How we researched this guide
We compared 5 brand-representative picks drawn from the research notes for this guide: 3 ball mounts and 2 vehicle-mounted receivers. We checked maker and retailer descriptions, installation documents and listing records for each part number, and reviewed owner-report summaries where the notes record one. Where a figure conflicted across sources, this guide omits it or prints the conflict rather than choosing a winner.
In total, the notes cover 5 part numbers with verified Amazon ASINs, 2 receiver hitches and 3 ball mounts, plus installation warnings from the Reese document and finish feedback on the Draw-Tite. No pick in this guide is described as tested by us; every rating below is a maker or listing rating, stated as rated to that figure.
The 30-second answer
If you already have a 2-inch receiver and tow one trailer, the CURT 45036 is the ready-to-tow ball mount. If you need a receiver for select Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford or GMC trucks, check the Reese Towpower 37096 against its application chart. Honda CR-V owners should look at the Draw-Tite 76342 and confirm their model year in the fitment guide. For a taller truck needing drop and two ball sizes, the B&W TS10037B is the adjustable dual-ball option, with the Andersen Rapid Hitch 3405 as the written alternative if that B&W part is superseded. The Andersen 3405 is the greaseless adjustable mount for half-ton trucks with a 2-inch receiver. Remember: these are brand representatives, not like-for-like receivers, and the lowest rating in your whole setup governs.
This pillar mixes two different product types, and the distinction matters before you buy anything. A receiver hitch bolts to the vehicle. A ball mount slides into an existing receiver and carries the ball. Buying a ball mount does not give a vehicle a tow rating, and buying a receiver does not give you a ball. Each pick below is labelled as a receiver or a ball mount, and the guides in our Trailer Hitches archive explain the same split in more depth.
Best ready-to-tow ball mount
CURT 45036 Loaded Ball Mount
Ball mount. A 2-inch ball, pin and clip arrive with the mount, so there is no separate ball purchase or torquing step for a standard 2-inch receiver setup.
Best multi-fit truck receiver
Reese Towpower 37096 Multi-Fit Receiver
Receiver hitch. A Class III multi-fit receiver for select Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford and GMC trucks, but only after you confirm your exact vehicle on the application chart.
Best vehicle-specific CR-V receiver
Draw-Tite 76342 CR-V Receiver
Receiver hitch. A Class 3 receiver made for the Honda CR-V, with hardware included and a firm no weight-distribution limit that must be respected.
Best adjustable dual-ball mount
B&W TS10037B Tow & Stow
Ball mount. A dual-ball adjustable mount with 5 inches of drop for taller trucks. Availability note: one listing snapshot flags this part as discontinued, so confirm it is current before ordering; if it is superseded, see the Andersen alternative under this card.
Written alternative: if TS10037B is superseded, the Andersen Rapid Hitch 3405 below is the adjustable alternative with two ball sizes.
Best greaseless adjustable mount
Andersen Rapid Hitch 3405
Ball mount. A 6-inch drop and rise adjustable mount with a greaseless combo ball for half-ton trucks with a 2-inch receiver.
| Product | Type | Rated GTW / TW | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| CURT 45036 | Ball mount | 7,500 / 750 lbs | |
| Reese 37096 | Receiver | Varies by application | |
| Draw-Tite 76342 | Receiver | 3,500 / 525 lbs | |
| B&W TS10037B | Ball mount | 10,000 / 1,000 lbs* | |
| Andersen 3405 | Ball mount | 10,000 / 12,500 lbs* |
* B&W and Andersen ratings differ by the ball in use. See the detailed reviews for the per-ball split. The Reese rating is not given as a single figure here because its sources conflict; see its review.
Hitch sizing calculator
Enter your loaded trailer weight and tongue weight, then choose the piece you need. The calculator recommends only picks from this guide. The lowest rating in your setup always governs, so a result never raises the rating of your vehicle, receiver or trailer.
How to choose a trailer hitch
Receiver size first
Match the ball mount shank to the receiver opening. The picks in this guide use a 2-inch receiver, and a mismatched shank does not fit whatever the weight rating says. Common openings also include 1-1/4, 2-1/2 and 3 inches, so measure the opening before ordering a mount.
Receiver, ball mount or weight distribution
Buy the piece that is actually missing. A receiver bolts to the vehicle, a ball mount slides into a receiver, and a weight-distribution system is a separate setup with its own brackets and limits. Confusing the three is the fastest way to order a part you cannot use.
Lowest rating governs
Your limit is the lowest of the vehicle tow rating, the receiver rating, the ball-mount rating and the rating of the ball actually coupled. The B&W and Andersen picks show why: the same mount is rated differently on its two balls, so the ball in use decides the number.
Weight-carrying versus weight distribution
These are different ratings, and some hitches forbid weight distribution outright. The Draw-Tite 76342 in this guide explicitly states that no weight-distribution kit can be used with it. Never assume weight-distribution compatibility from a class label alone, and check the maker document for your exact part before adding any distribution hardware.
Ball size and drop or rise
The ball must match the trailer coupler, commonly 1-7/8, 2 or 2-5/16 inches. For drop or rise, measure receiver height against coupler height and choose the adjustment that levels the trailer. Adjustable mounts suit owners towing more than one trailer.
Fitment verification
Receiver hitches are vehicle-specific, and year, make, model, trim and options can all matter. Multi-fit hitches still require the maker application chart, as the Reese pick shows. Never publish or accept a universal fits-all-trucks claim for a receiver, because trim and option differences can change the correct part.
Trailer hitches by budget
Budget here means what kind of part you get, not a price. No prices appear in this guide.
| Tier | What you get | Example pick |
|---|---|---|
| One trailer, existing receiver | A fixed loaded ball mount with ball, pin and clip included | CURT 45036 |
| New receiver, truck | A multi-fit Class III receiver, subject to the application chart | Reese 37096 |
| New receiver, CR-V | A vehicle-specific Class 3 receiver with hardware included | Draw-Tite 76342 |
| Two trailers, taller truck | An adjustable dual-ball mount with drop and stow-away storage | B&W TS10037B |
| Two trailers, greaseless ball | An adjustable mount with a greaseless combo ball | Andersen 3405 |
Types of trailer hitch: receiver, ball mount and weight distribution
| Type | What it is | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Receiver hitch | Bolts to the vehicle and provides the receiver opening | A vehicle with no receiver yet | Vehicle-specific fitment; ratings vary by application |
| Ball mount | Slides into a receiver and carries the ball | A vehicle that already has a receiver | Ball size, drop and per-ball rating must all match |
| Weight distribution | A separate system with brackets that spreads tongue weight | Heavier setups within a system rating | Some receivers forbid it; it is not in this guide core picks |
The weight-distribution row is included because readers confuse it with the other two types. Andersen also makes a separate No-Sway Weight Distribution Hitch family, but that is a different product family from the Andersen ball mount reviewed here, and no weight-distribution pick is reviewed in this guide.
Detailed reviews: top trailer hitch brands
Each review below states the pick type first, gives only the specs the notes verify, and prints contested figures as conflicts rather than settling them. Where owner coverage is thin, the review says so.
Best ready-to-tow ball mount: CURT 45036 Loaded Ball Mount
Ball mount, not a receiver
Why the CURT 45036 Loaded Ball Mount is our pick
The CURT 45036 is the simplest pick in this guide because it arrives as a complete ball-mount package. The 2-inch ball is pre-fitted and factory-torqued, and the pin and clip are included, so a reader with a 2-inch receiver does not need a separate ball purchase or a torquing step before the first tow. Its rating is clear and single: rated to 7,500 lbs gross trailer weight and 750 lbs tongue weight, with no per-ball split to untangle.
CURT 45036 Loaded Ball Mount key specs
- Type: loaded ball mount, Class III
- Part number: 45036
- ASIN: B001EOV492
- UPC: 612314005345
- Gross trailer weight: rated to 7,500 lbs
- Tongue weight: rated to 750 lbs
- Ball: 2-inch, pre-fitted and factory-torqued
- Shank: 2-inch by 2-inch, fits a 2-inch receiver
- Drop: 2 inches
- Finish: gloss black powder coat
- Included: pin and clip
- Length: not published here (see conflict note)
CURT 45036 Loaded Ball Mount: fits and best for
This mount fits any 2-inch receiver, so it is universal in the ball-mount sense, not vehicle-specific. CURT describes it for boat, utility, camper, livestock and recreational-vehicle trailers. It does not by itself give a vehicle a tow rating: the vehicle, its receiver and the trailer still govern, and the lowest of those ratings is the real limit. It suits a one-trailer owner with a receiver who wants to tow without assembling a kit.
CURT 45036 Loaded Ball Mount pros and watch-outs
- Complete package: ball, pin and clip included
- No separate torquing step for the pre-fitted ball
- Clear single rating with no per-ball split
- Universal fit to any 2-inch receiver
- Described for a wide range of trailer types
- Length is not published here: sources conflict at 7-1/2 and 8-1/4 inches
- Only 2 inches of drop, so it cannot level a tall truck setup
- Only a 2-inch ball, so it cannot serve a 2-5/16-inch coupler
- Does not add a receiver to a vehicle that has none
CURT 45036 Loaded Ball Mount: what owners report
Owner coverage for this pick is thin in the notes. The listing presents it as a ready-to-tow package because the ball, pin and clip arrive with the mount, so no separate ball purchase or torquing step is needed. No specific owner complaint was verified in this research pass, and this review does not invent one. See the CURT 45036 listing and the retailer page for part 45036.
CURT 45036 Loaded Ball Mount: who should not buy
Do not buy this mount if your trailer needs more than 2 inches of drop, if your coupler is not 2 inches, or if your vehicle has no receiver at all. A taller truck needing drop should look at the B&W TS10037B or the Andersen 3405 in this guide, and a vehicle without a receiver needs a receiver first, such as the Reese or Draw-Tite picks, subject to fitment.
CURT 45036 Loaded Ball Mount: pair it with
Pair it with a matching coupler check and a hitch ball guide: our hitch balls guide explains ball sizing, and the hitch-mount versus bumper-mount comparison explains what a receiver opening can and cannot carry.
We may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Tip: before the first tow, confirm the lowest rating among your vehicle, receiver, mount and trailer, and check that the coupler size matches the 2-inch ball. Length is omitted because its sources conflict.
Best multi-fit truck receiver: Reese Towpower 37096 Multi-Fit Receiver
Receiver hitch, not a ball mount
Why the Reese Towpower 37096 Multi-Fit Receiver is our pick
The Reese 37096 earns its place as the truck receiver in this guide because it is a multi-fit Class III receiver for select Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford and GMC trucks, rather than a single-vehicle custom fit. That breadth is also its warning: ratings vary by application, so this review publishes no single gross trailer weight for it. A reader who checks the application chart for their exact year, make and model gets a receiver that fits; a reader who assumes a universal rating does not.
Reese Towpower 37096 Multi-Fit Receiver key specs
- Type: Class III receiver hitch, multi-fit
- Part number: 37096
- ASIN: B000G156WA
- UPC: 016118053616
- Receiver: 2-inch square receiver
- Warranty: limited lifetime, per the listing
- Gross trailer weight: not published as a single figure here (see conflict note)
- Tongue weight: not published as a single figure here (see conflict note)
- Ball mount included: not stated in the notes; do not assume a complete kit
- Installation warnings: do not lubricate threads; do not drill or weld; use only Reese-supplied or approved hardware
- Fitment rule: refer to the application chart for the exact vehicle
- Class: Class III
Reese Towpower 37096 Multi-Fit Receiver: fits and best for
This is a multi-fit hitch, not a single-vehicle custom fit. The listing title names select Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford and GMC trucks, and the installation document says to refer to the application chart to determine the correct installation for the vehicle. That chart, not this review, decides whether this part fits a given truck and what rating applies to that application. It suits a truck owner who is willing to do that check and who already has, or will separately buy, a ball mount, pin and ball for their trailer.
Reese Towpower 37096 Multi-Fit Receiver pros and watch-outs
- Multi-fit coverage across several truck brands
- 2-inch receiver, the common ball-mount size
- Limited lifetime warranty per the listing
- Installation document available for the exact part
- Clear installation warnings in the maker document
- No single gross trailer weight can be stated from the notes: sources conflict
- Ball mount, pin and clip inclusion is not stated; do not assume a complete kit
- Not a single-vehicle custom fit, so fitment checking is on the reader
- Installation forbids drilling, welding and thread lubrication, which limits improvisation
Reese Towpower 37096 Multi-Fit Receiver: what owners report
No verified owner-review summary was retrieved for this specific part in this research pass, and this review does not invent owner praise or complaints. Readers should re-check the live listing and installation document before buying.
Reese Towpower 37096 Multi-Fit Receiver: who should not buy
Do not buy this receiver if you want a single published tow rating without checking a chart, if your truck is not in its application chart, or if you expect a complete tow kit in the box. A Honda CR-V owner should look at the Draw-Tite 76342 instead, and a reader who already has a receiver does not need a receiver at all: a ball mount such as the CURT 45036 is the missing piece.
Reese Towpower 37096 Multi-Fit Receiver: pair it with
Pair it with a receiver accessory guide: our receiver-hitch winch mount guide shows another use of a receiver opening, and the hitch step guide covers a hitch-mounted accessory that also depends on receiver fitment.
We may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Tip: the rating conflict on this pick is the point, not a footnote. One source lists a 5,000 lb pull-force field and another describes 8,000 lbs gross weight with 800 lbs tongue weight, most likely weight-carrying versus weight-distribution figures mixed in retailer copy. Until a Reese maker page resolves it, use the application chart for your truck and tow to the lower applicable rating.
Best vehicle-specific CR-V receiver: Draw-Tite 76342 CR-V Receiver
Receiver hitch, not a ball mount
Why the Draw-Tite 76342 CR-V Receiver is our pick
The Draw-Tite 76342 is the vehicle-specific receiver in this guide, made for the Honda CR-V rather than for trucks in general. Its rating is modest and honest: rated to 3,500 lbs gross trailer weight and 525 lbs tongue weight, which is a good illustration that a class label alone does not set the tow rating, because the vehicle application sets it. It also carries a limit that must not be softened: no weight-distribution kit can be used with this hitch.
Draw-Tite 76342 CR-V Receiver key specs
- Type: Class 3 receiver hitch, vehicle-specific
- Part number: 76342
- ASIN: B08YPB3MV9
- UPC: 016118159073
- Gross trailer weight: rated to 3,500 lbs
- Tongue weight: rated to 525 lbs
- Receiver: 2-inch square receiver tube opening
- Construction: solid all-welded construction
- Finish: black powder coat
- Mounting hardware: included
- Warranty: nationwide lifetime limited warranty, as stated in the description
- Weight distribution: not permitted with this hitch
- Year range: not published here (see conflict note)
- Product weight: not published here (listing error omitted)
Draw-Tite 76342 CR-V Receiver: fits and best for
This hitch fits the Honda CR-V, and it is not universal. Year-range snapshots vary across listings, so this review deliberately publishes no year range: readers must verify their model year against the live listing or the Draw-Tite fitment guide before ordering. It suits a CR-V owner towing within 3,500 lbs who wants a bolt-on receiver with hardware included, and who will not use a weight-distribution kit. It does not suit a heavier trailer.
Draw-Tite 76342 CR-V Receiver pros and watch-outs
- Vehicle-specific fit for the Honda CR-V
- Mounting hardware included
- Clear 3,500 and 525 lb ratings with no per-ball confusion
- Explicit weight-distribution limit, stated rather than hidden
- Nationwide lifetime limited warranty as stated in the description
- Year range is not published here because listing snapshots conflict
- Weight-distribution kits are forbidden with this hitch
- Owner feedback reports paint chipping and scratches in some cases
- Rated capacity is modest, so heavier trailers are out of scope
Draw-Tite 76342 CR-V Receiver: what owners report
Owner feedback for this listing is the most balanced in this guide. Reviewers commonly describe installation as an easy and quick bolt-on, fit as correct for their vehicle and appearance as factory-like, and report using it with bike racks. The same summary is mixed on durability: several reviewers report paint chipping and scratches, including on arrival and from packaging. Both sides are printed here. See the Draw-Tite 76342 listing.
Draw-Tite 76342 CR-V Receiver: who should not buy
Do not buy this receiver if you tow above 3,500 lbs, if you need a weight-distribution system, or if your vehicle is not a Honda CR-V within the verified fitment range. A truck owner should check the Reese 37096 application chart instead, and a reader who already has a receiver should buy a ball mount, not another receiver.
Draw-Tite 76342 CR-V Receiver: pair it with
Pair it with the companion ball guide: our hitch balls guide helps match a ball to the coupler, and the bumper-pull camper guide is useful background where a bumper-pull trailer is the actual load.
We may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Tip: check the finish on arrival and touch up any chips early. The owner summary in this review reports paint chipping and scratches in some cases, so an arrival inspection is worth more than assuming the powder coat will look after itself.
Best adjustable dual-ball mount: B&W TS10037B Tow & Stow
Ball mount, not a receiver
Why the B&W TS10037B Tow & Stow is our pick
The B&W TS10037B is the adjustable mount for a taller truck, because it combines two ball sizes with a useful drop range in one mount that stows under the vehicle when not towing. Its swing-arm design carries a 2-inch ball and a 2-5/16-inch ball, so one mount covers two coupler sizes without a ball change. Its ratings must be kept per ball: rated to 10,000 lbs on the 2-5/16-inch ball and 7,500 lbs on the 2-inch ball, with 1,000 lbs tongue weight. Flattening those into a single 10,000 lb headline would mislead every 2-inch coupler owner.
B&W TS10037B Tow & Stow key specs
- Type: adjustable ball mount, Tow & Stow
- Part number: TS10037B
- ASIN: B000S0I1OE
- UPC: 852089001047
- Receiver: 2 inches
- Dual ball: 2-inch by 2-5/16-inch
- Drop: 5 inches
- Rise when inverted: 5.5 inches
- Adjustment: height adjustable in 1-inch increments by moving pins
- Gross trailer weight: rated to 10,000 lbs on the 2-5/16-inch ball; 7,500 lbs on the 2-inch ball
- Tongue weight: rated to 1,000 lbs
- Testing standard: tested for strength and endurance to SAE J684, as stated
- Warranty: limited lifetime, per the listing
- Product weight: not published here (variance omitted)
- Availability: confirm current status before ordering (see flag)
B&W TS10037B Tow & Stow: fits and best for
This mount fits any 2-inch receiver and is best framed for taller trucks and lifted setups where a 5-inch drop is actually needed. A shallow-drop truck does not need this range, and the mount own heft is the trade-off for its sturdiness. It does not replace a receiver hitch, and it does not raise the rating of the receiver or vehicle it slides into. B&W own rule applies throughout: the true limit is the lowest-rated link among hitch, ball in use, vehicle receiver and vehicle tow rating.
B&W TS10037B Tow & Stow pros and watch-outs
- Two ball sizes in one mount, no ball change needed
- 5-inch drop with 5.5-inch rise when inverted
- Stows under the vehicle and behind the bumper when not towing
- 1-inch adjustment increments
- Per-ball ratings stated clearly, not flattened
- Availability flag: one listing snapshot states this part is discontinued, while it still appears in brand listings
- Product weight is not published here because snapshots vary
- A separate locking pin may be needed to fully secure the unit; verify box contents
- Heft is the price of sturdiness, which matters on a mount that is removed often
- Only useful where a 5-inch drop is actually needed
B&W TS10037B Tow & Stow: what owners report
Retailer and editorial summaries for this part praise its build quality and the convenience of swapping ball sizes and stowing it out of the way, and note its heft as the price of that sturdiness. One summary notes a separate locking pin may be needed; verify box contents on the live listing. Sources: the retailer page for this part and the listing description area. See SharpTruck page for TS10037B.
B&W TS10037B Tow & Stow: who should not buy
Do not buy this mount if your truck needs only a small drop, if you have no 2-inch receiver, or if you need a confirmed-current part without checking availability first. If TS10037B is superseded, the written alternative directly under this review card and below is the Andersen Rapid Hitch 3405, which also carries two ball sizes. A one-trailer owner with a standard-height receiver may be better served by the simpler CURT 45036.
B&W TS10037B Tow & Stow: pair it with
Pair it with a hitch ball check: our hitch balls guide covers coupler matching, and the hitch-mount versus bumper-mount comparison explains receiver use beyond towing.
We may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Tip: confirm availability and successor status on the live listing or B&W catalogue before ordering, because one snapshot flags this part as discontinued while brand listings still show it. If the part is superseded, buy the named successor or the Andersen alternative below, not an assumed equivalent. Written alternative with its own link:
Best greaseless adjustable mount: Andersen Rapid Hitch 3405
Ball mount, not a receiver
Why the Andersen Rapid Hitch 3405 is our pick
The Andersen Rapid Hitch 3405 is the greaseless adjustable mount in this guide, and it is also the strongest ball mount here on its larger ball. It offers 6 inches of drop and rise, adjustable in 1-inch increments, with a combo ball covering 2-inch and 2-5/16-inch couplers. The greaseless AlumiBall is the feature that sets it apart from the steel mounts in this guide: it is designed to work without greasing the ball or coupler, while the plated steel combo ball variant still calls for grease. That distinction must not be lost when comparing Andersen variants.
Andersen Rapid Hitch 3405 key specs
- Type: adjustable ball mount, Rapid Hitch
- Part number: 3405
- ASIN: B006UH59D0
- UPC: 871155004058
- Drop and rise: 6 inches, adjustable in 1-inch increments
- Combo ball: 2-inch by 2-5/16-inch greaseless AlumiBall
- Shank: 2 inches, fits a 2-inch receiver
- Gross trailer weight: 10,000 lbs on the 2-inch ball; 12,500 lbs on the 2-5/16-inch ball
- Tongue weight: 1,500 lbs
- Material and finish for this variant: aluminium, polished
- Ratings source: shared family comparison table (see flag)
- Not a weight-distribution hitch: Andersen No-Sway line is a different family
Andersen Rapid Hitch 3405: fits and best for
This mount fits a 2-inch receiver and is described on the listing for most half-ton trucks with a 2-inch receiver. It is a ball mount, not a receiver hitch and not a weight-distribution hitch, and it must not be confused with Andersen separate No-Sway Weight Distribution Hitch line. It suits an owner towing more than one trailer, or two coupler sizes, who wants drop adjustment without greasing the ball. It does not suit a reader who needs a receiver, a weight-distribution system, or a rating above the ball actually coupled.
Andersen Rapid Hitch 3405 pros and watch-outs
- Greaseless combo ball, no greasing step for this variant
- 6-inch drop and rise with 1-inch adjustment
- Two coupler sizes in one mount
- Strongest ball-mount ratings in this guide on the larger ball
- Aluminium polished variant, distinct from black powder-coat variants
- Ratings come from a shared family table, not yet confirmed as the 3405-specific row
- Variant confusion is easy: other Rapid Hitch variants differ in finish and drop
- Not a weight-distribution hitch, despite the Andersen name also appearing on that family
- No verified owner-review summary specific to model 3405 was retrieved
Andersen Rapid Hitch 3405: what owners report
No verified owner-review summary specific to model 3405 was retrieved in this research pass, and this review does not invent owner praise. The aluminium and greaseless-ball angle is a maker feature claim, not an owner report. Readers should confirm the 3405-specific rating row on the live listing or maker site before buying. See the Andersen 3405 listing.
Andersen Rapid Hitch 3405: who should not buy
Do not buy this mount if you need a weight-distribution hitch, if your receiver is not 2 inches, or if you want a confirmed 3405-specific rating without checking the live listing first. A one-trailer owner with a standard-height receiver may prefer the simpler CURT 45036, and a taller truck owner who prefers steel may prefer the B&W TS10037B, subject to its availability flag.
Andersen Rapid Hitch 3405: pair it with
Pair it with the ball guide: our hitch balls guide explains coupler matching, and the receiver-hitch winch mount guide shows another receiver accessory to plan around.
We may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Tip: confirm the 3405-specific row, not just the family table, before relying on the 10,000 and 12,500 lb figures. The family table covers several drop sizes and shank sizes, and this review flags those figures as family-table figures until the 3405 row is confirmed.
Spec comparison: top trailer hitch brands
Editorial judgement, not test results. Picks are ordered by the clarity of their fitment and rating story, not by a numeric score, because several ratings in this guide are contested or family-level. A pick with a clean single rating and a clear type label ranks above a pick whose rating needs a chart or a family table, even where the second pick is rated higher.
| Spec | CURT 45036 | Reese 37096 | Draw-Tite 76342 | B&W TS10037B |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Ball mount | Receiver | Receiver | Ball mount |
| Receiver | 2-inch | 2-inch | 2-inch | 2-inch |
| Ball | 2-inch | Not stated | Not stated | 2 by 2-5/16-inch |
| Drop | 2-inch | Not published | Not published | 5-inch |
| GTW | 7,500 lbs | Varies | 3,500 lbs | 10,000 / 7,500 lbs |
| Tongue weight | 750 lbs | Varies | 525 lbs | 1,000 lbs |
| Hardware | Pin, clip | See chart | Included | Verify pin |
| Warranty | Not stated | Limited lifetime | Lifetime limited | Limited lifetime |
| Weight distribution | Not stated | See chart | Forbidden | Not stated |
| Spec | Andersen 3405 | Check Price |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Ball mount | |
| Receiver | 2-inch | See review |
| Ball | 2 by 2-5/16-inch | See review |
| Drop / rise | 6-inch | See review |
| GTW | 10,000 / 12,500 lbs* | See review |
| Tongue weight | 1,500 lbs* | See review |
| Finish | Aluminium, polished | See review |
| Weight distribution | Not this family | See review |
* Andersen figures are family-table figures until the 3405-specific row is confirmed.
Installation and fitment basics
Receiver installation and ball-mount fitting are different jobs. A receiver bolts to the vehicle, usually with vehicle-specific brackets and hardware, and its instructions decide the torque sequence and any trim or fascia work. A ball mount slides into an existing receiver and is secured with a pin and clip, or a lock, and its drop is set by measuring receiver height against coupler height so the trailer sits level. Do not improvise on a receiver: the Reese document for the 37096 forbids drilling or welding to the hitch, forbids lubricating threads because over-tightening can cause bolt failure, and requires only Reese-supplied or approved bolts, locknuts and washers. That discipline applies in spirit to any receiver, even where the wording differs.
Before ordering, confirm the receiver opening, the coupler size and the application chart or fitment guide for your exact vehicle. After fitting, check that the ball mount pin is fully seated, that the coupler latch closes correctly, and that lights and safety chains are connected before the first tow. For receiver-adjacent work, see our receiver-hitch winch mount guide, the hitch-mount versus bumper-mount comparison and the hitch step guide for how a receiver opening is used beyond towing. Car-trailer readers should also see our winch for car trailer guide and trailer winch for the money guide.
Safety essentials
- Never exceed the lowest rating among vehicle, receiver, ball mount, ball and trailer.
- Match the ball size to the coupler exactly; a close size is not a match.
- Confirm the pin and clip, or lock, are fully seated before every tow.
- Never use a weight-distribution kit on a hitch that forbids it, such as the Draw-Tite 76342.
- Check the application chart or fitment guide for your exact vehicle before buying a receiver.
- Inspect finish, welds and hardware on arrival and re-check them after the first tow.
Three accessory picks from the verified pool, for a recovery and towing kit rather than for the hitch itself:
- WARN Epic snatch block
- GearAmerica tree saver
- AMBULL shackles
For accessory background, see our snatch block guide, tree saver guide, shackles guide and essential winching accessories guide.
Troubleshooting
| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Trailer nose high or low | Wrong drop or rise | Measure receiver and coupler heights and adjust |
| Ball does not match coupler | Wrong ball size | Use the dual-ball mount or the correct ball |
| Receiver part does not fit | Wrong application | Re-check the application chart for the exact vehicle |
| Mount rattles in receiver | Loose pin or play | Reseat the pin and check for a compatible anti-rattle fit |
| Paint chips on arrival | Finish damage in transit | Inspect, document and touch up chips early |
| Rating confusion on a listing | Weight-carrying versus distribution figures | Use the lower applicable rating and the maker chart |
Who should NOT buy these trailer hitches
Buyers without a receiver should not buy a ball mount first. The CURT, B&W and Andersen picks all need a receiver to slide into. Buy the receiver for your exact vehicle first, then the mount that matches its opening.
Buyers who need a single universal rating should not buy the Reese 37096 on its headline alone. Its rating varies by application and its sources conflict, so it only works for a buyer willing to check the application chart and tow to the lower applicable rating.
Buyers who need weight distribution should not buy the Draw-Tite 76342. That hitch explicitly forbids weight-distribution kits. A weight-distribution setup is a different system with its own brackets and limits, and it is not reviewed as a core pick in this guide.
Buyers who want a confirmed-current part without checking should not buy the B&W TS10037B blind. One snapshot flags it as discontinued, so confirm its current status or buy the Andersen alternative named in its review. See also our winch recovery kit guide for kit planning beyond the hitch itself.
Final verdict
Best ready-to-tow ball mount: CURT 45036
Best multi-fit truck receiver: Reese Towpower 37096
Best vehicle-specific CR-V receiver: Draw-Tite 76342
Best adjustable dual-ball mount: B&W TS10037B
Best greaseless adjustable mount: Andersen Rapid Hitch 3405
FAQ
Is a ball mount the same as a receiver hitch?
No. A receiver hitch bolts to the vehicle and provides the opening, while a ball mount slides into that opening and carries the ball. Buying one does not give you the other, and a ball mount alone does not give a vehicle a tow rating or a receiver.
What rating actually limits my tow?
The lowest rating in the whole setup governs: vehicle tow rating, receiver rating, ball-mount rating and the rating of the ball actually coupled. If any link is rated lower, that lower number is your limit, whatever the other parts claim or advertise.
Why does this guide give no single rating for the Reese 37096?
Because its sources conflict: one listing field gives 5,000 lbs and a retailer page describes 8,000 lbs with 800 lbs tongue weight, most likely weight-carrying versus weight-distribution figures mixed in retailer copy. Until a Reese maker page resolves it, use the application chart for your exact truck.
Can I use a weight-distribution kit with the Draw-Tite 76342?
No. The description for that hitch explicitly states that no weight-distribution kit can be used with it. Respect that limit, and choose a different system if your setup requires weight distribution for its trailer, and do not improvise a workaround.
What year Honda CR-V does the Draw-Tite 76342 fit?
This guide deliberately publishes no year range for that pick, because listing snapshots vary. Verify your model year against the live listing or the Draw-Tite fitment guide before ordering, rather than relying on a range printed here or elsewhere on the web.
Is the B&W TS10037B discontinued?
One listing snapshot states that it is discontinued by the manufacturer, while the part still appears in brand listings, so this guide does not present it as confirmed current. Confirm availability or a successor on the live listing or B&W catalogue, or buy the Andersen alternative named in its review.
Are the Andersen 3405 ratings confirmed for that exact model?
Not yet in the notes. The 10,000 and 12,500 lb figures and the 1,500 lb tongue weight come from a shared Rapid Hitch family comparison table. Confirm the 3405-specific row on the live listing or maker site before relying on them for a heavy trailer.
How do I choose drop or rise?
Measure receiver height against coupler height and choose the adjustment that levels the trailer. A fixed mount suits one trailer at one height, while an adjustable mount suits owners towing more than one trailer or coupler size regularly throughout the year.
Does a higher class label mean a higher tow rating?
No. The Draw-Tite pick in this guide is labelled Class 3 yet is rated to 3,500 lbs for its CR-V application, because the vehicle application sets the rating. Always read the application rating, not just the class label, before ordering.
What should I check in the box before towing?
Confirm the ball size matches your coupler, the pin and clip or lock are present and seated, and any included hardware matches the instructions. For the Reese pick, ball-mount inclusion is not stated in the notes, so do not assume a complete kit.
Sources & changelog
- CURT 45036 listing
- TrailBuilt page for CURT 45036
- Reese Towpower 37096 listing
- Reese 37096 installation instructions
- Draw-Tite 76342 listing
- B&W TS10037B listing
- SharpTruck page for B&W TS10037B
- Andersen Rapid Hitch 3405 listing
- Reese 44526 maker page (consulted, not a pick, no ASIN attached)
- Reese 44526 installation instructions (consulted, not a pick)
Changelog — October 25, 2026: guide first published.
By Leo, Founder, WinchInsider
Leo writes towing and recovery guides based on maker specifications, installation documents and owner reports, without testing claims.
Related guides
- Best hitch balls under 20
- Hitch-mount versus bumper-mount winch
- Best receiver-hitch winch mount
- Best hitch steps for Maverick
- Best off-road bumper-pull camper
- Best winch recovery kit
Top pick: CURT 45036 Loaded Ball Mount