Your trailer sits nose-down, the ball is the wrong height, and the first bump reminds you of it. A fixed ball mount gives you one height and no choice; an adjustable mount gives you the height your trailer actually needs, and lets you change it when the next trailer is different.
For a beginner, the danger is not the mount — it is the numbers. Drop, rise, receiver size, gross trailer weight and tongue weight all have to match, and a mount rated for one ball size is rated differently for the other. This guide reviews five adjustable mounts with those numbers stated plainly, including the two places where the headline rating needs a second look.
Every pick below was checked against its maker document or listing and against owner reports. If you are buying your first adjustable mount, start with the CURT 45900 — it is the mount the towing guides use as their worked example.
The 30-second answer
Buy the CURT 45900 Adjustable Ball Mount as your first adjustable mount — a 2-inch receiver mount with a 6-inch drop, a 5-1/4-inch rise and dual balls rated to 10,000 and 14,000 pounds. Buy the Weigh Safe 180 CTB6-3 if you want a built-in scale and a 3-inch receiver rated to 21,000 pounds. Buy the B&W Tow & Stow TS20040B if you want to stow the mount under the bumper when you are not towing. Buy the CURT 45902 for a 2.5-inch receiver rated to 20,000 pounds. Buy the Andersen Rapid Hitch 3405 if you want the lightest mount here, in aluminium that will not rust.
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 owner-report sources. Five mounts made the slate; three were excluded — the CURT 45903, the B&W Tow & Stow TS10037B and the CURT 45904. Two picks carry a rating flag, and both flags are stated in the review.
Quick picks
Best Overall
CURT 45900 Adjustable Ball Mount
A channel-style adjustable ball mount for a 2-inch receiver, with a 6-inch drop, a 5-1/4-inch rise and dual balls rated to 10,000 and 14,000 pounds.
Best Built-in Scale
Weigh Safe 180 CTB6-3
A 180 turnover ball mount for a 3-inch receiver, in aluminium, with a built-in scale and a rating up to 21,000 pounds gross trailer weight.
Best Stowable
B&W Tow & Stow TS20040B
A dual-ball mount for a 2.5-inch receiver that stows under the bumper, with a 7-inch drop, a 7-1/2-inch rise and a limited lifetime warranty.
Best Heavy-Duty
CURT 45902 Adjustable Ball Mount
The 45900 in a 2.5-inch receiver size, with a 6-inch drop, a 5-1/4-inch rise and dual balls rated to 10,000 and 20,000 pounds.
Best Lightweight
Andersen Rapid Hitch 3405
A 6-inch drop and rise adjustable Rapid Hitch in aluminium, with a Greaseless AlumiBall and 1-inch adjustment increments.
Match a hitch mount to your trailer, your receiver and your truck
Hitch mount calculator — answer three questions
Step 1 — What are you towing?
Step 2 — What size is your receiver?
Step 3 — What matters most?
Tell the calculator what you are towing first — a travel trailer and a boat trailer need different mounts. Add your receiver size and what matters most, and your matching pick appears here, with its buying route stated honestly.
Quick compare
| Product | Type | Receiver | Drop / Rise | Max GTW | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CURT 45900 Adjustable Ball Mount | Channel-style ball mount | 2 in | 6 in / 5-1/4 in | 14,000 lbs | Check Price |
| Weigh Safe 180 CTB6-3 | 180 turnover ball mount | 3 in | 6 in drop | 21,000 lbs | Check Price |
| B&W Tow & Stow TS20040B | Stowable dual-ball mount | 2.5 in | 7 in / 7-1/2 in | 14,500 lbs | Check Price |
| CURT 45902 Adjustable Ball Mount | Channel-style ball mount | 2.5 in | 6 in / 5-1/4 in | 20,000 lbs | Check Price |
| Andersen Rapid Hitch 3405 | Aluminium ball mount | 2 in | 6 in / 6 in | 10,000 lbs | Check Price |
How to choose an adjustable hitch mount
1. Measure the drop before you shop
Trailer coupler height minus receiver height is the drop you need, and rise is the reverse. Measure both on level ground with the trailer loaded, because an empty trailer sits higher than a loaded one. Buy the mount whose range covers your number with room to spare.
2. Match the receiver size exactly
A 2-inch shank does not fit a 2.5-inch receiver, and a 2.5-inch shank does not fit a 2-inch receiver. Measure the inside of your receiver before you order — the size is stamped on it, but a tape measure settles the argument. A wireless dash camera on the rear window shows the receiver while you reverse.
3. Read the rating per ball, not the headline
A dual-ball mount has two ratings, one per ball, and the headline is usually the bigger one. Check the rating for the ball your coupler actually uses, and remember the receiver and the trailer both have ratings too — the lowest one wins.
4. Weigh the tongue, not just the trailer
Gross trailer weight is only half the story. Tongue weight should sit near a tenth of the trailer weight, and a mount with a built-in scale — like the Weigh Safe here — shows it before you tow. A trailer that is nose-light sways.
5. Decide how often the mount comes out
A mount you remove every weekend wants to be light and stowable; a mount that lives on the truck can be heavy steel. Aluminium suits frequent removal, steel suits a mount that stays put, and a stowable mount suits a daily driver.
6. Check the rattle and the rust
A loose mount rattles and wears the receiver, and a steel mount left in the weather rusts in place. Look for an anti-rattle bolt, grease the moving parts, and pull the mount out once a season to check the shank.
Adjustable hitch mounts by budget
| Tier | What you get | Example pick |
|---|---|---|
| Entry | A proven steel channel mount for a 2-inch receiver and a light trailer | CURT 45900 |
| Mid | A lightweight aluminium mount, or a stowable mount for a daily driver | Andersen Rapid Hitch 3405, B&W Tow & Stow TS20040B |
| Heavy duty | A 2.5-inch or 3-inch mount with a built-in scale for the heaviest trailers | CURT 45902, Weigh Safe 180 CTB6-3 |
Types of adjustable hitch mounts
| Type | How it works | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Channel-style mounts | A steel channel slides up and down on the shank and pins at the height you need | Most trailers, first adjustable mount |
| Turnover ball mounts | A ball that flips between drop and rise positions on the same mount | Heavy trailers, frequent height changes |
| Stowable mounts | The mount pivots under the bumper when you are not towing | Daily drivers that tow at weekends |
| Aluminium mounts | A light aluminium mount that will not rust, with a greaseless ball | Frequent removal, lifted trucks, wet climates |
Detailed reviews: every pick, on maker evidence
Each mount below was checked against its maker document or listing and against owner reports. Ratings are stated per ball and per shank size, and the two places where a headline rating needs a second look are flagged in the review.
Best Overall: CURT 45900 Adjustable Ball Mount
Best Overall
Why the CURT 45900 Adjustable Ball Mount is our pick
The 45900 is the mount this guide recommends first because it is the mount every other guide uses to explain the idea. Lippert worked example uses it to show how drop and rise are measured, and the reason is simple: a 2-inch shank fits the most common receiver, the channel slides from a 6-inch drop to a 5-1/4-inch rise, and the dual ball covers both common coupler sizes. Its ratings are stated per ball — 10,000 pounds with the 2-inch ball and 14,000 pounds with the 2-5/16-inch ball — which is the honest way to rate a dual-ball mount.
CURT 45900 Adjustable Ball Mount key specs
- Receiver: 2 x 2 inch shank
- Drop: 6 inches maximum
- Rise: 5-1/4 inches maximum
- Ball 1: 2 inch
- Ball 2: 2-5/16 inch, dual ball
- GTW: 10,000 lbs with the 2-inch ball
- GTW: 14,000 lbs with the 2-5/16-inch ball
- Construction: channel-style steel mount
- Patents: US 11,628,698 and 11,660,916
CURT 45900 Adjustable Ball Mount: fits and best for
Fits any vehicle with a 2-inch receiver and a trailer that needs up to 6 inches of drop or 5-1/4 inches of rise. Best for a first adjustable mount, and for owners who tow two different trailers. Not for 2.5-inch receivers — that is the 45902 below.
CURT 45900 Adjustable Ball Mount pros and watch-outs
- Fits the most common 2-inch receiver
- Dual ball covers both coupler sizes
- 6-inch drop and 5-1/4-inch rise in one mount
- Built-in anti-rattle feature for a quieter tow
- Steel, so heavier than the aluminium mounts here
- Two balls means two ratings to remember
- Channel pins need checking before each tow
CURT 45900 Adjustable Ball Mount: what owners report
Lippert uses the 45900 as its worked example for drop and rise measurement. The complete guide to adjustable trailer hitches, Lippert
Reviewers note the 45900 and 45902 differ only in 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 same mount in the right size. It is also the wrong pick if you tow over 14,000 pounds; that needs a heavier mount and a heavier receiver.
CURT 45900 Adjustable Ball Mount: pair it with
Pair it with a small air compressor for the trailer tyres, and a hitch pin lock so the mount stays on the truck when you park.
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Measure the drop before you order: trailer coupler height minus receiver height is the drop you need. Our multimeter guide covers the other first-tow job: checking the trailer lights before you leave.
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 answers the question beginners are afraid to ask: how heavy is the tongue, really? Its built-in scale shows the tongue weight before you tow, and the 180 turnover ball flips between drop and rise without a separate ball to lose. The aluminium construction is rated up to 21,000 pounds gross trailer weight and 2,200 pounds tongue weight on the 3-inch model — the highest rating in this guide — and the line covers 2, 2.5 and 3-inch receivers with drop lengths from 4 to 10 inches.
Weigh Safe 180 CTB6-3 key specs
- Receiver: 3 inch
- Drop length: 6 inches (4, 6, 8 and 10-inch lengths in the line)
- Ball: 180 turnover ball
- Positions: usable in drop and rise
- GTW: up to 21,000 lbs maximum
- Tongue weight: up to 2,200 lbs maximum
- Construction: aluminium
- Receivers in the line: 2, 2.5 and 3 inch
- Use: drop and rise positions
Weigh Safe 180 CTB6-3: fits and best for
Fits trucks with a 3-inch receiver towing heavy trailers, and owners who want to check tongue weight every time. Best for heavy travel trailers and equipment trailers. Not for a 2-inch receiver — check the line for your size before ordering.
Weigh Safe 180 CTB6-3 pros and watch-outs
- Built-in scale shows tongue weight before towing
- 21,000-pound GTW — the highest rating here
- 180 turnover ball works in drop and rise
- Aluminium, so lighter than a steel mount of this rating
- 3-inch receiver only on this model — check your size
- The scale needs reading at eye level to be accurate
- Heaviest-duty price in this guide
Weigh Safe 180 CTB6-3: what owners report
Diesel Power Products lists the 3-inch receiver 180 Drop Hitch at 21,000 lbs GTW and 2,200 lbs tongue weight. Weigh Safe 180 Hitch, Weigh Safe
The 180 line covers 4, 6, 8 and 10-inch drop lengths and 2, 2.5 and 3-inch receivers. Weigh Safe 180 Hitch sizes, Weigh Safe
Weigh Safe 180 CTB6-3: who should not buy
Do not buy it if your receiver is 2 inches — this model is the 3-inch version, and the wrong shank will not fit. It is also the wrong pick if you never tow near its rating; the CURT 45900 does the same job for a lighter trailer.
Weigh Safe 180 CTB6-3: pair it with
Pair it with a portable jump starter in the truck, so a flat battery never strands a loaded trailer at the ramp.
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Read the scale with the trailer level and the coupler loaded — a nose-high trailer reads light and lies to you. Our larger compressor guide covers the pump for trailer tyres before a heavy tow.
Best Stowable: B&W Tow & Stow TS20040B
Best Stowable
Why the B&W Tow & Stow TS20040B is our pick
The Tow and Stow solves the problem every adjustable mount leaves behind: when you are not towing, the ball sticks out of the back of the truck. This one pivots under the bumper and stows there, so nothing catches a shin in a car park and nothing rusts in the weather. The ratings need care — the Amazon title lists 18,000 pounds, but the retailer spec rates the 2.5-inch model at 14,500 pounds with the 2-5/16-inch ball and 7,500 pounds with the 2-inch ball, and this guide uses the retailer figures. It is tested to SAE J-684 and made in the USA.
B&W Tow & Stow TS20040B key specs
- Receiver: 2.5 x 2.5 inch
- Drop: 7 inches maximum
- Rise: 7-1/2 inches maximum
- Ball 1: 2 inch
- Ball 2: 2-5/16 inch, dual ball
- GTW: 7,500 lbs with the 2-inch ball
- GTW: 14,500 lbs with the 2-5/16-inch ball
- Warranty: limited lifetime warranty
- Made in: USA; tested to SAE J-684
B&W Tow & Stow TS20040B: fits and best for
Fits trucks with a 2.5-inch receiver whose owners drive without a trailer most days. Best for daily drivers that tow at weekends. Not for a 2-inch receiver, and not for trailers over 14,500 pounds on the big ball.
B&W Tow & Stow TS20040B pros and watch-outs
- Stows under the bumper when not towing
- 7-inch drop and 7-1/2-inch rise — the widest range here
- Limited lifetime warranty, made in the USA
- Tested to SAE J-684
- Amazon title lists 18,000 lbs; retailer spec says 14,500 lbs
- Stow mechanism needs greasing to stay smooth
- Heavier than a fixed ball mount
B&W Tow & Stow TS20040B: what owners report
B&W tests every Tow and Stow to SAE J-684; owners note the 5-inch drop suits most trailers and the stow position keeps the mount out of the way. Tow and Stow adjustable ball mount, Top Cargo Box
The retailer spec lists 7,500 lbs with the 2-inch ball and 14,500 lbs with the 2-5/16-inch ball. B&W Tow and Stow spec, Trailer Parts Unlimited
B&W Tow & Stow TS20040B: who should not buy
Do not buy it if you trust the 18,000-pound headline — the retailer spec is 14,500 pounds, and your receiver and trailer matter more than either number. It is also the wrong pick if you never stow the mount; a fixed channel mount is simpler.
B&W Tow & Stow TS20040B: pair it with
Pair it with a garage floor mat under the truck so the stowed mount never drips on the slab, and grease the pivot at every oil change.
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Stow it after every tow — the pivot only stays smooth if it moves, and a mount left out all winter seizes. Our 4K dash cam guide covers the other daily-driver essential.
Best Heavy-Duty: CURT 45902 Adjustable Ball Mount
Best Heavy-Duty
Why the CURT 45902 Adjustable Ball Mount is our pick
The 45902 is the 45900 for bigger trucks: the same channel-style mount, the same 6-inch drop and 5-1/4-inch rise, but in a 2.5-inch shank rated to 20,000 pounds with the 2-5/16-inch ball. That is the rating that matters for a heavy travel trailer or a loaded equipment trailer, and it is why the two mounts differ only in receiver size and rating. At 37 pounds it is a heavy piece of steel, and the integrated allen set-bolt presses against the receiver wall to cut the rattle that a loose mount makes.
CURT 45902 Adjustable Ball Mount key specs
- Receiver: 2-1/2 x 2-1/2 inch shank
- Drop: 6 inches maximum
- Rise: 5-1/4 inches maximum
- Ball 1: 2 inch
- Ball 2: 2-5/16 inch, dual ball
- GTW: 10,000 lbs with the 2-inch ball
- GTW: 20,000 lbs with the 2-5/16-inch ball
- Weight: 37 pounds
- Feature: integrated allen set-bolt against the receiver wall
CURT 45902 Adjustable Ball Mount: fits and best for
Fits trucks with a 2.5-inch receiver towing heavy trailers up to 20,000 pounds. Best for owners who outgrew a 2-inch mount. Not for a 2-inch receiver — the shank will not fit, and the 45900 is the same mount in the right size.
CURT 45902 Adjustable Ball Mount pros and watch-outs
- 20,000-pound rating with the 2-5/16-inch ball
- Same proven channel design as the 45900
- Allen set-bolt cuts receiver rattle
- Dual ball covers both coupler sizes
- 37 pounds — a heavy lift in and out
- Overkill for a light utility trailer
- Two balls means two ratings to remember
CURT 45902 Adjustable Ball Mount: what owners report
HomeToSight lists a 20,000 lb GTW rating, 37 pounds, an adjustable channel with a 6-inch drop and 5.25-inch rise, and an integrated allen set-bolt against the receiver wall. Best adjustable trailer hitch ball mount, HomeToSight
Reviewers note the 45900 and 45902 differ only in receiver size and rating. CURT 45900 vs 45902, Movrify
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 forcing it is not an option. It is also the wrong pick for a light trailer; a 20,000-pound mount on a 3,000-pound trailer is dead weight.
CURT 45902 Adjustable Ball Mount: pair it with
Pair it with a bright interior LED kit for night hitching, and a hitch pin lock so a 37-pound mount stays on the truck.
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Tighten the allen set-bolt after the mount is pinned — it presses the shank against the receiver wall and stops the rattle. Our dash camera guide covers watching the trailer from the cab.
Best Lightweight: Andersen Rapid Hitch 3405
Best Lightweight
Why the Andersen Rapid Hitch 3405 is our pick
The Rapid Hitch is the mount for owners who lift it in and out of the receiver every weekend. It is aluminium, so it is far lighter than the steel mounts here, and Andersen says the aluminium will not rust, chip or peel — a real benefit for a mount that lives in the weather. The Greaseless AlumiBall needs no grease on the ball, and the 6-inch drop and rise adjust in 1-inch increments. One flag: the listing states 10,000 and 12,500-pound ratings, but those are the 2.5-inch shank figures; on the 2-inch shank the ratings are 8,000 and 10,000 pounds, and this guide uses the 2-inch figures.
Andersen Rapid Hitch 3405 key specs
- Receiver: 2 inch shank (2.5-inch version in the line)
- Drop: 6 inches, in 1-inch increments
- Rise: 6 inches, in 1-inch increments
- Ball sizes: 2 inch and 2-5/16 inch
- Ball: Greaseless AlumiBall
- GTW: 8,000 lbs with the 2-inch ball, 2-inch shank
- GTW: 10,000 lbs with the 2-5/16-inch ball, 2-inch shank
- Material: aluminium, will not rust, chip or peel
- Line: 10-inch rack available for lifted vehicles
Andersen Rapid Hitch 3405: fits and best for
Fits owners with a 2-inch receiver who remove the mount often, and lifted trucks — the line offers a 10-inch rack. Best for light and medium trailers. Not for heavy trailers over 10,000 pounds on the big ball.
Andersen Rapid Hitch 3405 pros and watch-outs
- Aluminium — light and will not rust
- Greaseless AlumiBall, no grease on the ball
- 1-inch adjustment increments for fine levelling
- 10-inch rack in the line for lifted vehicles
- Listing ratings are the 2.5-inch shank figures
- 10,000-pound ceiling on the 2-inch shank
- Aluminium costs more than steel for the same rating
Andersen Rapid Hitch 3405: what owners report
RV Parts Giant notes the Greaseless Rapid Hitch is the same aluminium mount with the AlumiBall, and the Rapid Hitch line is the only one with a 10-inch rack for lifted vehicles. Andersen Rapid Hitch comparison, RV Parts Giant
Andersen says the aluminium will not rust, chip or peel. Andersen Rapid Hitch, Sportsmans
Andersen Rapid Hitch 3405: who should not buy
Do not buy it if you tow over 10,000 pounds on the 2-inch shank — the listing headline is the 2.5-inch figure, and your shank decides the rating. It is also the wrong pick if you want the cheapest steel mount; aluminium costs more.
Andersen Rapid Hitch 3405: pair it with
Pair it with a remote start system for cold mornings at the ramp, and keep the ball clean — greaseless does not mean maintenance-free.
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Use the 1-inch increments to level the trailer exactly — a trailer that sits level tows straight and wears its tyres evenly. Our 12V car heater guide covers winter work at the ramp.
Spec comparison
| Spec | CURT 45900 | Weigh Safe 180 | B&W Tow & Stow | CURT 45902 | Andersen 3405 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Channel-style ball mount | 180 turnover ball mount | Stowable dual-ball mount | Channel-style ball mount | Aluminium ball mount |
| Receiver | 2 in | 3 in | 2.5 in | 2.5 in | 2 in |
| Drop | 6 in | 6 in | 7 in | 6 in | 6 in |
| Rise | 5-1/4 in | Usable in rise | 7-1/2 in | 5-1/4 in | 6 in |
| Balls | 2 in and 2-5/16 in | 180 turnover ball | 2 in and 2-5/16 in | 2 in and 2-5/16 in | 2 x 2-5/16 in AlumiBall |
| Max GTW | 14,000 lbs | 21,000 lbs | 14,500 lbs | 20,000 lbs | 10,000 lbs |
| Material | Steel | Aluminium | Steel | Steel | Aluminium |
| Weight | Check the listing | Check the listing | Check the listing | 37 lbs | Check the listing |
| Warranty | Check the listing | Check the listing | Limited lifetime | Check the listing | Check the listing |
| Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
Installation and use basics
Fitting an adjustable mount is simple, and getting it wrong is easy — the two facts live together. Slide the shank into the receiver, pin it, set the ball height so the trailer sits level, and torque the pins to the maker figure. A trailer that sits nose-down pushes the tow vehicle around; a trailer that sits nose-high sways. Level is the goal, and a tape measure on level ground is the tool.
Before the first tow, check the three ratings that decide whether the combination is legal and safe: the mount rating for the ball you are using, the receiver rating on the truck, and the trailer rating on the coupler. The lowest of the three is your limit. A small air compressor at home lets you set the trailer tyre pressures before you leave, and a portable jump starter in the truck covers a flat battery at the ramp.
Grease the moving parts and check the pins before every tow. A channel mount that has not moved all winter can seize, a stowable mount that has not been greased will not stow, and a pin that has worked loose will rattle long before it fails — listen for it. A 4K dash cam on the windscreen records the tow if anything goes wrong, and a dash camera watching the trailer is worth more than a mirror check.
Think of the mount as one part of the towing setup, not the whole job. A bright interior LED kit for night hitching, a remote start system for cold mornings, a 12V car heater for winter work, and a car buffer and dual-action polisher corner for detailing all share the same garage — plan the mount around them, not through them. A cutting compound and a coat of carnauba wax finish the job, and our replacement mirrors guide covers keeping the mirrors clear while you tow.
Safety essentials
A trailer is a heavy object behind your truck — treat it like one.
- Never exceed the lowest rating in the combination — mount, receiver, ball or trailer.
- Check the tongue weight before every tow; a nose-light trailer sways, and sway is how trailers crash.
- Cross the safety chains under the coupler so they catch the tongue if it comes off the ball.
- Check the pins and the coupler latch before every tow, and re-check them after the first 50 miles.
- Never stand between the truck and the trailer while hitching — a rolling trailer has no brakes on its own.
- Keep the trailer tyres at the maker pressure and check them cold; a blowout at speed is a safety problem, not an inconvenience.
Roadside recovery accessories for the kit bag
- WARN Epic snatch block — Check Price
- GearAmerica tree saver — Check Price
- AMBULL shackles — Check Price
Troubleshooting
| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Trailer sways at speed | Tongue weight too light, or trailer nose-high | Load more weight forward and level the trailer with the mount |
| Mount rattles in the receiver | Shank loose in the receiver, set-bolt not tightened | Tighten the anti-rattle bolt and check the pin |
| Coupler will not latch on the ball | Wrong ball size, or the coupler is worn | Check the ball size against the coupler stamp and replace worn parts |
| Trailer sits nose-down | Drop set too deep for the trailer | Raise the mount one hole and re-measure on level ground |
| Mount seized in the receiver | Rust, or the mount was left in all winter | Remove, clean and grease the shank, and pull it out once a season |
| Ball rusted and rough | Steel ball left ungreased in the weather | Clean the ball, grease it lightly, and cover it when parked |
Who should NOT buy these
Your receiver size is wrong. A mount that does not fit your receiver is not a bargain, it is a return. Measure the receiver first, then buy the mount that matches it. Our garage floor mats guide covers the other measurement that matters: the space the trailer takes in the garage.
You tow one trailer, once a year. A fixed ball mount at the right height does the same job for less money and less weight. An adjustable mount earns its keep when the trailers change — if yours never does, keep the fixed mount, or a performance monitor will show you the money saved.
You need more than the rating. No mount fixes an undersized receiver or an overloaded trailer. If the trailer weighs more than the lowest-rated part of your combination, the answer is a bigger truck and a bigger receiver, not a bigger mount. Keep a battery tender charged for the truck that does the towing.
You want the cheapest mount that fits. The cheapest mount is usually the one with no published standard and no warranty. It is not in this guide, and buying it is a false economy — a mount that bends costs far more than a mount that was rated properly.
Final verdict
CURT 45900 Adjustable Ball Mount — the first mount to buy: common receiver, both balls, honest per-ball ratings.
Weigh Safe 180 CTB6-3 — the heavy-duty pick: a built-in scale and a 21,000-pound rating.
B&W Tow & Stow TS20040B — the stowable pick: under the bumper when parked, 14,500 pounds when towing.
CURT 45902 Adjustable Ball Mount — the heavy-duty pick: 2.5-inch receiver, 20,000 pounds, same proven channel.
Andersen Rapid Hitch 3405 — the lightweight pick: aluminium, greaseless ball, fine 1-inch steps.
FAQ
What size adjustable hitch mount do I need?
Match the receiver first: measure the inside of your receiver — 2 inch, 2.5 inch or 3 inch — and buy the mount in that size. Then measure the drop: trailer coupler height minus receiver height, on level ground with the trailer loaded.
What is the difference between drop and rise?
Drop lowers the ball below the receiver, for a trailer that sits low. Rise raises the ball above the receiver, for a trailer that sits high or a lifted truck. Most adjustable mounts do both — the CURT 45900 drops 6 inches and rises 5-1/4 inches.
How much weight can an adjustable hitch mount tow?
It depends on the mount and the ball. The CURT 45900 is rated to 10,000 pounds with the 2-inch ball and 14,000 pounds with the 2-5/16-inch ball; the CURT 45902 reaches 20,000 pounds, and the Weigh Safe 180 reaches 21,000 pounds. The lowest rating in your combination wins.
Are adjustable hitch mounts safe for beginners?
Yes, when the numbers match. Measure the drop, match the receiver, use the rating for the ball your coupler actually uses, and check the pins before every tow. The mount is simple; the measuring is the skill, and this guide walks through it.
Do I need a scale to check tongue weight?
You need to know the number, and a scale is the honest way to get it. The Weigh Safe 180 in this guide has a built-in scale; otherwise a bathroom scale and a lever, or a visit to a weighbridge, does the job. A waterproof dash camera records the tow if the trailer sways.
Can I leave an adjustable mount in the receiver?
You can, but it will rust in place and rattle. Pull it out once a season, clean the shank, grease it lightly and check the pins. The B&W Tow and Stow in this guide pivots under the bumper instead, so it stays on the truck without sticking out.
What is the best adjustable hitch mount for a beginner?
The CURT 45900. It fits the most common 2-inch receiver, carries both ball sizes, drops 6 inches and rises 5-1/4 inches, and it is the mount the towing guides use as their worked example. If your receiver is 2.5 inches, the CURT 45902 is the same mount in the right size.
Why do the ratings differ between the two balls?
Because the bigger ball is stronger. A 2-5/16-inch ball carries more than a 2-inch ball on the same mount, so the maker rates them separately. Always use the rating for the ball your coupler actually sits on — the headline is usually the bigger number. A front-and-rear dash cam records the hitch from both directions if anything comes loose.
Which hitch mounts were left out of this guide, and why?
Three were considered and excluded: the CURT 45903 Slim Adjustable Channel Mount, because its 3-3/4-inch drop is too short for most beginners trailers and its 10,000-pound rating is below the 45900; the B&W Tow and Stow TS10037B, because the listing shows it as discontinued; and the CURT 45904, because the tow hook and step add cost and weight most beginners do not need.
Should I buy steel or aluminium?
Steel for a mount that stays on the truck and tows heavy — it is cheaper and stronger per dollar. Aluminium for a mount you lift in and out often — it is lighter and will not rust. The Andersen in this guide is the aluminium pick; the CURT mounts are the steel picks. Finish the choice with a paint correction kit pass on the truck before the towing season.
Sources
Maker documents
- The complete guide to adjustable trailer hitches, Lippert
- CURT aluminium hitch accessories, CURT
- Weigh Safe 180 Hitch, Weigh Safe
- CURT 45900 replacement shank, TrailBuilt Off-Road
- CURT 45900, AutoZone
Listing evidence
- CURT 45900 Adjustable Ball Mount Amazon listing
- Weigh Safe 180 CTB6-3 Amazon listing
- B&W Tow & Stow TS20040B Amazon listing
- CURT 45902 Adjustable Ball Mount Amazon listing
- Andersen Rapid Hitch 3405 Amazon listing
Owner reports
- CURT 45900 vs 45902, Movrify
- Best adjustable trailer hitch ball mount, HomeToSight
- CURT vs Reese trailer hitch, AutoNerdsReview
- Andersen Rapid Hitch comparison, RV Parts Giant
- Andersen Rapid Hitch, Sportsmans
- B&W Tow and Stow spec, Trailer Parts Unlimited
- Tow and Stow adjustable ball mount, Top Cargo Box
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 — 2-inch receiver, 6-inch drop, dual balls to 14,000 pounds.