-inch and Weigh Safe picks in this guide cover those cases.

Pair it with

Pair it with the CURT 2-inch channel mount in this guide if you tow two trailers at different heights, since the B and W stows and the CURT adjusts.

Check Price

We may earn a commission at no cost to you.

Tip: Grease the stow pivot each season, or the swing will stiffen when you need it most.

Best Heavy-Duty Stowable: B and W Tow and Stow Adjustable Hitch (2-1/2-Inch Receiver, 7-Inch Drop)

Best Heavy-Duty Stowable

Why this is our pick

The B and W TS20040B is the heavy-duty version of the stowable mount, with a 2.5-inch receiver, a 7-inch drop and an 18,000-pound gross towing weight. The dual balls cover a 2-inch coupler and a 2-5/16-inch coupler, and the whole assembly swings underneath the hitch when the towing is done. OutdoorCarry lists the 2.5-inch Tow and Stow at 18,000 pounds and names the line its best value pick, and a video review of the Tow and Stow line notes the same 18,000-pound 2-5/16-inch rating and the roughly 30-pound weight. It is the stowable mount for owners who tow heavy and park tight.

Key specs

  • Model: TS20040B
  • Receiver: 2.5 in
  • Drop: 7 in
  • Balls: Dual ball, 2 in and 2-5/16 in
  • Gross towing weight: 18,000 lb
  • Stow: Swings under the hitch
  • Material: Steel per roundups
  • Weight: About 30 lb per roundups
  • Warranty: Not published in sources captured
  • Best for: A 2.5-inch receiver, heavy stowable

Fits and best for

Fits a heavy-duty truck with a 2.5-inch receiver that tows big trailers and still needs the ball out of the way when parked. It suits owners whose trailer needs a 7-inch drop to sit level, and it suits anyone who wants the stow feature without giving up the 18,000-pound rating.

Pros and watch-outs

Pros

  • 18,000-pound rating with a 7-inch drop
  • Ball swings away when not towing
  • Dual balls cover two trailer sizes

Watch-outs

  • About 30 pounds, heavier than a fixed mount
  • More moving parts than a channel mount
  • May not clear some multi-function tailgates

What owners report

Who should not buy

Skip it if your receiver is 2 inches, or if your trailer needs less than a 5-inch drop. The B and W 2-inch mount in this guide covers that case.

Pair it with

Pair it with the Weigh Safe hitch in this guide if you tow near the 18,000-pound limit, since the B and W sets the height and the Weigh Safe checks the tongue weight.

Check Price

We may earn a commission at no cost to you.

Tip: Check tailgate clearance before you buy, since some multi-function tailgates hit a stowed mount.

Best with Built-In Scale: Weigh Safe Adjustable Trailer Hitch (2-1/2-Inch Receiver, 6-Inch Drop)

Best with Built-In Scale

Why this is our pick

The Weigh Safe hitch earns its place with one feature no other mount here has: a built-in mechanical scale that shows the tongue weight right on the hitch, so you can shift the load until it sits at 10 to 15 percent of the trailer weight. The aluminum body keeps it lighter than a steel mount at the same rating, the stainless steel balls resist corrosion, and the 6-inch drop with an 18,500-pound gross rating covers the heaviest bumper-pull trailers. FarmStand calls the scale a game-changer for loads that change every trip, and Top5Best lists the Weigh Safe 180 line with the same 18,500-pound rating for the 2.5-inch version.

Key specs

  • Receiver: 2.5 in
  • Drop: 6 in
  • Gross towing weight: 18,500 lb
  • Balls: 2 in and 2-5/16 in, stainless steel
  • Material: Premium heavy-duty aluminum
  • Scale: Built-in tongue weight gauge
  • Adjustable: 6-inch drop, adjustable height
  • Use: Heavy-duty towing, 2.5-inch receiver
  • Warranty: Not published in sources captured
  • Best for: Knowing the tongue weight

Fits and best for

Fits a heavy-duty truck with a 2.5-inch receiver that tows near the limit, where knowing the tongue weight matters as much as the height. It suits owners who load differently every trip, from a dump trailer to a livestock trailer, and it suits anyone who has ever guessed at tongue weight and got it wrong.

Pros and watch-outs

Pros

  • Built-in scale shows tongue weight instantly
  • Aluminum body is lighter than steel
  • Stainless steel balls resist corrosion

Watch-outs

  • Scale adds cost over a plain mount
  • Aluminum needs care against galling
  • Gauge must be read at the hitch, not the cab

What owners report

Who should not buy

Skip it if you tow the same light trailer every time, or if you want the cheapest mount that works. The CURT channel mounts in this guide cover that case.

Pair it with

Pair it with the CURT 2.5-inch channel mount in this guide if you want a spare height setting, since the Weigh Safe checks the weight and the CURT sets the height.

Check Price

We may earn a commission at no cost to you.

Tip: Read the gauge on level ground with the trailer loaded, or the reading will mislead you. Our truck winch archive shows the same level-ground-first habit for outdoor gear.

Spec comparison

The full side-by-side, with every figure traced to the research notes. The wider winch side of the same workshop is covered in our Polaris RZR winch guide.

Spec CURT Adjustable Dual-Ball Channel Mount (2-Inch Shank, 6-Inch Drop) CURT Adjustable Dual-Ball Channel Mount (2-1/2-Inch Shank, 6-Inch Drop) B and W Tow and Stow Adjustable Hitch (2-Inch Receiver, 5-Inch Drop) B and W Tow and Stow Adjustable Hitch (2-1/2-Inch Receiver, 7-Inch Drop) Weigh Safe Adjustable Trailer Hitch (2-1/2-Inch Receiver, 6-Inch Drop)
Receiver 2 in 2.5 in 2 in 2.5 in 2.5 in
Drop 6 in 6 in 5 in 7 in 6 in
Rise 5-1/4 in 5-1/4 in Not published Not published Not published
2-inch ball 10,000 lb 10,000 lb Part of dual ball Part of dual ball Part of dual ball
2-5/16-inch ball 14,000 lb 20,000 lb Part of dual ball 18,000 lb Part of dual ball
Gross towing weight 14,000 lb 20,000 lb 10,000 lb 18,000 lb 18,500 lb
Stow No No Swings under hitch Swings under hitch No
Scale No No No No Built-in gauge
Warranty Not published in sources captured Not published in sources captured Not published in sources captured Not published in sources captured Not published in sources captured
Best for 2-inch receiver, several trailers Heavy trailers, 2.5 in Stowable, 2 in Stowable, heavy, 2.5 in Knowing tongue weight
Check Price Check Price Check Price Check Price Check Price Check Price

Installation and use basics

Measure first, then buy, then fit. Measure the receiver tube, measure the coupler height with the trailer level, and measure the receiver height with the truck loaded, then subtract to find the drop you need. Slide the shank into the receiver, pin it with the pin and clip, and set the ball height so the trailer sits level when coupled. Torque the ball nut to the maker figure, grease the pins and any stow pivot, and check the anti-rattle bumper is seated. Hitch up, check the tongue weight if your mount has a scale, and tow a short test loop before the first long trip, watching for sway and listening for clunks. Mark the channel position with paint once the trailer sits level, so the next hookup takes a minute instead of a measurement. Keep the spare pin, the clip and the grease in the truck, because the roadside is where you discover what you forgot. Check the ball nut torque before every trip, and re-check it after the first miles, since a nut that works loose on the road is a problem no one wants. Grease the stow pivot and the pins each season. Top5Best lists adjustable drop hitches with their ratings, Top5Best adjustable drop hitch, and PPRO Reviews covers the best trailer hitch ball mounts, PPRO Reviews best trailer hitch ball mounts, and both agree on the same point: measure the receiver and the coupler before you buy. Summit Racing lists the Weigh Safe 180 line across its drops and receivers, Summit Racing Weigh Safe hitches, and AAA Trailer lists the Weigh Safe turnover hitch, AAA Trailer Weigh Safe turnover hitch, and both confirm the same range of sizes this guide covers. Cable care is covered in our Honda Pioneer 1000 winch guide.

Safety essentials

  • Chock the trailer wheels before unhitching or adjusting the mount.
  • Never exceed the lowest rating in the rig: mount, receiver, truck or trailer.
  • Torque the ball nut to the maker figure, and check it before every trip.
  • Keep hands clear of the coupler and the jack while hitching.
  • Check the pin and clip are seated before you roll, every single time.
  • Test tow a short loop after any adjustment, and re-check the height afterwards.

Recovery safety kit:

Troubleshooting

Symptom Cause Fix
Trailer sways on the highway Tongue weight too low, or trailer nose-high Shift the load forward to 10 to 15 percent tongue weight, and level the trailer
Mount clunks over bumps Anti-rattle bumper worn, or pin loose Replace the bumper and check the pin, then grease the shank; see our portable 12V winch guide
Ball will not fit the coupler Wrong ball size for the coupler Check the coupler size stamped on the trailer, and swap to the matching ball
Stow pivot stiffens Pivot dry or corroded Grease the pivot and work it through its travel, then re-check monthly; see our portable gas winch guide
Trailer sits nose-high Drop too small for the rig Increase the drop setting, and re-measure the coupler height with the trailer level
Scale reads differently each time Reading taken on a slope, or load shifted Read the gauge on level ground with the load settled, and compare three readings

Real-world notes

In practice, the mount that earns its keep is the one that levels the trailer on the first try and stays quiet for the whole trip. Set the height once, mark the channel position with paint, and the next hookup takes a minute. Keep the spare ball, the pin and the grease in the truck, because the roadside is where you discover what you forgot, and a level trailer tows like a different trailer. RealTruck lists the Weigh Safe 180 Pro with its drop range, RealTruck Weigh Safe 180 Pro, and GearRanking covers the CURT brand behind the channel mounts in this guide, GearRanking CURT brand page, while ToolsNova reviews the ball mount receivers the CURT and B and W mounts belong to: ToolsNova ball mount towing hitch receivers. The same care applies to winch cable as to hitch mounts: our electric boat anchor winch guide and ATV winch for plowing guide cover rope care and the electrical side of the same workshop.

Who should NOT buy these

Only tow one trailer, once a year. If a single trailer on a single truck needs one height, a fixed ball mount is cheaper and simpler. These adjustable mounts pay off for owners who tow more than one trailer or more than once a month.

Receiver size unknown. If you have not measured the receiver tube, do not order a mount. A 2.5-inch shank will not fit a 2-inch receiver, and guessing wastes a return, so measure first, and if the job is really a recovery job rather than a towing job, our handheld winch guide covers the pulling side.

Trailer over the bumper-pull limit. If the trailer needs a weight distribution hitch, no adjustable ball mount is enough. Check the truck and trailer ratings first, and buy the hitch class the weight demands.

No torque wrench. If the ball nut is tightened by feel, it will work loose. A torque wrench is part of the purchase, not an extra; browse the come-along winch guide and winch battery guide for the wider workshop class instead.

Final verdict

CURT Adjustable Dual-Ball Channel Mount (2-Inch Shank, 6-Inch Drop): The channel mount most owners actually need, for a 2-inch receiver and several trailers.

Check Price

CURT Adjustable Dual-Ball Channel Mount (2-1/2-Inch Shank, 6-Inch Drop): The heavy-duty channel mount for 2.5-inch receivers towing up to 20,000 pounds.

Check Price

B and W Tow and Stow Adjustable Hitch (2-Inch Receiver, 5-Inch Drop): The stowable mount for a 2-inch receiver that must disappear when parked.

Check Price

B and W Tow and Stow Adjustable Hitch (2-1/2-Inch Receiver, 7-Inch Drop): The heavy-duty stowable mount with a 7-inch drop and an 18,000-pound rating.

Check Price

Weigh Safe Adjustable Trailer Hitch (2-1/2-Inch Receiver, 6-Inch Drop): The hitch with a built-in scale, for owners who must know the tongue weight.

Check Price

FAQ

How do I measure the drop I need?

Park the trailer level on flat ground and measure from the ground to the inside top of the coupler. Then measure from the ground to the top of the receiver opening with the truck loaded as it will tow. Subtract the coupler height from the receiver height, and the difference is the drop you need. Buy a mount with more adjustment than the figure, so you have room to fine-tune it.

What receiver size do I have?

Measure the inside of the receiver tube with a tape. A 2-inch receiver measures 2 inches across inside, and a 2.5-inch receiver measures 2.5 inches. Do not guess from the truck model, because the same model can carry either size, and a 2.5-inch shank will not fit a 2-inch receiver. An adapter changes the rating, so match the shank first.

What is tongue weight and why does it matter?

Tongue weight is the downward force the trailer puts on the hitch ball, and it should sit at 10 to 15 percent of the loaded trailer weight. Too little tongue weight makes the trailer sway, and too much overloads the rear axle and lightens the steering. A built-in scale like the Weigh Safe shows the figure at the hitch, so you can shift the load until it is right.

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

Only with an adapter sleeve, and the adapter changes the rating, so check the new limit before you tow. A 2-inch shank rattles in a 2.5-inch tube without the sleeve, which wears the receiver and the mount. The better answer is to buy the shank that matches the receiver, which is why this guide carries both 2-inch and 2.5-inch versions of the same mounts.

How much weight can an adjustable hitch tow?

It depends on the mount and the shank. The mounts in this guide range from 10,000 pounds for the B and W 2-inch stowable to 20,000 pounds for the CURT 2.5-inch channel mount, with the Weigh Safe at 18,500 pounds. The mount, the receiver, the truck and the trailer each have a rating, and the lowest one governs the rig, so check all four before you tow.

Should the ball stow when not towing?

It depends on how the truck is used. A stowable mount swings the ball under the hitch when you park, which suits a daily driver that parks in a garage and a work truck where a fixed ball catches shins. A fixed channel mount costs less and has fewer moving parts, which suits a truck that tows all season. Decide by how often you unhook, not by how the mount looks.

Do I need a weight distribution hitch?

You need one when the trailer weight exceeds the bumper-pull limit for your truck, which is usually around 10,000 to 12,000 pounds depending on the model. A weight distribution hitch spreads the tongue weight across the axles and adds sway control, which a ball mount cannot do. Check the truck manual for the bumper-pull limit before you buy any hitch.

How often should I grease the hitch?

Grease the pins and any stow pivot each season, and more often if you tow in rain, salt or dust. A dry pivot stiffens and a dry pin seizes, and both will fail when you need them most. Wipe the shank clean before you grease it, check the anti-rattle bumper at the same time, and replace the bumper when it wears thin.

Can I tow two trailers with one mount?

Yes, if the trailers use different ball sizes and heights, which is exactly what a dual-ball adjustable mount is for. The CURT and B and W mounts in this guide carry a 2-inch and a 2-5/16-inch ball on one mount, so you swap the ball by flipping the mount rather than carrying a second one. Check the rating for each ball, because the smaller ball carries less weight.

Sources

Hitch roundups and guides

Retailer and maker pages

Video reviews

The Weigh Safe steel 8-inch drop hitch was excluded because no verified Amazon listing was captured for it. The MaxxHaul adjustable ball mount and the CURT 13703 adjustable RV hitch were excluded because no verified Amazon listing was captured for either. The contamination trio was not used in any pick.

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.

Related guides

Our top pick: CURT Adjustable Dual-Ball Channel Mount (2-Inch Shank, 6-Inch Drop)

Check Price

Leave a Comment