Ball Mounts/Receivers

What Is a Ball Mount and Why Does It Matter?

The ball mount is one of the most fundamental links in any towing system. It slides into your vehicle's receiver hitch and provides the platform on which your hitch ball sits — the single point of contact between your truck and your trailer. Choose the wrong ball mount and you risk an unlevel trailer, excessive sway, or worse, a failed connection. Choose the right one and you gain confidence mile after mile, whether you're hauling a boat to the lake, livestock to the fairgrounds, or a camper across the country.

Ball mounts must match several key specifications: the receiver size on your vehicle (typically 1-7/8", 2", 2-1/2", or 3"), the correct drop or rise to keep your trailer level, and a Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) rating that meets or exceeds your trailer's loaded weight. Getting each of these right is non-negotiable for safe, stable towing.

Types of Ball Mounts to Consider

• Fixed Ball Mounts – The simplest option, with a single ball welded or bolted at a fixed height. Ideal when your vehicle and trailer pairing doesn't change.
• Adjustable Ball Mounts – Allow you to dial in the correct drop or rise in increments, accommodating different trailers or vehicle ride heights. Especially useful for lifted trucks.
• Multi-Ball Mounts – Feature two or three ball sizes on a single shank, letting you switch between trailers with different coupler sizes without swapping hardware.
• Cushioned Ball Mounts – Incorporate a shock-absorbing element to reduce bounce, vibration, and the jarring that can occur during starts and stops — protecting both your vehicle's driveline and your trailer's cargo.
• Stowable Ball Mounts – Fold or rotate under the vehicle when not in use, keeping the assembly out of the way and protecting you from shin-scraping encounters with an exposed hitch ball.

Top Brands in Ball Mounts & Receivers

B&W Trailer Hitches is widely regarded as one of the premier names in American-made towing hardware. Their flagship Tow & Stow adjustable ball mount is engineered with multiple ball sizes and a stowable design that folds neatly under the vehicle when not in towing duty. B&W ball mounts are constructed from high-strength U.S. steel, finished with a durable e-coat and powder coat, and backed by a limited lifetime warranty — a combination that has earned them a loyal following among serious towers.

Fastway Trailer Products brings innovation and lightweight engineering to the category with their FLASH™ ball mount lineup. Built from aircraft-grade aluminum or forged steel and precision-machined in the USA, FLASH mounts offer tool-free height adjustment, integrated dual hitch balls, and standout features like the FLASH™ SCALE — a ball mount with a built-in mechanical tongue weight scale that lets you verify your load balance before you ever pull out of the driveway. Fastway ball mounts cover everything from everyday boat runs to serious heavy-equipment hauls.

Convert-A-Ball has earned its place in towing history as the innovator of the original Interchangeable Hitch Ball System and the original designer of cushioned ball mounts. Their signature cushioned mounts use a polyurethane interior that acts as a shock absorber, reducing bounce and rhythmic vibration while protecting your vehicle's driveline, hitch assembly, and trailer contents. Convert-A-Ball mounts are a favorite among those who tow heavy or frequently encounter rough road conditions.

What to Look for When Shopping Ball Mounts

Start by confirming your receiver tube size and measuring the height difference between your receiver and your trailer coupler — that determines the drop or rise you need. Next, check your vehicle's tow rating and your trailer's loaded weight to select an appropriately rated mount. If you tow multiple trailers with different coupler sizes, a multi-ball or adjustable mount will save you from carrying a drawer full of hardware. And if you tow regularly on rough terrain or with sensitive cargo, a cushioned mount can make a meaningful difference in comfort and equipment longevity.