Ball Mounts/Receivers

What Are Ball Mounts and Receivers?

A ball mount is the critical link between your tow vehicle and your trailer. It consists of a shank that slides into the hitch receiver tube and a platform that holds the hitch ball — the metal ball your trailer's coupler locks onto. When you hear the terms "ball mount" and "receiver" used together, they describe a system: the receiver is the square tube mounted to your vehicle's frame, and the ball mount is the removable insert that slides into it and positions the hitch ball at the correct height for level towing.

Ball mounts come in a wide range of configurations. Fixed ball mounts hold a single hitch ball at a specific height, while adjustable models let you raise or lower the ball platform to match trailers of varying heights. Multi-ball mounts feature two or more ball sizes — commonly 1-7/8", 2", and 2-5/16" — letting you rotate the assembly and switch between different trailers without swapping hardware. For trucks or SUVs with significant height differences relative to a trailer, drop or rise ball mounts bridge the gap and keep your load level on the road.

Receiver tubes themselves are rated by class and size. The most common sizes are 1-1/4", 2", and 2-1/2", with larger openings designed for heavier towing classes. Ball mount shanks must match the receiver opening, and the weight ratings of every component — receiver, ball mount, and hitch ball — need to align with your trailer's Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) and Tongue Weight (TW) for a safe setup.

Why the Right Ball Mount Matters

A properly matched ball mount does more than just connect trailer to truck — it keeps your load level, which directly affects handling, tire wear, and braking performance. An improperly sized or mismatched mount can cause the rear of your tow vehicle to sag, reduce front-axle traction, and make trailer sway more likely on the highway. Whether you're pulling a boat to the lake, towing an RV to a campsite, or hauling a utility trailer to a jobsite, choosing the correct ball mount for your receiver class and trailer coupler is one of the most important decisions in your towing setup.

Top Brands in Ball Mounts & Receivers

B&W Trailer Hitches is one of the most respected names in American-made towing hardware. Their flagship Tow & Stow adjustable ball mount is engineered with multiple ball sizes, adjustable height, and a stowable design that folds neatly under the vehicle when not in use — backed by a limited lifetime warranty and manufactured entirely in Humboldt, Kansas. For heavy-duty applications, B&W's forged-steel ball mounts are rated to handle up to 16,000 lbs GTW, making them a go-to choice for serious truck owners.

Fastway Trailer Products brings innovation to the ball mount category through their FLASH™ lineup, which spans six distinct models tailored to different towing needs — from the lightweight aircraft-grade aluminum SIMPLE and SILENT models to the heavy-duty forged-steel STEEL and FORCE variants. Many FLASH ball mounts feature built-in anti-theft locking mechanisms, dual integrated hitch balls, and tool-free height adjustment, making them a smart choice for RVers, boaters, and frequent towers alike.

Key Considerations When Shopping Ball Mounts

• Receiver size: Measure your hitch receiver's square opening — common sizes are 1-1/4", 2", 2-1/2", and 3". Your ball mount shank must match.
• Drop or rise: Measure the height difference between your hitch receiver and your trailer coupler to determine how much drop or rise you need for level towing.
• Ball size: Check your trailer coupler for the stamped ball diameter (1-7/8", 2", or 2-5/16") and match it exactly to your hitch ball.
• Weight rating: Every component must meet or exceed your trailer's GTW and TW. Never tow beyond the lowest-rated part in your setup.
• Fixed vs. adjustable: If you tow multiple trailers or switch between vehicles, an adjustable or multi-ball mount saves time and keeps you properly set up every time.
• Material: Steel mounts offer maximum strength for heavy loads; aluminum options reduce weight and resist corrosion, ideal for marine and RV environments.