Speed Reads:
- The best trailer hitch in 2023 is the Curt Fusion Trailer Hitch Mount. The Fusion Trailer Hitch Mount from Curt offers level towing for almost every style of trailer set-up and is easy to install.
- The Reese Towpower Drop Standard Class III Starter Kit is a great option for those who are specifically looking for a ball-mount trailer hitch. The chrome-plated ball mount is relatively inexpensive compared to other trailer hitches.
- If you know you’re going to be towing a variety of different things, you might want to consider the MaxxHaul Triple Ball Mount. It’s exceptionally versatile as it boasts three ball mounts for the price of one.
A basic trailer hitch for your essential towing needs.
A trailer hitch suitable for most towing jobs.
Multi-Ball Hitch
A versatile trailer hitch for a variety of coupler sizes.
An adjustable trailer hitch for Class IV towing.
Trailer hitches are for more than just trailers. Bike racks, kayak racks, cargo carriers, and more can link to your vehicle thanks to these handy devices. A great trailer hitch creates a steadfast lock between your vehicle and whatever it is towing, bringing you peace of mind when hauling your extra cargo.
It’s important to choose the best trailer hitch for both your transportation needs and vehicle’s weight requirements. Keep reading to learn more about the best trailer hitches our product team recommends for your next big move. We’ve also tested and reviewed the best trailer hitch locks to keep your trailer secure.
Trailer Hitches
For this review, our team thoroughly tested and evaluated each trailer hitch based on each hitch’s ease of installation, versatility, and maximum towing capacity. The scores in each category are compiled into a single overall rating that ranges from 1.0 to 5.0 stars.
Each trailer hitch’s ratings, including their scores in each review category, are highlighted below:
What Is The Best Trailer Hitch?
Based on these criteria, the best trailer hitches are the Curt Fusion Trailer Hitch Mount, Reese Towpower Drop Standard Class III Starter Kit, MaxxHaul Triple Ball Mount, Towever Tri-Ball Mount, and the Bulletproof Hitches 6-Inch Drop/Rise Adjustable.
| Brand/Model | Overall | Ease of
Installation | Versatility | Maximum
Towing Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Curt
Fusion Trailer Hitch Mount | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Reese
Towpower Drop Standard Class III Starter Kit | 4.8 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 4.5 |
| MaxxHaul
Triple Ball Mount | 4.8 | 4.5 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Towever
Tri-Ball Mount | 4.8 | 4.5 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Bulletproof
Hitches 6-Inch Drop/Rise Adjustable | 4.7 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
Trailer Hitch Ratings: Our Testing Process
The trailer hitches in this article went through two rounds of reviews. We started by searching retailers like Amazon, RealTruck, and Advance Auto Parts for top products, looking at factors such as tongue weight, gross trailer weight, customer ratings, and prices.
Our product testing team then ordered the trailer hitches that best met these standards. A team member tested each product on a 2013 Toyota Highlander with a 2.0-inch receiver, taking note of how easy the trailer hitch was to install, versatility, and maximum towing capacity. Each trailer hitch was given a rating out of 5.0 stars based on these criteria.
Why Trust Us
Each year, we test over 350 auto products on vehicles and in our testing lab. Our team of product testers thoroughly researches top products, unboxes and puts our hands on each component, and tests the items on real vehicles before making recommendations to readers.
We publish hundreds of product and service reviews to bring car enthusiasts detailed guides on automotive tools, detailing kits, car seats, pet products, and much more. For more information on our testing methodology and how we evaluate every product, check out our methodology page here.
Trailer Hitch Reviews
After we tested several options ranging in price, we determined that Curt offers the best trailer hitch with the Fusion Trailer Hitch mount because it’s easy to install, incredibly versatile, and is suited for basic moving needs.
Compare Trailer Hitches
| Brand/Model | Cost | Hitch Class | Trailer Weight | Tongue Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Curt
Fusion Trailer Hitch Mount | $30 - $180 | Class III | 7,500.0 lbs. | 750.0 lbs. |
| Reese
Towpower Drop Standard Class III Starter Kit | $345 | Class III | 6,000.0 lbs. | 600.0 lbs. |
| MaxxHaul
Triple Ball Mount | $30 | Class III/IV | 2,000.0, 5,000.0,
and 7,500.0 lbs. | 200.0, 500.0,
and 750.0 lbs. |
| Towever
Tri-Ball Mount | $40 | Class III/IV | 2,000.0, 6,000.0,
and 10,000.0 lbs. | 200.0, 600.0,
and 1,000.0 lbs. |
| Bulletproof
Hitches 6-Inch Drop/Rise Adjustable | $230 - $530 | Class IV | 14,000.0 lbs. | 2,000.0 lbs. |
*Because cost data fluctuates, the prices in the table above are approximate values that our team regularly updates.
For those interested in learning more, we’ve provided a detailed review of each of the best trailer hitches in the sections below:
1. Curt Fusion Trailer Hitch Mount: Best Trailer Hitch
- Cost: $30 – $180
- Amazon review score: 4.6 out of 5.0 (approx. 840 reviews)
- Hitch class: Class III
- Gross trailer weight: 7,500.0 pounds
- Tongue weight: 750.0 lbs.
- In the box: The Curt Trailer Hitch Mount and a locking pin and clip.
- Easy to install
- High weight capacity
- Scratch-resistant
- Pin and lock included
- Stickers do not remove easily
Both our top pick and Amazon’s Choice for the best trailer hitch, the Curt Fusion Trailer Hitch Mount is suitable for basic moving needs. It’s rated to tow 7,500.0 lbs. in gross trailer weight with a 750.0-lb. tongue weight and its 4.0-inch drop promotes level towing with almost any trailer setup. Its 2.0-in. by 2.0-in. shank fits almost any 2.0-in. receiver with ease.
The Curt’s 2.0-in. bulb is corrosion-resistant thanks to its durable black powder coating finish and chrome plating.
Curt Fusion Ball Mount Review
Both our top pick and Amazon’s Choice for the best trailer hitch, the Curt Fusion Trailer Hitch Mount is suitable for basic moving needs. It’s rated to tow 7,500.0 lbs. in gross trailer weight with a 750.0-lb. tongue weight and its 4.0-inch drop promotes level towing with almost any trailer setup. It’s 2.0-in. by 2.0-in. shank fits almost any 2.0-in. receiver with ease.
The Curt’s 2.0-in. bulb is corrosion-resistant thanks to its durable black powder coating finish and chrome plating.
You can see how the Curt Fusion Trailer Hitch Mount performed in each category below:
| Review Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Ease of Installation | 5.0 |
| Versatility | 5.0 |
| Maximum Towing Capacity | 5.0 |
| Overall Rating | 5.0 |
The Curt Fusion Trailer Hitch Mount is a great choice for anyone who wants the basic functions of a trailer hitch for day-to-day transportation. If you’re only moving your trailer around and don’t need more than a 2.0-in. receiver and ball, this is the best option.
Curt Fusion Trailer Hitch Mount: Our Experience
We gave the Curt trailer hitch a rating of 5 out of 5 stars for its excellent fit, high weight capabilities, and smooth operation.
- Ease of installation: The Curt hitch took no time to install in our testing vehicle. After installing it using the provided locking pin, the hitch mount did not rattle or slide around in the receiver.
- Versatility: Because it’s only designed for trailers with a 2.0-in. hitch, this device is limited. Its 2.0-in. ball size works on nearly any trailer that has the same locking size and the 4.0-in. drop sets trailers at a safe height for driving.
- Maximum towing capacity: As a Class III device, the Curt hitch can handle a gross trailer weight of up to 7,500.0 lbs.
Curt Fusion Trailer Hitch Mount: What Customers Are Saying
Some reviewers claim to have been buying Curt products for years and have been very satisfied with their consistently high quality. Other negative reviews complain that the Curt hitch doesn’t actually have a 4.0-in. drop, likening it closer to a 2.0- or 3.0-in. drop instead.
2. Reese Towpower Drop Standard Class III Starter Kit: Best Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Cost: $345
- Amazon review score: 4.8 out of 5.0 (approx. 3,400 reviews)
- Hitch class: Class III
- Gross trailer weight: 6,000.0 lbs.
- Tongue weight: 600.0 lbs.
- In the box: The Reese Towpower trailer hitch and a locking pin and clip.
- Simple installation
- Chrome-plated ball mount
- Low price
- Low weight capacity
With a 2.0-in. drop and 0.75-in. rise, the Reese Towpower Starter Kit is everything you need for a beginner’s trailer hitch. Its standard sizing and gross trailer weight of 6,000.0 lbs. is perfect for hauling small loads. This hitch also has 600.0 lbs. of tongue weight for handling medium-sized trailers.
Like the Curt trailer hitch, the Reese Towpower Starter Kit fits 2.0-in. receivers and has a 2.0-in. hitch ball mount.
Reese Towpower Review
With a 2.0-in. drop and 0.75-in. rise, the Reese Towpower Starter Kit is everything you need for a beginner’s trailer hitch. Its standard sizing and gross trailer weight of 6,000.0 lbs. is perfect for hauling small loads. This hitch also has 600.0 lbs. of tongue weight for handling medium-sized trailers.
Like the Curt trailer hitch, the Reese Towpower Starter Kit fits 2.0-in. receivers and has a 2.0-in. hitch ball mount.
You can see how the Reese Towpower performed in each category below:
| Review Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Ease of Installation | 5.0 |
| Versatility | 5.0 |
| Maximum Towing Capacity | 4.5 |
| Overall Rating | 4.8 |
If you’re a beginner to trailer hitches or simply need to move your furniture across town with a U-Haul trailer, check out the Reese Towpower Starter Kit. It’s an easy-to-use basic trailer hitch that won’t break the bank.
Reese Towpower: Our Experience
Our testing team rated the Reese Towpower Starter Kit at 4.8 stars. It has many similar features to the winner of our roundup, the Curt Fusion hitch, except with less weight capacity.
- Ease of installation: There was no hassle when installing the Reese hitch to our testing vehicle. Its locking pin and clip secured a tight fit with no rattling.
- Versatility: Like the Curt hitch, this Reese hitch is designed specifically for 2.0-in. receivers and has a 2.0-in. ball. Its drop is higher, though, which improves the trailer’s aerodynamics when moving.
- Maximum towing capacity: The Reese hitch has a maximum towing capacity of 6,000.0 lbs. with a tongue weight of 600.0 lbs., making it a Class III device.
Reese Towpower: What Customers Are Saying
Currently the number one bestseller for towing ball mounts on Amazon, nearly 85 percent of all reviews are 5 stars.
Many of the positive customer reviews commend the Reese hitch for its dependability at a low price. Some customers who leave negative reviews, however, notice that their Reese hitches rattle at high speeds.
3. MaxxHaul Triple Ball Mount: Best Multi-Ball Hitch
- Cost: $30
- Amazon review score: 4.8 out of 5.0 (approx. 1,800 reviews)
- Hitch class: Class III/IV
- Gross trailer weight: 2,000.0, 5,000.0, and 7,500.0 lbs.
- Tongue weight: 200.0, 500.0, and 750.0 lbs.
- In the box: The MaxxHaul Triple Ball Mount.
- Three multi-sized ball mounts
- Black powder-coated body
- Extra long body
- No pin or lock included
With three separate hitch ball mounts welded together, the MaxxHaul Triple Ball Mount is exceptionally versatile. It’s equipped with 1.5-, 2.0-, and 2.5-in. mounts that handle 2,000.0, 5,000.0, and 7,500.0 lbs. of gross trailer weight, respectively. And the MaxxHaul hitch’s 10.0-in. length lessens the chances of collision between a trailer and your vehicle.
This trailer hitch has a tongue weight of 200.0, 500.0, and 750.0 lbs. and is made of hallowed steel. It also has a heavy-duty black powder coat finish to prevent scratching.
MaxxHaul Triple Ball Mount Review
With three separate hitch ball mounts welded together, the MaxxHaul Triple Ball Mount is exceptionally versatile. It’s equipped with 1.5-, 2.0-, and 2.5-in. mounts that handle 2,000.0, 5,000.0, and 7,500.0 lbs. of gross trailer weight, respectively. And the MaxxHaul hitch’s 10.0-in. length lessens the chances of collision between a trailer and your vehicle.
This trailer hitch has a tongue weight of 200.0, 500.0, and 750.0 lbs. and is made of hallowed steel. It also has a heavy-duty black powder coat finish to prevent scratching.
You can see how the MaxxHaul Triple Ball Mount performed in each category below:
| Review Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Ease of Installation | 4.5 |
| Versatility | 5.0 |
| Maximum Towing Capacity | 5.0 |
| Overall Rating | 4.8 |
If you transport multiple sizes of trailers or just like having the option to do so, check out the MaxxHaul Triple Ball Mount. While it may need some extra tools to fit in your vehicle’s receiver, it has unmatched utility.
MaxxHaul Triple Ball Mount: Our Experience
We gave the MaxxHaul Triple Ball Mount 4.8 stars. Its various ball mounts offer a great deal of variety for different hitches, but sadly it doesn’t come with a hitch lock or pin to secure it.
- Ease of installation: Although the MaxxHaul hitch fit snugly in our testing vehicle, it didn’t come with a hitch pin or lock. We had to find a spare to attach this hitch.
- Versatility: The MaxxHaul’s tri-ball mount is suited for multiple types of trailer couplers, and is designed to fit into a standard 2.0-in. receiver.
- Maximum towing capacity: This is a Class III/IV device, with a maximum towing capacity of 7,500.0 lbs. and tongue weight of 750.0 lbs. when towing with the 2.5-in. ball mount.
MaxxHaul Triple Ball Mount: What Customers Are Saying
Positive reactions to the MaxxHaul hitch love its solid build quality and finish. Negative reviews mark against the MaxxHaul hitch’s lack of drop, which customers complain makes their trailers ride higher than intended.
4. Towever Tri-Ball Mount: Best Hook
- Cost: $40
- Amazon review score: 4.7 out of 5.0 (approx. 1,300 reviews)
- Hitch class: Class III/IV
- Gross trailer weight: 2,000.0, 6,000.0, and 10,000.0 lbs.
- Tongue weight: 200.0, 600.0, and 1,000.0 lbs.
- In the box: The Towever trailer hitch.
- Chrome hook for towing
- High weight capacity
- Three multi-sized ball mounts
- No pin or lock included
Some trailer hitches have tow hooks, which allow for vehicles to pull each other using a winch or act as added security measures. The Towever Tri-Ball Mount comes equipped with a chrome-plated steel hook for extra towing purposes. It also has 1.88-, 2.0-, and 2.5-in. balls for fitting onto multiple trailer hitch sizes.
This trailer hitch has a black powder-coated finish for rust and chipping prevention. Its gross trailer weights are greater than those of the MaxxHaul thanks to its alloy steel body.
Towever Review
Some trailer hitches have tow hooks, which allow vehicles to pull each other using a winch or act as added security measures. The Towever Tri-Ball Mount comes equipped with a chrome-plated steel hook for extra towing purposes. It also has 1.88-, 2.0-, and 2.5-in. balls for fitting onto multiple trailer hitch sizes.
This trailer hitch has a black powder-coated finish for rust and chipping prevention. Its gross trailer weights are greater than those of the MaxxHaul thanks to its alloy steel body.
You can see how the Towever performed in each category below:
| Review Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Ease of Installation | 4.5 |
| Versatility | 5.0 |
| Maximum Towing Capacity | 5.0 |
| Overall Rating | 4.8 |
The Towever Tri-Ball Mount works best for anyone who may need the extra hauling capabilities of a hook to tow vehicles or heavy trailers. And the various sizes of the ball mounts offer competitive weight capacities over other tri-ball hitches.
Towever Tri-Ball Mount: Our Experience
With its well-made hook and various possibilities with a tri-ball design, the Towever Tri-Ball Mount earned 4.8 stars. Like the MaxxHaul, this hitch didn’t come with a hitch pin or lock.
- Ease of installation: While the Towever hitch fit in our testing vehicle’s 2.0-in. receiver, we had to find a spare hitch lock to secure it.
- Versatility: The Towever hitch is incredibly well-rounded with its tri-ball design and added hook. As a zero drop hitch, however, high ride height is a potential issue.
- Maximum towing capacity: It has a staggering gross trailer weight capacity of 10,000.0 lbs. with the 2.5-in. ball, making this a Class III/IV device.
Towever Tri-Ball Mount: What Customers Are Saying
On Amazon, customers have rated the Towever Tri-Ball Mount highly, citing the optionality of multiple mounts as a major plus. Around 84 percent of all reviews have been 5 stars, and they celebrate the Towever hitch as one of their favorite hooked hitches.
Negative reviews, although very scarce, penalize the Towever hitch for rusting easily.
5. Bulletproof Hitches 6-Inch Drop/Rise Adjustable: Best Adjustable Trailer Hitch
- Cost: $230 – $530
- Amazon review score: 4.7 out of 5.0 (approx. 200 reviews)
- Hitch class: Class IV
- Gross trailer weight: 14,000.0 lbs.
- Tongue weight: 2,000.0 lbs.
- In the box: The Bulletproof Hitches steel hitch, a dual ball mount, and two locking pins and clips.
- High weight capacity
- Five adjustable ride heights
- Textured body
- Not suited for low vehicles
- Expensive
If you have trailers of various heights, an adjustable hitch can save the hassle of changing out hitches based on their drops. The Bulletproof Drop/Rise Adjustable Trailer Hitch has five height settings that its double-sided 2.0- and 2.5-in. ball mount can reach. It’s also a Class IV hitch with a gross trailer weight of 14,000.0 lbs. for a 2.0-in. receiver.
While many other trailer hitches have a sleek black powder coat, this Bulletproof hitch has a textured powder coating that’s nearly impossible to scratch or rust.
Bulletproof Hitches Review
If you have trailers of various heights, an adjustable hitch can save the hassle of changing out hitches based on their drops. The Bulletproof Drop/Rise Adjustable Trailer Hitch has five height settings that its double-sided 2.0- and 2.5-in. ball mount can reach. It’s also a Class IV hitch with a gross trailer weight of 14,000.0 lbs. for a 2.0-in. receiver.
You can see how the Bulletproof Hitches performed in each category below:
| Review Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Ease of Installation | 4.0 |
| Versatility | 5.0 |
| Maximum Towing Capacity | 5.0 |
| Overall Rating | 4.7 |
While many other trailer hitches have a sleek black powder coat, this Bulletproof hitch has a textured powder coating that’s nearly impossible to scratch or rust.
Bulletproof Hitches: Our Experience
We rated the Bulletproof Adjustable hitch at 4.7 stars. It’s incredibly versatile and offers best-in-class weight capacity, but also sits very low to the ground.
- Ease of installation: We loved how easily the Bulletproof hitch attached to our testing vehicle. It did not come with a locking pin, which we had to find separately. One thing we found was that the Bulletproof hitch sits dangerously close to the ground if your vehicle is not lifted.
- Versatility: In terms of drop options, the Bulletproof hitch is virtually unbeatable. All five heights can work for a multitude of various trailers, and it fits to sit comfortably in a 2.0-in. receiver.
- Maximum towing capacity: The Bulletproof hitch beat out the rest of the hitches in our roundup for best towing capacity. It has a gross trailer weight capacity of 14,000.0 lbs. and a tongue weight of 2,000.0 lbs.
Bulletproof Hitches: What Customers Are Saying
Many customers claim this is the most versatile hitch they’ve ever used, calling its durability outstanding. Some negative reviews say the hitch is too big for the vehicles, nearly dragging on the pavement as they drive with it installed.
Trailer Hitch Guide
We’ve included a short buyers guide to give you a basic overview of what trailer hitches are and how they function.
What Is A Trailer Hitch?
A trailer hitch, also known as a tow hitch, is a sturdy metal device that mounts to the frame of a vehicle. It allows drivers to connect a variety of accessories such as trailers, cargo carriers, bike racks, and more to their cars.
Trailer Hitch Classes
Trailer hitch classes represent the levels of trailer attachments. These are each designed for different vehicle types and weight distributions.
- Class I: Designed for crossovers and cars with a 1.25-in. receiver that can tow up to 200.0 lbs
- Class II: Designed for crossovers, cars, and minivans with a 1.25-in. receiver that can tow up to 350.0 lbs
- Class III: Designed for crossovers, vans, trucks, and SUVs with a 2.0-in. receiver that can tow up to 800.0 lbs
- Class IV: Designed for trucks and SUVs with a 2.0-in. receiver that can tow up to 1,000.0 lbs
- Class V: Designed for trucks and SUVs with a 2.0-in. receiver that can tow up to 2,550.0 lbs
Best Trailer Hitch: Bottom Line
Trailer hitches are designed to make towing cargo easier than ever before. After testing each product, our team has determined the best trailer hitches for different uses, considering ease of installation and versatility. Our buyers guide and review is a tool for you to make the process of finding the right trailer hitch for your vehicle easier than ever.
Below are our picks for the best trailer hitches in 2023:
- Best Trailer Hitch: Curt Fusion Trailer Hitch Mount
- Best Trailer Hitch Ball Mount: Reese Towpower Drop Standard Class III Starter Kit
- Best Multi-Ball Hitch: MaxxHaul Triple Ball Mount
- Best Hook: Towever Tri-Ball Mount
- Best Adjustable Trailer Hitch: Bulletproof Hitches 6-Inch Drop/Rise Adjustable
Trailer Hitches: FAQ
Below are some common frequently asked questions about trailer hitches:
*Data accurate at time of publication.