Last Updated on May 3, 2023 by Will Sabel
Drop hitches are like those friends who always have our backs. They offer unconditional support through thick and thin. Now that might have sounded a bit melodramatic…my bad.
But seriously, though, drop hitches work like wonders. First, they help adjust the hitch to support any kind of towing application so that you don’t have to buy multiple hitches for different trailers or vehicles.
They offer much-needed flexibility and practicality when it comes to towing. This accessory is a must-have whether you tow for a job or for fun. You’ll find numerous options when searching for a drop hitch.
For that reason, it can be a bit exhausting to find a hitch that will work perfectly for you in different scenarios. And that’s where this article comes to play. All the nicks and crooks of this important gadget will be discussed thoroughly.
We’ll see what the best drop hitches currently dominating the market are, their features, functionality, lifespan, and many more. I’ve also added a section at the end where you’ll learn how to choose one for your towing need. After all, anomalies always seem to find their ways to bug us.
What is a Drop Hitch in the first place?
As tradition dictates, let’s go over the basics first. If you’re a veteran in this area, please jump over to the next section.
So, what is a drop hitch, and how does it work? But first, do you need a drop hitch? Then, how do you figure that out?
Well, if the hitch height of your trailer is clearly higher than the coupler height, you, my friend, need a drop hitch.
Just measure the difference between the hitch height and coupler height, and you will know what type of drop hitch you need. If the coupling height is not what it needs to be, your axle’s lifetime will be cut short. We’ll go over this in detail in the later section of this article. But for now, let’s just leave it at that.
What is this drop hitch, then?
The purpose of this accessory is to connect the trailer to your vehicle and alter the height of the trailer hitch receiver. The right drop hitch will help you retain the perfect balance and control.
Your driving experience will improve by a huge margin. But, most importantly, your trailer won’t feel like an overloaded mule anymore.
For a safer towing experience, you can’t just do without an appropriate drop hitch. There’s simply no way around it.
Top-Rated Drop Hitches: Quick Overview and In-Depth Review
Making this shortlist was difficult since all kinds of drop hitches share almost the same DNA. But still, some factors can change the whole towing game for people with different preferences. The five products that I have included here should cover many areas for a wide range of customers…and again, it wasn’t easy.
At first, we’ll look into a drop hitch from CURT. They’re one of the oldest boys in this market and specialize in producing top-notch products both in terms of quality and practicality.
After that, we’ll be met with two different models from B&W. The first model is a tri-ball mount, and the second is a dual-ball mount drop hitch.
I’ve also included a decent product from the good-old MaxxHaulß. The 70380 is a dual-ball mount hitch designed for heavy-duty purposes. The last one is WS6-2 from Weigh Safe. The pricing might be just perfect for this product.
While the B&Ws cost a bit more, this one stands in the middle ground offering good features and a decent surprise that will make towing easier.
So, these are my handpicked soldiers. So, without further ado, let’s see how much of a fight they have in them.
1. CURT 45900
You can always bet your money on CURT when it comes to towing. They’re like the ancient forefathers of towing accessories. The 45900 model is a prime example of their golden history. This ball mount drop hitch is so highly adjustable that it works with a 2- inch receiver and has a 6-inch drop.
It’s designed for a smooth towing experience and built to last. Undoubtedly, one of the best drop hitch for lifted trucks. With that said, let’s dive deep into this product and see what it offers.
Versatile and highly adjustable
CURT 45900’s channel mount is adjustable. You can fine-tune it to your vehicle’s needs. You don’t have to buy other accessories to support this hitch. Being adjustable creates room for the ball mount option to be highly versatile.
It has a standard receiver hitch shank, a multi-level channel, and a trailer ball attachment that works with pretty much anything. If you use multiple vehicles to tow things around, you don’t have to buy a hitch for each car. Instead, you can get the job done with this one-single drop hitch.
Built to Last
The asphalt is always unforgiving. Anything weak or subpar equipment can wear out in a short period. But the CURT 45900 is built differently. Made from high-strength steel, its rock-solid build will give you long-term service and a refreshing feeling of reassurance.
The hitch shank, locking pins, and everything else feels super-solid. Keep in mind that the 2-inch ball has a capacity of 10,000 lbs. On the other hand, if you need to tow more than 12,000 lbs., let’s say 14,000 lbs. you can rely on the 2-5/16-inch ball. Choose according to your need and let the hitch do all the hard work.
Snow or Rain…Tow Without Any Worries
Difficult weather conditions shouldn’t be regarded as an obstacle. That’s exactly why 45900 comes fully prepared. It stands tall against the pouring rain, road grime, and salt. Thanks to the carbide black powder coat finish, the ball mount is well-protected.
What about the dual ball attachment? Well, that’s also shielded from rough weather conditions with corrosion-resistant zinc plating. Again, CURT 45900 means the real deal.
Fits Perfectly and Works Like a Charm
The ball hitch features a standard shank that can fit any standard 2-inch x 2-inch trailer hitch receiver. The shank comes with two hitch pin holes. It gives more room for adjusting the ball mount from 11-inch to 12-inch. As a result, you’ll get more clearance for the back of your vehicle.
Also, the dual-ball head of this channel mount has standard 2-inch and 2-5/16-inch diameter trailer balls. So it basically means that you can fit two different size trailer couplers.
They attach perfectly to the shank using the two hitch pins and clips. But, of course, if you want more security, you can always replace them with a hitch lock set.
Enhanced Towing Experience
CURT has integrated the 45900 model with a brilliant anti-rattle feature. It also eliminates vibrations, chucking, and annoying rattling at the coupling point. All of these features add up to a smooth towing experience. As a result, your driving experience will be smooth and quieter than before.
CURT 45900 is built to make towing fun. It’s super durable, packed with many features, and quite reasonably priced, in my opinion. In this price range, no other drop hitch can top this. Its versatility and highly flexible nature make it one of the best drop hitch currently dominating the market.
Video: CURT 45900 Unboxing & Installation
2. B&W Trailer Hitches Tow & Stow- TS20049B
If you’re somehow not satisfied with CURT 45900 and want something more robust, this is the one. The price is almost double the 45900, but that also means you’ll get twice the amount of service from this one.
B&W goes neck and neck with the CURT. B&W upped their game and produced some fine hitches to compete with the big guns. So, without further ado, let’s check this bad boy out.
Heavy-Duty and Robust
Made right here in America, B&W has the DNA to pull weights; I give you that. Constructed with heavy steel, the build is pretty solid. The pins are made with stainless steel as well. It means that even after a long time of service, the connections won’t rust, and the trailer will be secure.
But what about the other parts? Well, first of all, the main party piece, aka the ball, is also shielded from oxidation. In addition, they have what’s called a “Dual-Process” chrome plating. The same goes for the shank as well. Finally, coated in black powder, the strength of the tube is also commendable.
In simpler words, this hitch’s sole purpose is to haul a bigger trailer with more GTW… it’s for the big boys. And it’ll do so without putting any strain on its structure.
A Handy Stowable Feature
The TS20049B is full of surprises… like this towable design. You can store the ball and the entire mounting platform underneath your vehicle. I mean, how cool is that? To use it properly, remove the pins first but don’t let go of the ball mount platform. Hold that in place on the shank.
After that, alter the platform from under the hitch and reinsert the pins and clips to secure the ball mount platform. Who said towing and traveling can’t be done at the same time? Just store them underneath, and you’ll be ready to roll.
Adjustable Height Equals Flexibility
After checking the build, I always look for areas where I can find room for making adjustments. It differs from vehicle to vehicle, even though the numbers match. B&W Trailer Hitches Tow and Stow didn’t disappoint me either.
The height is adjustable, and I just love it. If your job requires you to change the trailer from time to time, you’d instantly become a fan of this hitch. You can’t just buy a new hitch every time you have to tow a trailer with a different height, right?
Just simply adjust the height of the hitch and hit the road. It’s super easy to adjust the height and slide the ball mount up or down along the shank. And then secure it in place with the pins and clips. Voila, you’re good to go. You don’t have to worry about buying extra add-ons or accessories ever.
Superior Ball-Mount Functionality
Let’s point out a clear difference between CURT and B&W’s TS4009B. The first one is a dual ball mount, whereas this one’s a three-ball mount hitch. But that’s not just it. All the balls come in different sizes, and they all have a huge role to play.
By being different in size, the hitch balls offer you more adjustability. You can tow your trailer with varying sizes of couplers. I mean…it’s child’s play. Remove the pin and rotate the ball according to the coupler’s size and then simply reinsert the pin.
Let’s Talk Numbers
The Shank, first of all, will fit into any 2-1/2” x 2-1/2” trailer hitch receivers. It has a maximum drop of 7-inch and a maximum rise of 7-1/2-inch. Feel free to experiment with an incremental height adjustment of about 1-3/8-inch, which seems to be enough.
Moving on to the distance from the center of the hitch pin hole to the center of the hitch ball, the closest distance is 9-1/4-inch, and the farthest is 10-3/8-inch. If you’re wondering whether the ground clearance is enough or not…well, it should be more than enough. The minimum clearance is 11-inch from the ground to the lowest point on Tow and Stow Hitch.
The TS4009B comes in three different versions. If you’re towing less than 3,500 lbs. you should go with a 1-7/8-inch ball. For 7,500 lbs. there’s a 2-inch ball version. And for heavy-duty hauling… let’s say 14,500 lbs. you have to go with a 2-5/16-inch ball. Take your pick according to your need.
3. B&W Trailer Hitches Tow & Stow – TS10033B
This one stems from the same branch as the previous model of B&W. If TS4009B seems a bit pricy for you, then you can consider having this one. You’d still get the same robustness and precise engineering in this product by spending considerably less.
The TS10033B is an adjustable ball mount design hitch like the TS4009B. Still, it only fits into vehicles with a 2-inch trailer hitch receiver. Conversely, the TS4009B fits into any 2-1/2” x 2-1/2” trailer hitch receivers.
Now, it’s time to explore the TS10033B and see whether this affordable drop hitch can deliver when the time comes.
Promised Robustness from the B&W
Made in Kansas, B&W’s entry-level drop hitch TS10033B uses Zinc. You can acknowledge the quality craftsmanship all over this product. Build-wise, there’s not much difference between this and the TS20049B.
It’s a pocket powerhouse. It has 1,000-lbs. Tongue capacity and 10,000-lbs. Total weight capacity. These are pretty solid numbers, I give you that.
To support that power that builds quality has to be pretty solid, and I assure you, this one delivers when it comes to towing. Thanks to the stainless steel pins, the connections won’t loosen up even after constant heavy usage.
The tube structure is rock solid as well. As a result, it won’t bend or break even if the terrain gets rough. Not to mention, B&W used ecoat and black powder coat to make this immune to tough weather conditions. As a result, it won’t fall prey to rust, period.
Stowable Feature Like the TS20049B? You Bet.
People love this feature. Done with towing? Simply stash the hitch underneath your vehicle and spend the rest of your day driving to the sunset. The entire mechanism is the same as the TS20049B. Using this feature, you can save both time and space.
Sometimes, after a long day, the smallest of chores like detaching the hitch may seem cumbersome. Just stow it following the instructions that I’ve discussed in the previous section, and you’ll be fine.
Dual-Ball Mount
The main difference…this model is a dual-ball mount drop hitch just like CURT 45900. The balls, made from chrome-plated steel, come in two different sizes. This gives you more room to adjust your hitch if you need to connect your trailer with a different-sized coupler.
Hassle-free Height Adjustment
The TS10033B comes with an adjustable height feature. So you can easily adjust the height to ‘level’ the trailer. This is a very important task: to level the trailer. Because if it isn’t, you can end up damaging your vehicle’s axles.
This great option also means you’ll get a much more smooth towing experience. The sagging behind your vehicle would be gone. In addition, since you can adjust the height, you can use the same drop hitch for multiple trailers that come with different heights.
We already know that The TS10033B fits into a 2-inch receiver and can tow up to 10,000 lbs. However, if you need to tow, say, 14,500 lbs. of GTW, you have to go with the 2 ½-inch shank model. For example, to haul even heavier weight, 21,000 lbs. you’ll need the 3-inch model.
Both of the models from B&W are great choices, and they both have their perks. But, in the end, it’ll come down to you deciding which one will suit your needs the best. The TS20049B is a bit pricey, I agree. But it’s more adjustable than the TS10033B model.
In the meantime, if you’re not looking to spend that much dough and still want a premium drop hitch, you can trust the TS1003B model. It’s built to last and suitable for use with pretty any vehicle.
4. MaxxHaul 70380 Black/Chrome Adjust Dual Ball Mount
This is another dual-ball mount hitch with a lot of promise. Priced at just over 100 bucks, 70380 model from MaxxHaul can really pack a punch. It fits perfectly into any 2-inch x 2-inch receiver. In addition, MaxxHaul 70380 comes with some fantastic features that make towing easier and safer. It’s one of the best budget drop hitch for lifted trucks.
Forged to Perform Under Pressure
This thing is built to perform under pressure. It’s robust and beefy. But, more importantly, the robustness goes perfectly with clever design. The ball setup is convenient, and it sits perfectly with the pin. Speaking of pins, they line up correctly.
Being heavy shouldn’t mean a hitch needs to be manhandled. Everything is crafted in a precise manner in 70380. All the parts fit in with each other exactly how they are supposed to. The solid steel shank and the thick steel U-channel maximize the strength of this hitch.
In addition, I found the welding job pretty substantial. You can hardly notice the marks. The whole thing looks like a single-coherent piece of metal. It does weigh a bit (23.8 lbs.), but when you want to flip it to several different heights, the strength and agility of this hitch will definitely come to play.
Make Necessary Adjustments Anytime, Anywhere
These modern-day drop hitches are designed to make our lives easier. I mean, you can get away with only one hitch for all your towing needs. Not only do they last longer, but also they’re highly adjustable too. I haven’t mentioned a single product in this list that isn’t. Maxxhaul 70380 is no exception either.
This bad boy has an adjustable ball mount that lets you tow up to a staggering 12,000 lbs. Have to switch trailers from time to time? Well…don’t fret since this drop hitch is compatible with trailers having different height extensions.
It has a maximum rise of 7-1/2-inch and a 6-1/2 inch maximum drop. You can frequently switch between different trailers without changing the ball with this one. That’s a win for MaxxHaul right there.
Experience Stable and Smooth Driving While You’re Towing
The dual pins secure the hitch with your trailer and keep the whole junction stable. And if it’s stable that means the trailer is level enough and everything’s working perfectly. So for a safer towing experience, your ride must be leveled and stable.
How Much Weight can it Pull?
70380’s weight rating is ideal given its price tag. Using the 2-inch ball, you can haul 8,000 lbs. of weight. However, you can tow up to 12,000 lbs. on the 2 5/16-inch ball.
But what about the tongue weight then? The highest tongue weight is 1,000 lbs. on the 2 5/16-inch ball side and 800 lbs. if you’re using a 2-inch ball side. So, yes…it can and will pull weight within its limit without a problem.
If your budget is a little tight, you can’t get your hands on premium stuff. With MaxxHaul 70380 in the picture, you can still get a quality towing experience without burning through your pockets.
It’s a great dual-ball mount hitch that works with a 2-inch receiver for nearly any vehicle. It’s highly adjustable and constructed to withstand tough situations. In addition, it’ll last longer than the cheap knock-offs that are currently plaguing the market. So, for people with a low budget who don’t want to compromise their towing experience, this 70380 model from MaxxHaul is a fine option.
5. Weigh Safe WS6-2, 6″ Drop Hitch
This is what I call the “Dessert” of my list of best drop hitches. Meet Weigh Safe WS6-2, a solid dual-ball mount drop hitch that can change your towing experience when you install it on your vehicle. When I first came across this hitch, I wondered if there was anything unique about this product?
Apart from the two drop hitches of B&W, the rest have pretty much everything in common, from features to build. But this one, the WS6, comes with an interestingly unique feature. I’ll unravel it shortly. So keep reading to find out what it is!
It’s a Complete Package
Buying the WSF-2 means getting the whole deal at once. This one literally has it all. It comes with a drawbar, slider with gauge, 2” ball, 2-5/16-inch ball, ball retaining pin, lock plate assembly key, and a dust-lock cover.
Once you get your hands on it, nothing will stop you from cruising on to your work with the trailer behind your vehicle.
Build Quality? Unquestionable.
Build wise, Weigh Safe is untouchable. It’s strong and built to take care of your towing job right from the word go. Welding is so seamless that the whole hitch seems like a single body. Speaking of which, the body is made from aircraft-grade aluminum.
The balls are constructed with stainless steel, of course. So, no problem there. The pins are also made from stainless steel, which means the connections between the trailer and the hitch will be intact. But what about durability, though?
Well, let me assure you the 6061 T6 billet aluminum shank and mounting platform both provide the necessary strength and durability.
Wondering why Weigh Safe doesn’t use steel? That’s because solid block construction provides better strength than hollow steel that most drop hitch manufacturers use.
Designed to Tow Heavy Weights
This hitch can pull weights without any hiccups, thanks to its robust nature. The WSF-2 has a towing capacity of 8,000 lbs. and the maximum tongue capacity is 1,500 lbs. However, if you need to haul more weights, 10,000 lbs., you can always turn to the 2 5/16-inch ball.
You can rely on this hitch for those of you who have to tow heavier weights. It takes a lot of stress of towing out of the equation and lets the user enjoy a smooth, hassle-free ride.
Adjust the Ball Mount to Your Liking
What good is strength if you can’t apply it to your vehicle? Thank God that’s not the case with this one. You can adjust it as your job requires. The Weigh Safe WSF-2 has a massive 6-inch drop! Having flashbacks of when you had to change your hitch to support different-sized trailers? Those days are over.
Using this single hitch, you can tow trailers of different heights with your vehicle. Okay, so you can adjust it, but does it fit well when trying this on with a different trailer? Yes, it fits perfectly…thanks to its 1-inch increments.
You won’t find not many drop hitches on the market having a perfect balance between strength and adjustability in this price range.
Note: The WSF-2 fits a 2-inch receiver only; remember that. If your vehicle has a 3-inch receiver, you have to go with WS6-3. Respectively for those who have 2.5-inch receivers, WS6-2.5 will do you.
That One Unique Feature
Weigh Safe Drop Hitch has a built-in scale that helps you adjust your load! I mean, how cool is that? It saves a lot of annoying circumstances and takes the guessing game out of the equation. I think… we can all agree that measuring the trailer’s tongue weight can be a bit of a chore. This feature is a game-changer.
Downsides of this product? I couldn’t find one, and I am a very cynical person, trust me. This one excels in every area, from build to feature to function. The price tag is very tempting. If you’re looking to up your game and experience a better towing experience, why not check this one out?
Know Before You Tow- A Brief Guide to Help You Choose the Right Hitch For Your Vehicle
Over the years, towing industry has been showered with hundreds of genuine inventions. These inventions have lessened our struggle to haul weights from one place to another. However, I can still recall the times when people were not that much cautious about the intricacy of the art of towing.
This lack of attention to detail often resulted in accidents and thousands of broken axels that could’ve been easily averted. But now, the wind has changed.
Customers do their own study, and local providers come forward with their knowledge helping newbies and pros to find the right hitch to do the job correctly.
This poses a bittersweet situation. I mean, literally, there are so many different types of hitches with different functionality and numbers that you can’t process them all. It’s not possible.
That’s why I’ve decided to discuss only the crucial things you need to know before purchasing your next or the first drop hitch.
Check the Construction
Features won’t do you any good if your best drop hitch candidate doesn’t hold on to your vehicle. That’s why the hitch must be solid. Check what materials have been used. Naturally, the manufacturers always use high-quality ingredients, so there’s no need to worry. But still, check it anyway.
Most of the hitches on the market use steel to make the main body and the shank. The pins are also needed to be checked. They’re the ones who keep everything in place. So make sure they’re made of stainless steel. Don’t fret too much about the ball, though; every company uses the metal ball.
What you want to check next is the welding job. Does it stand out, or is it seamless? You could tell a lot about a drop hitch by checking its welding quality. You’ll feel it on the body if it’s made with care and caution. It’s also an indication of good engineering.
After that, make sure your hitch has protection against the weather. Of course, it has to be corrosion-resistant as well. And that’s pretty much about it.
How Much Drop and Rise Would You Get?
You got to have both of these functions available in your hitch. Why? Both your vehicle and trailer must be at the same height. If your work involves only one trailer, you can buy a hitch with a particular drop and rise number.
However, if you need to change trailers with a different height from time to time, then some questions need to be answered first.
For instance, a hitch that you can flip when necessary lets you work with multiple trailers. You don’t need to buy extra hitches to match those heights. The hitch drop lowers the trailer’s height when your trailer is high above your vehicle.
The maximum drop number lets you level it. Similarly, you can give your trailer a rise when it’s already higher than your vehicle.
Here comes the most important part, all drop hitches in existence have drop levels. But not all of them have the rising function. So, you have to be uncompromising if you need to deal with different trailers regularly.
Is the Height Adjustable?
This is a deal-breaker. Don’t buy if the hitch doesn’t let you adjust the height. Instead, always go for hitches that offer flexibility of this kind. But what does it mean, though? Basically, it indicates whether you can adjust the height of the trailer that has to be coupled to the truck.
So, it’s wiser to go for the hitches that come with a couple of different height increments. It leaves you more area to work with and adjust the trailer with the coupler without manhandling it. This feature also opens the possibility of working with multiple trailers with only one drop hitch.
Measure the Shank Size
Take a measure of your receiver tube’s opening before hitting the market. If the shank size doesn’t match, you have to buy an extra adapter to connect the hitch to your transport. So, to avoid that extra purchase, it’s commendable to carefully measure the receiver tube.
Once you have the number, just look for a shank that matches the number. Don’t worry, shanks come in different sizes also. There are four different-sized shanks – 1¼ inches, 2 inches, 2½ inches, and 3 inches.
Don’t Forget about the Weight Capacity
There are two things you need to keep in mind here. The first one is called GTW, which refers to gross trailer weight, and the second is TW, aka tongue weight.
The GTW is the total weight of your trailer. On the other hand, the tongue weight is the static force the trailer tongue employs on the hitch ball or at the coupling point between two vehicles.
Why are these things important? Let me assure you these two numbers will ensure what kind of towing experience you’ll get. They make all the differences between a safe trailer towing experience and a dangerous journey.
For the sake of argument, what could go wrong if there’s not enough weight on the trailer tongue? If that’s the case, your trailer will surely sway from side to side… a lot. And what if the weight is more than what’s supposed to be?
In that scenario, too much weight on the hitch ball could overload the rear tires of your tow vehicle and push the back end of the vehicle like a wiggling toy head. Both of these scenarios will affect your handling. You’ll have less control over your steering.
And when you’re on the road with a load behind your back, you’d want to have stability and total control over your vehicle.
So, please check whether the hitch you’re thinking about purchasing exceeds both the TGW and the TW values to have a safer towing experience.
Look for Extra Features that Make Towing Easier
Adjustable drop hitches have only one purpose: to make towing safer and easier. Hitches from well-reputed companies are quite able to do so. But still, some exceptions will make you look twice.
I mean, the basics are the same, right? The height adjustment features, weight capacity, build quality, and durability are where most manufacturers keep their heads. However, some hitches come with unique features like stowable features and a built-in weight scale.
I was genuinely surprised when I saw those features implemented so tactfully. B&W has a brilliant stowable mechanism that saves time and storage space.
Similarly, Weigh Safe’s WSF-2 has a clever built-in scale that makes towing easier. You don’t have to go to the weigh station or separate tongue weight scale anymore.
You can do that all by yourself! Balancing the trailer is one of the most important towing parts, but it sure is a hassle. With this kind of feature, you can get a measurement automatically every time you couple your trailer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size drop hitch for the lifted trucks?
The size of the drop hitch that you will need for your lifted truck depends on a number of factors.
First of all, You have to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Next, you have to take into account the increase in the height of the truck, and the size of the tires if they exceeded the manufacturer’s recommended limits. The sum of all these factors that lift your truck is equal to the necessary drop that your hitch requires.
As a general rule, aim for a hitch height of about 18 inches from the ground, to ensure the minimum required drop distance.
Do I need a drop hitch for lifted trucks?
Yes.
Wrapping it Up
Best drop hitches are like friends who always have our backs. They make everything easier. You can extend your towing vehicle’s performance by a lot with a proper hitch. However, choosing the right could prove to be a bit more difficult.
I wish this article could help you at least a little, making that job a bit easier. But, once you get the jest of it, you can explore this vast market of towing accessories by yourself.
Go with the one that fits your towing needs. But don’t go overboard with it; just get the right one. This is one of the gadgets that need to be purchased with much consideration. Get your facts straight, and then hit the market.
