Best Adjustable Receiver Hitches – 2021 Reviews

| Last Updated: January 4, 2022

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Looking for an adjustable receiver hitch? No problem. You can find one that will not only be great in quality, but it will be really good to use for occasional or regular use. Either way, you’ll want to find one that will work best for all kinds of hauling tasks.

Whether it’s a camper, a boat, or a small trailer you can put these to good use if and when you need it most. We’ll be taking a look at our list of adjustable receiver hitches that are considered the best on the market.

Before getting to the list, we’re going to discuss what the purpose of an adjustable receiver hitch serves and why the hitches we’ll be reviewing made the list. 

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • Best 2 ½ adjustable hitch
  • Made from a combination of high-quality steel and aluminum
  • 6-inch drop
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  • Best for the money
  • Finished in durable carbide black powder coating
  • 6 ¾ inch drop and 5 ¼ inch rise
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  • Best overall
  • Adjustable height
  • Fits 2-inch receivers
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  • Best adjustable drop hitch
  • Includes a 6-inch drop and rise
  • Handles up to 10,000 pounds
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  • Runner-up
  • 6-inch drop
  • Ball hitch handles up to 14,000 pounds
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What Purpose Does An Adjustable Receiver Hitch Serve?

An adjustable receiver hitch is perfect for when you are able to haul different levels of loads. One load can be light, while another can be really heavy in weight (hence the name, adjustable). These hitches can also be useful if and when you are planning on using multiple trailers at the same time. Either way, it’s the kind of hitch that’s tough enough to handle all kinds of hitching tasks whether you are using one trailer or even two. 

Why These Hitches Made Our List

We didn’t choose these adjustable receiver hitches at random. While looking for these hitches for our review, we were looking for specific features and characteristics that were important to you the buyer. We suggest you use a similar approach when you are ready to purchase a hitch. Here’s what you need to look for:

Price

The price is something that won’t be a concern to those who are not on a budget and can afford any hitch. But if you are on a budget, then we suggest that you find a hitch that is excellent in quality and performance (and be able to afford it). Never sacrifice quality because the price is “low enough”. 

Weight Limit

The weight limit will vary from hitch to hitch. Consider what you will be hauling on a regular basis so you can make the decision on which hitch will have the best weight limit possible that can handle your loads on a regular basis. 

Easy Installation

If you want to get in, out, and on with life you should consider finding a hitch that is easy to install. We were able to track down these hitches that were easy to install and added them to the list. This way, you won’t have to do with complicated installation and you won’t have to rely on a professional to get it done. Just install it in minutes and you’re good to go.

Review Of The Best Adjustable Receiver Hitches

The following is a list of the best adjustable receiver hitches that you can find on the market. Be sure to choose one that will fit your needs and preferences so you can use them whenever needed. To make an easier decision, make a note of any characteristics and features that will stand out as interesting (and enough to consider purchasing). Let’s begin by looking at the “best overall” choice:

Best Overall: 
Weigh Safe LTB6-2.5

PROS

  • Really solid build
  • Super sharp aesthetics
  • Handles heavy hauling tasks
  • Easy adjustments for low profile trailers
  • Excellent quality and construction

CONS

  • Retaining pin is hard to remove
  • May need to be greased before use
  • Some say the hitch may stick out a little farther than expected

What Recent Buyers Report

A lot of new buyers say that the hitch was perfect for all kinds of trailers that were able to fit with a ball that measured 2 ½ inches in diameter. One user said that the drop was exactly where he wanted it for his low profile trailer and the adjustment was easy and very smooth once he was able to install this on his truck.

Why it Stands Out to Us

This is another hitch that will be perfect for all kinds of heavy-duty hauling. It can handle up to 10,000 pounds of trailer loads. Not to mention, it’s a pretty good hitch for all kinds of trailers of different heights. Since it has the ability to drop six inches low, it’s perfect for the low-profile trailers.

Who Will Use This Most

If you are looking for the perfect hitch that will handle heavy loads and various heights, you won’t be disappointed. Whether it’s for low riding trailers or boats (or anything in between), you will have a solidly built hitch that will be able to work for any road trip that will be long and winding or not as long. Plus, it’s pretty durable and won’t rust easily like some hitches after just a short amount of time.

Bottom Line

The Weigh Safe LTB 6-2.5 doesn’t skimp on quality and performance. And it will certainly serve as the best hitch you can find when your trailer calls for a hitch that is a bit larger than normal. As long as you have the right kind of trailer and the measurements that match, you have a hitch that will be very useful to you.

Best for the Money:
CURT 45901

PROS

  • Affordable for most budgets
  • Easy to hitch to most trailers
  • Heavy duty in quality and use
  • Smooth and quick adjustments
  • No dings and dents to bumpers

CONS

  • Can be a bit noisy when you hit bumps in the road
  • Screws may not always be tight even when you think they are
  • Rubber pad might not reduce enough rattle

What Recent Buyers Report

Most users were quick to report that they were able to get this installed in just an hour or less. And they were able to fit it on their trucks without any additional fitting or related issues. Adjustments for drop and rise were fitting for most trailers measured at various heights. One user said that he was using this for hauling various loads in which the weight varied each time. So far, he wasn’t disappointed with the hitch in general since it handled all kinds of loads and even different trailers.

Why it Stands Out to Us

One of the best characteristics of this hitch is durability. It proves its worth in being very sturdy and impervious to all kinds of scratches, bumps, and dents thanks to the powdered coating. Plus, with the hitch ball measured at 1 inch in diameter, it can be a great hitch for all kinds of small-sized trailers. And typically you’ll need a 1-inch ball in order for the two to work together.

Who Will Use This Most

This might be a great hitch that will work as a starter model for those who have never used a hitch before in their lifetime. It’s great for all kinds of hauling like recreational vehicles or small flatbed trailers. Either way, it’s easy to install and easy to adjust. Of course, we can’t forget that it’s absolutely affordable for those who are on a budget.

Bottom Line

The CURT 45901 isn’t cheap and flimsy in the slightest when it comes to quality and performance. But it can certainly blow the doors off of any expectations you might have regarding a hitch. You are going to get a hell of a lot more than what you pay for once you get your hands on this. And it can handle hauling projects whether on a daily basis or if you are using it on the weekends.

3. B&W Hitches TS10049B

B&W Trailer Hitches Tow & Stow Adjustable Trailer Hitch Ball Mount - Fits 2' Receiver, Tri-Ball (1-7/8' x 2' x 2-5/16'), 7' Drop, 10,000 GTW - TS10049B

PROS

  • Easy adjustments
  • Solid and superior quality
  • Handles various trailer loads
  • Fits trailers of different heights
  • Delivers excellent and solid hauling on the promise

CONS

  • None

What Recent Buyers Report

A lot of new users say that they were happy with the hitch. They said that it was perfect for transporting all kinds of hitches that were weighing in at various amounts. The adjustments for different heights were easy and smooth and fit most trailers measured at various heights. One user said that he had no trouble using this hitch the moment he easily installed it on his truck.

Why it Stands Out to Us

This hitch is made from high-quality materials that can resist any instances of rust and corrosion. It can handle all kinds of environmental elements even when you are hauling trailers from one end of town to the next (or even on those long haul runs). At 31 pounds, it doesn’t add on any additional and unnecessary weight on the vehicle.

Who Will Use This Most

This is a really good hitch that will handle all kinds of recreational trailers and campers. There is a myriad of applications that will be quite fitting for this hitch. So if you want a really good hitch that will be easy to adjust, can handle one trailer or even two then this might just be what you need for all of your hauling needs.

Bottom Line

The B&W Hitches TS 10049B proves itself as the “best overall” choice for an adjustable receiver hitch. It can handle heavy weights and will install on all kinds of trucks easily and without any additional fitting. You won’t be disappointed in the overall performance once you put this to work.

Best Adjustable Drop Hitch Receiver:
Andersen Hitches Rapid Hitch

ANDERSEN HITCHES | Rapid Hitch | Best Adjustable Ball Mount | 6' Drop/Rise, 2 - 2-5/16' Plate Steel Dual Ball | Fits 2' Receiver | 3410

PROS

  • Super strong
  • Easy installation
  • Aesthetically sharp
  • No easy wear and tear
  • Can do some heavy hauling

CONS

  • Lock pin quality could be better
  • Retainer screws may loosen over time
  • Pin may be difficult too in both the removal and re-installation process

What Recent Buyers Report

According to most users, this hitch receiver was made for heavy-duty activities. They said that while it was nice and shiny even after going through various amounts of mud puddles it was easy to clean and didn’t show any rust or corrosion after short-term use. The installation was not a complex process and it was able to adjust to any height depending on the size of the trailer.

Why it Stands Out to Us

This has an adjustable drop that will go down as far as six inches. So it will be useful if you have a trailer that is likely low-profile in design. This can also be adjusted to six inches in rise for those trailers that also ride high as well. No matter the height of the trailer, this hitch will be able to accommodate it.

Who Will Use This Most

If you want a hitch that will definitely work for any trailer that will fit the rise or drop, this could be the go-to option for you. You’d be surprised by what this hitch can accomplish if and when you are able to install this on your truck. For the recreational activities or for when duty calls, this hitch will be ready for action and will handle all-day tasks or just the occasional use.

Bottom Line

If you want a hitch that will be useful in so many ways and can handle so many trailers (provided they fit), then the Andersen Hitches Rapid Hitch could be just what the doctor ordered. It’s tough, it’s good looking, but it can get any kind of hauling job done and out of the way no matter how far you need to drive.

5. CURT 45900

CURT 45900 Adjustable Trailer Hitch Ball Mount, 2-Inch Receiver, 6-Inch Drop, 2 and 2-5/16-Inch Balls, 14,000 lbs , Black

PROS

  • Very solid in quality
  • Really versatile in use
  • Built for the heavy-duty purposes
  • Can handle all kinds of short and long trips
  • Great for regular use, doesn’t wear and tear easily

CONS

  • Heavy in weight
  • Some wobble may occur
  • Rattling has been reported

What Recent Buyers Report

According to most users, they said that this was a really sturdy hitch that was easy to install and can handle all kinds of regular and occasional use. They said that it can handle a good amount of trailers from flatbed trailers to even small livestock trailers. One user who was a farmer said that it was a perfect fit for his truck and he used it for hauling wood and brush while managing his property and keeping it nice and clean.

Why it Stands Out to Us

This hitch is easy to adjust and will be fitting for so many applications. Whether you are camping and want to haul a camper or maintaining your property and need something to transport branches and wood cuttings from point A to point B, this is a do it all hitch that will certainly give you years of reliable use. This is one hitch that you should not underestimate based on its toughness and usability alone.

Who Will Use This Most

This adjustable hitch is the real deal if and when you are looking for something for regular use. It’s sturdy enough to handle any task and any trailer that is compatible with this. Just set it to the right kind of adjustment and you’ll be able to haul just about anything that doesn’t exceed the weight limit.

Bottom Line

The CURT 45900 is undeniably one of the more solid and durable hitches that you can put to good use for those who want something that will fit a good amount of trailers. There is no limit to what you can haul as long as it’s below 14,000 pounds. You deserve a hitch that will be reliable for those 10-mile or 1,000-mile road trips.

Cautious Considerations To Keep In Mind

It’s good to be well-informed and aware of any safety precautions and concerns regarding hitches. Especially when you are considering the idea of using an adjustable receiver hitch. Here are some things to be aware of while purchasing one:

Do You Need Additional Nuts, Bolts, Etc?

Buyers have complained about not receiving nuts, bolts, washers, or any small parts that are imperative to the installation process. If such is the case, you should consider purchasing extras so you are able to install the hitch and make sure that it is super secure. A loose hitch may be dangerous to use while you are on the road. 

Know Which Trailers You Intend To Haul

Trailers come in different sizes and heights. So you need to know which hitch will be good for you regarding the amount of rise and drop it will have. You must have the proper adjustments for your hitch to match the trailer. Otherwise, allowing a trailer to ride too high or low can cause issues. 

Determine Which Weight Limit Is Best For You

As mentioned before, each weight limit differs from hitch to hitch. You should consider the trailer and what you will be hauling on a regular basis before making a final decision. Also, you’ll need to find a hitch that won’t exceed your vehicle’s gross weight. 

Conclusion

If you are looking for the best adjustable receiver hitch, it starts with the list above that you just read through. Don’t be afraid to go through the list as many times as you can until you can find the right one. It may not be on the list to begin with. But this is a good starting point if you need a few good options to choose from. Once you choose a hitch for yourself, then you can haul as much as possible regularly or on occasions. 

People Also Ask

Below is a list of frequently asked questions that you should refer to for additional information about adjustable receiver hitches. Use this as a guide so you have a better understanding of how they work. These are the questions:

What Are the Different Types of Trailer Hitches?

There are several types of hitches that are available on the market. Among the more notable and most popular include but are not limited to the following: gooseneck, fifth wheel, and adjustable receiver hitches.

What is the Difference Between a Class 1 and Class 3 Trailer Hitch?

The difference between the classes is the gross weight. A class 1 hitch has a towing weight rating of 2,000 pounds. It also has a receiver opening of 1 ¼ inch. A class 3 hitch is rated up to 6,000 to 8,000 pounds in GTW.

What is the Difference Between a Hitch and a Receiver?

A receiver hitch usually measured between 1.25 to 2 inches and is used for drawbars and bike racks. It has a ball hitch that can be removed. Meanwhile, a hitch has a fixed tongue and a ball platform that cannot be removed. 

What is the Difference Between a Class 2 and Class 3 Hitch?

A class 2 hitch is rated up to 3,000 pounds in GTW while Class 3 is rated from 6,000 to 8,000 pounds. Class 2 hitches are more common on SUVs while Class 3 hitches will be more compatible with trucks.

I used to work in construction and landscaping, so I've seen my fair share of ratchet straps, winches, and similar rigging gear. I started Winch Central because I've seen some nasty accidents due to crappy rigging or poor practice. I wanted to be able to recommend good equipment that's SAFE and also provide resources for how its used. I handle the research side of things here as well as product selection for gear reviews.